U. S. Scott #1118 - Used - [NA01-0205-01-05]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1118

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 #1118 (Used – Single Stamp)
8¢ Multicolor – Lajos Kossuth, Champion of Liberty Series, 1958
(Commemorative Issue – Engraved & Typography, Perf 11)

Design Overview:
Issued in 1958 as part of the Champion of Liberty Series, Scott #1118 honors Lajos Kossuth, Governor of Hungary and a central figure of the 1848–1849 movement for independence. The design features a gold-toned engraved medallion portrait circled by his name and dates, crowned by a liberty torch and patriotic ribbon elements in red and blue. “CHAMPION OF LIBERTY” spans the top of the design, with “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” and the 8¢ denomination at the bottom.
The submitted example is a used stamp with no remaining gum, showing clear multicolor printing and proper impression.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
The top margin is the narrowest, the left margin the widest, and the bottom and right margins are equal. All four margins remain full and clear of the design, meeting PSE’s Fine/Very Fine definition: comfortably clear perforations with one or two noticeably narrower sides.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp shows the following issue:
• Very Minor Fault: light dirt smudging/spotting on back
Under PSE standards, this places the stamp in the Very Minor Fault category.
Soundness Classification: Very Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –6

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated gauge 11 on all sides. Teeth are intact, not trimmed or clipped, with no significant irregularities visible. Margin balance matches the centering description: top narrowest, left widest.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The stamp bears a moderately heavy black circular cancel with multiple arcs crossing the upper and central portrait area. The cancel obscures a noticeable portion of Kossuth’s face and the upper inscriptions.
Under PSE cancellation criteria, this qualifies as a Heavy cancel, appropriate for a –5 to –10 adjustment depending on impact on design clarity. Given the obscuration of the facial details, this cancel warrants a –10 eye-appeal deduction.

Collector’s Note:
While used examples of the Champion of Liberty series remain accessible, examples with cleaner cancels are preferred. Despite its Very Fine/Very Fine centering, this stamp’s cancel intensity reduces its desirability, though it remains a collectible representative of the issue.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Color remains vibrant and the printing is strong, but the heavy cancel materially reduces the visual balance of the design.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 (Heavy cancel)

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –6 (Very Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 72 (Fine)
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10
Final Grade: 62 (Good/Very Good)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1118
Condition: Used, No Gum
Centering: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Very Minor Fault (light soiling on back; –6)
Perforations: Perf 11, intact
Cancellation: Heavy cancel across portrait (–10)
Eye Appeal: Negative adjustment due to cancel placement
Final Grade: 62 (Good/Very Good)

Summary:
This used example of Scott #1118 shows Fine/Very Fine centering and intact perforations, but the heavy cancel and minor back soiling contribute to a final PSE grade of 62 (Good/Very Good). Despite these limitations, it remains a solid representative of the Champion of Liberty series.

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