U. S. Scott #1161 - Used - [LA01-0076-01-02]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1161

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

70 (Fine)

Year of Issue

1960

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #1161
Used, No Original Gum, Never Hinged Prior to Use

Design Overview
Scott #1161, issued in 1960, presents a finely engraved portrait of Senator Robert A. Taft in deep violet ink. The composition is typical of mid-century engraved commemoratives: a strong rectangular frame, crisp cross-hatching, and clean serif lettering. “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” spans the top border, with the denomination “4¢” placed boldly at lower left. The portrait rendering is detailed and well-inked, and this example maintains good clarity even under its cancellation.

Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
The margins fall well within the F/VF standard. The top margin is the narrowest, the left margin the widest, and the right is narrower than the bottom. All margins remain comfortably clear of the design and frame, and none approach the perforations closely enough to suggest a Fine-70 grade. The vertical imbalance is noticeable but not severe enough to lower the centering category.

Soundness Evaluation
Two shorter perforations—each about half normal length—are present along the edge. Under PSE standards, a single shorter perf of this severity is an Extremely Minor Fault; two such faults combine into a Very Minor Fault classification (“two or three extremely minor faults”). No other structural issues are present: the stamp has no creases, thins, tears, repairs, or stains.
Soundness Classification: Very Minor Fault

According to the PSE soundness/centering matrix:
Very Minor Fault + Fine/Very Fine centering = Fine (70–74)

Your assigned deduction produces a result of Fine 72.

Perforations and Margins
Perforations gauge correctly at 11 and show natural separation. Aside from the two shorter tips, all perforations are intact, aligned, and free of trimming or reperforation. Margins match the centering grade, with the typical slightly tight top margin consistent with Bureau production norms of the period.

Cancellation Evaluation
This example bears a multi-strike machine cancel with horizontal bars running across the portrait and background. Although it crosses the face, the cancel is not overly heavy; the portrait remains legible, the engraving visible through the ink. This qualifies as a Neat/Clean cancellation under PSE eye-appeal guidelines:
Eye Appeal Adjustment for Used Stamps: No effect

Eye Appeal Adjustment
Fresh, strong violet color; no fading; no toning; no visual impairments beyond normal used presentation.
Adjustment: 0

Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Adjustment (Very Minor Fault): Fine (70–74)
Assigned Base Grade: 72
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 72 (Fine)

Final Summary
Scott Number: 1161
Condition: Used, No Original Gum
Centering: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Very Minor Fault (two shorter perforations)
Perforations: Gauge 11, natural, intact aside from shortened tips
Cancellation: Neat/Clean machine cancel
Eye Appeal: No adjustment
Final Grade: 72 (Fine)

Final Verdict
This used example of Scott #1161 carries clean F/VF centering, strong color, and a readable design despite a full machine cancel. Two shortened perforations lower the soundness to Very Minor Fault, resulting in a final grade of Fine 72—a solid, attractive used representative of this 1960 commemorative.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (939)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions