U. S. Scott #1196 - Used - [LA01-0078-03-03]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1196

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1962

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #1196 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
4¢ Blue, Red & White – Seattle World’s Fair (Space Needle), 1962
(Commemorative Issue – Engraved/Offset Combination, Perf 11)

Design Overview:
Issued for the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair—an event celebrating science, technology, and the dawning “Century 21”—Scott #1196 features the Space Needle rising through a blue gradient sky, with the monorail sweeping across the lower portion of the design. Red vertical inscriptions flank the central vignette: “SEATTLE WORLD’S FAIR 1962” at left and “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” at right.
The submitted example is used, previously hinged, and has no original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine).
The stamp’s right margin is the narrowest; the top is also somewhat narrow, followed by a stronger left margin, with the bottom being the widest. All perforations remain clear of the design. The overall margin distribution fits PSE’s Fine/Very Fine definition, with one or two narrow sides but comfortable design clearance.

Soundness Evaluation:
Faults Present: two shorter perfs about half normal length (Extremely Minor Fault ×2).
Per the 2009 PSE Guide, two or three Extremely Minor Faults constitute a Very Minor Fault soundness class.
Soundness Deduction: –6 points.

Perforations and Margins:
Perforations gauge correctly at 11 and are generally intact aside from the two shorter perf tips noted. There is no evidence of reperforation or trimming. Margin distribution mirrors the centering evaluation: narrowest at right, followed by top; stronger at left; and widest at bottom.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The cancel consists of a moderately heavy machine strike forming curved and vertical bars across the Space Needle and monorail. While noticeable, it does not obliterate the design. Under PSE guidelines this is a Heavy cancel.
Eye Appeal Impact: –10 points.

Collector’s Note:
Despite typical wear from postal use, this issue remains popular among collectors interested in Americana, architecture, and World’s Fair material. The strong colors and clean engraving still contribute positively to the stamp’s presentation.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
A Heavy cancel carries a deduction of up to –10 points, and here the impact is moderate but noticeable. Color and impression remain strong.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –6 (Very Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 72
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 (Heavy cancel)
Final Grade: 62 (Very Good–Fine)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1196
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Very Minor Fault (–6)
Perforations: Perf 11, two shorter perfs
Cancellation: Heavy machine cancel (–10)
Eye Appeal: –10
Final Grade: 62 (Very Good–Fine)

Summary:
This used example of Scott #1196 retains solid Fine/Very Fine centering and clear design strength, though the Heavy cancel and pair of shorter perf tips reduce its numerical standing. The final grade of 62 (Very Good–Fine) reflects both the soundness deductions and eye appeal impact per the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (996)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions