U. S. Scott #268 - Used - FR/G Condition

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

268

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

Fine

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1895

Item Description

Stamp Overview
Scott #268: 3-cent Washington definitive issue from 1895.
Design: The stamp features a side-profile portrait of George Washington in an ornate oval frame. The denomination "THREE CENTS" is prominently displayed at the bottom, with "UNITED STATES POSTAGE" inscribed above.
Color: Purple.
Condition: Used stamp, hinged, and no gum.

Front Analysis
Centering
The stamp is off-center, with the left margin narrower than the right. The top and bottom margins are more balanced but still slightly uneven. Despite the off-centering, the framelines remain clear of the perforations, and some white space is visible on all sides.
Centering Grade: 70 (Fine).

Perforations
The perforations are intact and generally even, with no evidence of short, pulled, or clipped perfs.

Eye Appeal
The cancellation is light and positioned on the left side of the vignette. It does not obscure Washington’s portrait and allows the design to remain visible. The color is vibrant and consistent, contributing positively to the stamp’s appearance.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: No penalties or bonuses applied.

Back Analysis
Soundness
The back reveals a large thin, which qualifies as a Major Fault under PSE guidelines. This significantly impacts the stamp's structural integrity.
The hinging is visible but does not contribute additional deductions, as it is typical for a used stamp of this era.

Fault Impact
The large thin places the soundness in the Fair/Good (20-29) range.

Grading Summary
Centering Grade: 70 (Fine).
Soundness Deduction: Major Fault (Large thin) reduces the grade to 20-29 (Fair/Good).
Eye Appeal Adjustment: No deductions, as the cancellation is light and does not detract from the design.

Final Grade Calculation:
Base Grade: 70 (Fine).
Soundness Adjustment: Reduced to 25 (Fair/Good).
Eye Appeal Adjustment: No changes.
Final Numerical Grade
25 (Fair/Good).

Conclusion
Design: 3-cent Washington definitive issue (Scott #268, 1895).
Centering: Fine (Grade 70), with noticeable off-centering but no design intrusion.
Soundness: Major Fault (Large thin) significantly impacts the grade.
Cancellation and Eye Appeal: Light and unobtrusive cancellation with vibrant color.
Final Grade: 25 (Fair/Good).

This stamp is a lower-grade example of Scott #268 due to the significant thin on the back, despite its decent centering and eye appeal.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (469)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

Yes

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