U. S. Scott #1151 - Used - [LA01-0075-01-02]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1151

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 #1151 (Used, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
4¢ SEATO – Unity, Peace, Progress, 1960
(Commemorative Issue – Engraved, Perf 11)

Design Overview:
Issued in 1960 to commemorate the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO), this stamp showcases a clean blue engraved design emphasizing the alliance’s mission. The central shield bears a globe and laurel branch symbolizing global cooperation and peacekeeping. The inscriptions “UNITY,” “PEACE,” and “PROGRESS” reinforce SEATO’s founding principles during the tense geopolitical climate of the Cold War. The submitted example is used, never hinged, and has no remaining gum, which is normal for a stamp that saw postal handling but was never mounted.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
The right margin is the narrowest, followed by a slightly narrow bottom margin. The left margin is the most generous, and the top is moderately full. The design remains completely clear of perforation intrusions. With one visibly narrow margin and overall balanced framing, the stamp qualifies for Fine/Very Fine centering per PSE definitions.

Soundness Evaluation:
This Example Displays:
Minor Fault: multiple perf creases
Extremely Minor Fault: three shorter perfs (approximately half normal length)
The combination of multiple very minor and extremely minor faults results in a Minor Fault classification.
Soundness Classification: Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –20 points (per “Minor Fault soundness + F–VF centering = Very Good (50–59)”)

Perforations and Margins:
Perf 11 on all sides. Several perforations show shorter tips consistent with postal wear, and multiple perf creases affect the outer row. No evidence of reperforation is present. Margins correspond to the centering assessment: right narrowest, bottom moderately narrow, left widest, top reasonably full.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The stamp bears a somewhat heavy wavy-line machine cancel, running horizontally across the entire design. The cancel obscures parts of the shield emblem and surrounding text but does not render the design illegible. This qualifies as a Heavy cancel under PSE guidelines.
Eye Appeal Impact: –8 (within the –10 range for Heavy cancels)

Collector’s Note:
Cold War–era geopolitical commemoratives have a steady topical following. Although soundness and cancellation reduce the grade, the design remains clear, making it a representative used example for a SEATO-themed page or collection.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The cancel is heavy but uniform. Color remains strong, and the impression is sharp. No additional deductions beyond those due to the cancel.
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: 1151
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (perf creases; shorter perfs)
Perforations: Perf 11, intact with wear from use
Cancellation: Heavy machine cancel; –8 impact
Eye Appeal: Strong color, but heavily canceled
Final Grade: 51 (Very Good)

Summary:
This used SEATO commemorative shows Fine/Very Fine centering and typical engraved sharpness but carries multiple perf-related faults and a heavy cancel. Despite these, it remains a solid, collectible Very Good example under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (1012)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions