U. S. Scott #1197 - Used - [LA01-0079-01-02]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1197

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 #1197 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
4¢ Multicolor – Louisiana Statehood, 150th Anniversary, 1962
(Commemorative Issue – Engraved/Offset Combination, Perf 11)

Design Overview:
Issued in 1962 to mark the sesquicentennial of Louisiana statehood, Scott #1197 depicts a classic river steamboat with detailed engraving, framed by Spanish moss hanging from a cypress branch. The statehood dates “1812–1962” appear vertically at left in blue, while “LOUISIANA” stretches boldly across the bottom in vibrant red. The 4¢ denomination and “U.S. POSTAGE” sit at upper right.
The submitted example is used, previously hinged, and has no original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine).
The left margin is the narrowest; the bottom margin is also somewhat tight. The top margin is wider, and the right margin is the broadest. Perforations remain fully clear of the design on all sides, consistent with the Fine/Very Fine definition: visible white space, with one or two narrow sides acceptable.

Soundness Evaluation:
Faults present: a large thin or multiple small thins (Major Fault) and multiple perf creases (Minor Fault).
Under the 2009 PSE Guide, the presence of any Major Fault classifies the stamp as Major Fault soundness, overriding lesser faults.
Soundness Deduction: –45 points.

Perforations and Margins:
Perforations gauge correctly at 11. All perforations appear genuine, though several show stress and creasing consistent with the Minor Fault. No trimming or reperforation is evident. Margin distribution aligns with centering: narrow left, narrow bottom, broader top, and widest right.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The stamp bears a heavy machine cancel that cuts across the design horizontally and vertically, obscuring a significant portion of both the steamboat’s superstructure and much of the “LOUISIANA” lettering. Classified under PSE guidelines as a Heavy cancel.
Eye Appeal Impact: –10 points.

Collector’s Note:
Although burdened by structural faults and a strong cancel, the stamp remains a complete and authentic representative of this popular 1962 commemorative, still of interest to collectors assembling used statehood anniversary issues.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Heavy cancel reduces clarity but does not fully obliterate the design. The colors remain strong.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –45 (Major Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 32
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 (Heavy Cancel)
Final Grade: 22 (Fair/Good)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1197
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Major Fault (–45)
Perforations: Perf 11, intact with multiple creases
Cancellation: Heavy machine cancel (–10)
Eye Appeal: –10
Final Grade: 22 (Fair/Good)

Summary:
This used example of Scott #1197 shows solid Fine/Very Fine centering but is significantly affected by a Major Fault thin and multiple perf creases. The heavy cancel further reduces visual appeal, resulting in a final grade of 22 (Fair/Good) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide. Despite its faults, it remains a collectible space-filler for the Louisiana Statehood commemorative series.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (1009)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions