U. S. Scott #1112 - Used - [LA01-0073-01-01]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1112

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1958

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #1112 (Used – Single Stamp)
4¢ Violet – Atlantic Cable Centenary, 1958
(Commemorative Issue – Rotary Press Printing, Perf 11 × 10½, No Watermark)

Design Overview:
Issued August 15, 1958, this 4¢ violet commemorative honors the 100th anniversary of the first successful transatlantic telegraph cable. Designed by George Olden and engraved by Charles A. Brooks, the stamp shows a stylized globe crossed by an equatorial line symbolizing the cable that united continents. Neptune, god of the sea, appears on the left holding a trident, while Mercury, messenger of the gods, appears on the right to represent communication. “ATLANTIC CABLE CENTENARY 1858–1958” spans the top, with “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” and the 4¢ denomination below. The submitted example is postally used and retains strong violet color.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine). The design is clear of the perforations on all sides. The bottom margin is the narrowest and the top the widest, with left and right sides balanced. The mild vertical imbalance fits squarely within Fine/Very Fine parameters per the 2009 PSE centering standards for rotary-press commemoratives.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp shows no tears, thins, or creases. A strong red cancellation bleed-through is visible on the reverse from heavy ink absorption. Under the PSE Table of Soundness, this is classified as a Minor Fault. Deduction: –20.

Perforations and Margins:
Perforations gauge 11 × 10½ and are complete, even, and unaltered. No evidence of trimming, roughness, or reperforation is found. Margins follow the centering pattern—bottom narrowest, top widest, and sides equal—with full white space around the design.

Cancellation Evaluation:
A bold magenta circular handstamp cancel strikes the right side, overlapping Mercury’s face and the denomination. Ink density is high, producing the bleed-through noted on the back. Under PSE standards, this qualifies as a Heavy cancel (–10 possible), though design details remain mostly visible. No additional eye-appeal deduction is applied.

Collector’s Note:
The Atlantic Cable Centenary issue is admired for its elegant design and symbolic imagery. This example, despite the heavy cancel, retains vibrant color and intact perforations, reflecting a well-preserved, genuinely postally used stamp that remains desirable for its centering and strength of impression.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Color and impression remain strong, with no fading or toning. The heavy cancel slightly reduces balance but not overall visual integrity. Under PSE guidelines for used stamps (cancel weight, color, and freshness ±10/–15), no change is made. Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 58
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 58 (Very Good–Fine)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1112
Condition: Used, No Original Gum
Centering: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (heavy cancellation bleed-through) –20
Perforations: 11 × 10½, intact and even
Cancellation: Heavy magenta circular handstamp, partial but legible
Eye Appeal: 0 adjustment; vivid violet color and solid detail
Final Grade: 58 (Very Good–Fine)

Summary:
This used 4¢ Atlantic Cable Centenary stamp displays Fine/Very Fine centering, with the bottom margin narrowest and top widest. A heavy magenta cancel causes minor reverse bleed-through, resulting in a final grade of 58 (Very Good–Fine). Despite the fault, the stamp maintains strong color, clear impression, and full perforations, making it a presentable and collectible 1958 commemorative under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (913)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions