U. S. Scott #1153 - Used - [LA01-0075-02-02]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1153

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

75 (F/VF)

Year of Issue

1960

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #1153 (Used, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
4¢ Flag Over White House – July 4, 1960
(Commemorative Issue – Multicolor Engraved & Lithographed Printing, Perf 11)

Design Overview:
Released for July 4, 1960, this patriotic commemorative depicts the United States flag boldly waving in full color, symbolizing national pride during a moment of mid-century optimism. The clean vertical layout, with the date above and the denomination below, places the flag as the central visual focus. The submitted example is used, has never been hinged, and retains no original gum—normal for a stamp that has passed through the mail but was not mounted.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
The left margin is the narrowest, showing a noticeable reduction compared to the right margin, which is the widest. The top margin is also somewhat narrow, while the bottom margin is the fullest vertically. All four margins clear the design comfortably, and no perforations impinge on artwork. The slight imbalance in widths and one clearly narrow side place the centering solidly in the Fine/Very Fine range per PSE standards.

Soundness Evaluation:
This Example Is Faultless:
Faultless: no tears, creases, thins, stains, short perfs, gum disturbance, or paper defects.
Soundness Classification: Faultless
Soundness Deduction: 0

Perforations and Margins:
Perf 11 on all sides. Perforations are fully intact, uniform, and original. Margins match the centering analysis: left narrowest, top moderately narrow, right comfortably full, bottom widest. No evidence of trimming or irregular perforation wear.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The stamp bears a moderate machine cancel with horizontal bars. The cancel partially crosses the flag and lower denomination but leaves the design legible and relatively unobscured. This qualifies as a Neat/Clean to Average cancel per PSE standards.
Eye Appeal Impact: 0 (no deduction for average cancels)

Collector’s Note:
Flag stamps are perennial favorites in U.S. philately, and sound used examples with strong color remain desirable. This issue in particular benefits from bright contrasting inks that hold up well even under postal use.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Color remains strong, impression crisp, and cancellation unobtrusive. With no faults and good visual balance, no adjustment is required.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: 0 (Faultless)
Adjusted Base Grade: 78
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1153
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Faultless
Perforations: Perf 11, intact and original
Cancellation: Moderate machine cancel; no deduction
Eye Appeal: Bright color and clean presentation
Final Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)

Summary:
This used July 4, 1960 Flag stamp is clean, completely faultless, and sharply printed. With Fine/Very Fine centering and excellent overall condition, it stands as a strong 78 (Fine/Very Fine) example under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (977)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions