U. S. Scott #1051 - Used - [LA01-0067-03-01]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1051

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1955

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #1051 (Used, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
50¢ Lilac – Susan B. Anthony, 1956
(Liberty Series – Rotary Press Printing, Perf 11 x 10½, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #1051, issued in 1956, depicts Susan B. Anthony, the suffragist who led the movement for women’s right to vote. The engraved lilac design, based on a photograph by Napoleon Sarony, portrays Anthony in profile with “SUSAN B. ANTHONY” to the left and “50¢ U.S. POSTAGE” at lower right. It belongs to the Liberty Series, which replaced the 1938 Presidential Issue and honored American figures of freedom and progress. The submitted example is postally used, has no original gum, and was never hinged.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is visibly balanced, though not symmetrical. The right margin is the narrowest, followed by the bottom, while the top and left are wider. All perforations are clear of the design. This layout meets the PSE definition for Fine/Very Fine centering, typical for rotary press issues of the 1950s.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp shows several ragged or slightly shorter perforations, most noticeably along the right and lower edges. These qualify as a Minor Fault under the 2009 PSE Table of Soundness, warranting a –20 deduction. The stamp is otherwise intact, with no tears, thins, creases, or repairs, and the paper remains firm and evenly toned.

Perforations and Margins:
Perforations measure 11 x 10½, consistent with the Liberty Series standard. All tips are original and untrimmed, though some are fuzzy or slightly blunted. The right and bottom margins are tightest, while the top and left are more generous. No signs of reperforation, clipping, or natural straight edges are present.

Cancellation Evaluation:
A black circular date cancel extends diagonally across the portrait, intersecting the face and upper background. The strike is heavy but not obliterating, qualifying as a “Heavy” cancel under PSE’s Eye Appeal Table. The circular elements are complete, confirming authentic postal use. Deduction: –10 points for cancel weight and visual dominance.

Collector’s Note:
Used high-denomination Liberty issues were often employed on registered or overseas mail, giving them relatively low survival rates in clean condition. This example, though imperfect in perforation quality, shows good design clarity and strong lilac color, remaining a representative mid-grade collectible.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Color and impression remain strong, with sharp detail in Anthony’s hair and collar. Paper tone is bright and unstained. The cancel is heavy but clean, showing even pressure and minimal smearing. There is no discoloration, oxidation, or bleed-through. Eye appeal adjustment: –10 points (Heavy Cancel).

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 56
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 (Heavy Cancel)
Final Grade: 46 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1051
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (ragged or short perfs)
Perforations: Perf 11 x 10½, intact, uneven edges
Cancellation: Heavy black CDS diagonally across portrait
Eye Appeal: –10 (Heavy cancel; color strong, paper fresh)
Final Grade: 46 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Summary:
This used 50¢ Susan B. Anthony stamp shows Fine/Very Fine centering, crisp color, and genuine postal usage. Its grade is limited by ragged perforations and a heavy cancel, producing a final rating of 46 (Good/Very Good) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide. Despite its flaws, it remains a collectible and historically appealing Liberty Series example, preserving clear design detail and original authenticity.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (902)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions