U. S. Scott #1150 - Used - [LA01-0075-04-01]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1150

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1960

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #1150 (Used, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
4¢ Water Conservation, 1960
(Commemorative Issue – Multicolor Engraved & Lithographed Printing, Perf 11)

Design Overview:
Issued in 1960 to promote nationwide awareness of resource stewardship, Scott #1150 combines multicolor engraving and lithography to present a vivid, symbolic message. A golden leaf dripping into rippling water anchors the left panel, while a sweeping landscape of farms, water systems, and hills occupies the right, representing both the fragility of natural resources and the benefits of responsible conservation. The submitted example is used, never hinged, and retains partial original gum—typical of stamps that received light postal handling after distribution.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
The left margin is the narrowest, followed by a somewhat narrow bottom margin. The right margin is moderately full, while the top is the fullest of the four. All perforations remain safely clear of the design. The slight imbalance, with one or two visibly narrow margins, fits the Fine/Very Fine centering definition under PSE criteria.

Soundness Evaluation:
This Example Shows:
Minor Fault: partial gum on a used, never-hinged stamp.
A single Minor Fault results in a Minor Fault soundness classification.
Soundness Classification: Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –20 points (per “Fault soundness + F-VF centering = Very Good (50–59)”)

Perforations and Margins:
Perf 11 on all sides. Perforations appear generally intact, with normal wear from postal use but no trimming or reperforation. Margin proportions match the centering conclusions: left narrowest, bottom narrowed, right moderate, top widest.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The stamp bears a heavy wavy-line machine cancel extending across the entire design. The cancel obscures portions of the leaf, water ripple, and upper lettering, though the overall design remains identifiable. This degree of obscuration qualifies as a Heavy cancel.
Eye Appeal Impact: –8 points (within the –10 range for Heavy cancels)

Collector’s Note:
Water Conservation is a popular topical issue among collectors of environmental themes. While the partial gum and heavy cancel reduce numerical grade, the vivid coloration and intact design continue to offer display appeal for used collections.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Colors remain bright and the impression is strong. The heavy cancel meaningfully reduces visual clarity. No additional deductions beyond the cancel impact.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –8

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 59
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –8
Final Grade: 51 (Very Good)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1150
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, Partial Original Gum
Centering: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (partial gum)
Perforations: Perf 11, intact, normal postal wear
Cancellation: Heavy machine cancel; –8
Eye Appeal: Strong color but heavily canceled
Final Grade: 51 (Very Good)

Summary:
This used Scott #1150 shows Fine/Very Fine centering with a single Minor Fault and a heavy cancel that reduces overall eye appeal. Despite the deductions, the design remains legible and attractive, making it a solid Very Good example under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (1010)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions