U. S. Scott #1154 - Used - [LA01-0075-04-03]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1154

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 #1154 (Used, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
4¢ Pony Express Centennial, 1960
(Commemorative Issue – Engraved, Perf 11)

Design Overview:
Issued in 1960 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the famed Pony Express, this engraved stamp depicts a rider in full gallop, mochila secured, racing across the frontier. The dotted route connects Sacramento to St. Joseph, symbolizing the historic transcontinental relay system. The monochromatic brown palette and bold centennial inscription convey both motion and historical significance. The submitted example is used, never hinged, and carries no remaining original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
The right margin is the narrowest, distinctly slimmer than the others. The top margin is also moderately narrow compared to the left, which shows more space, while the bottom is the fullest. All perforations are clear of the design. With one obviously narrow margin and generally balanced framing elsewhere, the centering falls within the PSE-defined Fine/Very Fine range.

Soundness Evaluation:
This Example Displays:
Very Minor Fault: corner perf crease
Very Minor Fault: perf tip crease
Very Minor Fault: slight discoloration
Extremely Minor Fault: one shorter perf (about half normal length)

These combined constitute a Minor Fault.
Soundness Classification: Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –20 points (per “Minor Fault + F–VF centering = Very Good (50–59)”)

Perforations and Margins:
Perf 11 on all sides. Several perforations show light creasing and one shortened tip; all other perforations appear original and intact. Margin balance corresponds with the centering assessment: right narrowest, top moderately narrow, left wider, bottom widest.

Cancellation Evaluation:
A moderate horizontal machine cancel crosses the rider and horse. The cancel does not heavily obscure the design, leaving all key elements identifiable. This fits the Neat/Clean to Average category.
Eye Appeal Impact: 0 (no deduction for average cancels)

Collector’s Note:
Pony Express issues remain popular with collectors of Western Americana and postal history. Even with minor flaws and postal wear, used examples with strong color and fully intact designs retain solid appeal.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Color is strong and the engraved detail is clear. Minor discoloration is noted under soundness but does not require additional eye appeal deduction.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 59
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 59 (Very Good)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1154
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (perf creases, slight discoloration, one short perf)
Perforations: Perf 11, mostly intact with minor wear
Cancellation: Moderate machine cancel; no deduction
Eye Appeal: Good color and clarity
Final Grade: 59 (Very Good)

Summary:
This used Pony Express Centennial stamp shows Fine/Very Fine centering and retains strong visual appeal despite several very minor faults typical of postal handling. With a final grade of 59 (Very Good), it remains a collectible and representative example of this popular historical issue 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