U. S. Scott #1203 - Used - [NA01-0215-03-01]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1203

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 #1203 (Used – Single Stamp)
4¢ Olive Brown – Dag Hammarskjöld, 1962
(U.S. Commemorative Issue – Photogravure, Perf 11, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #1203 commemorates Dag Hammarskjöld (1905–1961), the second Secretary-General of the United Nations. Issued in 1962, the design presents a contemplative right-facing portrait paired with the United Nations Headquarters, underscoring themes of diplomacy, international service, and postwar global cooperation. The subdued olive-brown photogravure printing suits the memorial character of the issue. The submitted example is postally used, never hinged, and has no original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine–Very Fine)
The perforations are clearly clear of the design on all four sides, meeting the Fine–Very Fine definition under the 2009 PSE centering scale. The right margin is the narrowest, the left margin is the widest, and the bottom margin is narrower than the top. Although the margins are uneven, there is no encroachment into the design.

Soundness Evaluation:
Minor Fault: Several ragged, fuzzy, or shorter perforations, approximately half normal length.
The presence of multiple irregular and shortened perforation teeth is visually evident and collectively exceeds an isolated perf issue.
Soundness Classification: Minor Fault.

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 11, consistent with the issue. All perforations are present, but several teeth show ragged edges or reduced length, affecting edge uniformity. Margin relationships correspond with the assigned centering grade, with the tightest spacing at right and the most generous at left.

Cancellation Evaluation:
A broad postal machine cancel consisting of heavy gray ink strokes is present across the central portion of the design, accompanied by circular datestamp elements. The cancel obscures parts of the vignette but does not obliterate the stamp or render the subject unrecognizable.
Cancellation Classification (PSE): Heavy Cancel.

Collector’s Note:
Scott #1203 is a popular modern commemorative, and while used examples are common, collectors generally prefer lighter, cleaner cancellations. This example’s centering is respectable, though the cancel and perforation condition limit display appeal.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Color and impression remain stable, and the paper shows no obvious deterioration. The heavy postal cancel is the dominant visual factor and warrants a negative adjustment, though it does not rise to the level of a pen or obliterating cancel.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine–Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 57
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10
Final Grade: 47 (Good–Very Good)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1203
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 77 (Fine–Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (several ragged or short perforations), –20
Perforations: Perf 11, intact with multiple irregular teeth
Cancellation: Heavy postal machine cancel, central placement
Eye Appeal: –10 due to heavy cancel
Final Grade: 47 (Good–Very Good)

Summary:
This used example of Scott #1203 displays solid Fine–Very Fine centering with all design elements safely clear of the perforations. Soundness is reduced by multiple ragged and shortened perforations, placing it in the Minor Fault category, and eye appeal is further limited by a heavy but clearly postal cancellation. Even so, the stamp remains fully identifiable and collectible as a representative used copy, with a final grade of 47 (Good–Very Good) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (1042)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions