U. S. Scott #1116 - Used - [LA01-0072-04-02]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1116

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1959

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #1116 (Used – Single Stamp)
4¢ Blue – Abraham Lincoln (Seated Statue), 1960
(Commemorative Issue – Engraved Printing, Perf 11)

Design Overview:
Issued in 1960 as a commemorative, Scott #1116 depicts the seated statue of Abraham Lincoln from the Lincoln Memorial. The design uses heavy blue engraving and deep shadows to emphasize Lincoln’s expression and posture. “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” appears vertically on the left, accompanied by a bold “4¢,” while Lincoln’s engraved signature floats against a textured background on the right.
The submitted example is postally used, has no original gum, and was never hinged. Its impression and color remain strong, with the design fully intact.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
The top margin is the narrowest, the bottom the widest, and the left and right margins are equal. Perforations remain clearly clear of the design on all sides. This matches the PSE definition of Fine/Very Fine: full margins visible to the unaided eye, though with one or two noticeably narrower sides.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp shows the following issues:
Major Fault: large stain or several small stains
Minor Fault: several perf creases
Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, the presence of a stain immediately classifies the stamp as having a Major Fault.
Soundness Classification: Major Fault
Soundness Deduction: –45

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated gauge 11. The perforations are complete and untrimmed, though several exhibit creasing. No evidence of reperforation. Margins match the centering description: narrowest at top, widest at bottom, equal on left and right.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The stamp bears a very light wavy-line machine cancel. The cancellation is faint, not visually distracting, and does not obscure the portrait. Under PSE guidelines, this is classified as a Light cancel.
Cancellation Classification: Light
Impact on Design: minimal.

Collector’s Note:
Although Scott #1116 is common, used examples with light cancels are more visually appealing than heavily struck copies. However, the staining prevents this example from reaching higher condition categories despite otherwise respectable centering and presentation.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Color is strong, the light cancel is favorable, and the design remains clear. The stain negatively affects overall appeal, but the soundness deduction already covers this defect, so no further reduction is applied.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –45 (Major Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 33
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 33 (Good)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1116
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Major Fault (stain; additional perf creases)
Perforations: Perf 11, intact but several creased
Cancellation: Light wavy-line cancel
Eye Appeal: No adjustment; light cancel helps, stain harms but is already accounted for
Final Grade: 33 (Good)

Summary:
This used example of Scott #1116 displays Fine/Very Fine centering, intact perforations, and a desirable light cancel. The staining—classified as a Major Fault—determines the soundness category and limits the numerical grade. With a final grade of 33 (Good), the stamp remains collectible as a used commemorative while reflecting the condition standards of the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (936)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions