U. S. Scott #1131 - Used - [LA01-0073-04-02]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1131

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 #1131 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
4¢ Blue & Red – St. Lawrence Seaway, 1959
(Joint U.S.–Canada Issue – Engraved & Typographed, Perf 11)

Design Overview:
Issued in 1959 to celebrate the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway, this joint U.S.–Canada commemorative unites the maple leaf and the American eagle in two interlocked rings placed over a simplified map of the Great Lakes. The design reflects the deep cooperation behind the Seaway project, which reshaped inland trade for both nations. The red inscriptions above and below frame the blue central artwork, a hallmark of mid-century U.S. commemoratives.
The submitted example is postally used, previously hinged, and retains no original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
The margins visually clear the design on all four sides, consistent with the Fine/Very Fine range. The right margin is the narrowest; the bottom is the strongest margin, with the top moderately full. The left margin, while stronger than the right, is still narrower than the top. The design remains unimpinged by perforation holes, matching the centering description provided.

Soundness Evaluation:
Faults Present:
Major Fault: Several faulty, clipped, pulled, or short perfs
Minor Fault: Multiple perf creases
Soundness Classification: Major Fault
Per the 2009 PSE table, Major Fault soundness combined with Fine/Very Fine centering corresponds to a Good (30–34) outcome.
Soundness Deduction: –45

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11 on all sides, but several teeth are clipped, shortened, or pulled, affecting multiple positions—these are the primary soundness deficits. Additional perf creasing is visible, consistent with handling and postal wear. Margins follow the centering assessment: right margin tightest, bottom margin strongest, left and top moderate.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The black machine cancel is horizontal, dark, and covers a significant portion of the central design, including partial coverage of the maple leaf and eagle. While not obliterating, it is stronger than a typical clean strike. Under PSE guidelines, this qualifies as a Heavy cancel, which carries a potential deduction of up to –10.
For this example, the cancellation obscures detail but does not completely mask the artwork.
Cancellation Classification: Heavy
Eye Appeal Impact: –8

Collector’s Note:
Despite significant perforation faults, this issue remains historically popular, and used examples continue to be collected for their dual-national symbolism. The centering is stronger than typically seen on lower-grade used copies, giving the stamp some visual balance despite structural flaws.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Color remains solid with no fading. Paper tone is typical for a circulated example. The cancel is heavy but not obliterating, producing a modest deduction.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –8

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –45 (Major Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 33 (Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –8 (Heavy cancel)
Final Grade: 25 (Fair/Good)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1131
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Major Fault (–45 for clipped/pulled perfs and perf creases)
Perforations: Perf 11, multiple defects
Cancellation: Heavy machine cancel, –8 adjustment
Eye Appeal: –8
Final Grade: 25 (Fair/Good)

Summary:
This used example of Scott #1131 exhibits Fine/Very Fine centering but is substantially affected by perforation damage and multiple perf creases. A heavy cancel further reduces aesthetic strength. Even so, the design remains legible and the stamp’s centering provides some visual stability. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, the final grade of 25 (Fair/Good) accurately reflects its faults while still recognizing its collectible historical context.

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