U. S. Scott #1206 - Used - [LA01-0079-04-01]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1206

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 #1206 (Used – Single Stamp)
4¢ Green – Higher Education (Lamp of Learning), 1962
(U.S. Commemorative Issue – Engraved, Perf 11, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #1206 was issued in 1962 to commemorate Higher Education in the United States. The design features a classical lamp of learning set against a stylized map of the United States, symbolizing enlightenment and national progress through education. “EDUCATION” spans the top of the design, with “HIGHER” printed vertically at left. The engraved printing shows typical mid-century linework and solid ink application. The submitted example is postally used, hinged, and retains partial original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering is assessed at 79 (Fine–Very Fine). All perforation holes are clearly clear of the design. The right margin is the narrowest, the bottom margin is the most open, and the top margin is narrower than the left. Despite visible imbalance, the design remains well separated from the perforations and meets Fine–Very Fine centering criteria under the 2009 PSE Guide.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp exhibits multiple significant faults, including a major thin or combination of smaller thins, a major stain or several smaller stains, and multiple perforation creases. With two major faults present in combination with an additional minor fault, overall soundness is classified as a Severe Fault under PSE definitions. A soundness deduction of –55 is applied per your grading framework.

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 11, consistent with the issue. All perforations appear present, but multiple perf creases indicate handling stress along the perforation line. Margin relationships align with the centering assessment, with the tightest spacing at right and the most open margin at bottom.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The stamp bears a horizontal machine cancel consisting of several gray bands crossing the central design and lamp motif. The cancel is clearly postal in origin and does not fully obliterate the design, but it is visually prominent and reduces clarity. Under PSE standards, the cancel is classified as Heavy.

Collector’s Note:
While Scott #1206 has strong thematic appeal, especially for education and Americana collectors, condition plays a dominant role in value. Examples with severe soundness issues are typically collected as space fillers or reference copies.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
In addition to the severe soundness limitations, the heavy machine cancel further detracts from visual presentation. A modest additional deduction is warranted strictly for eye appeal.
Eye Appeal Adjustment Applied: –5.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine–Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –55 (Severe Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 24
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5
Final Grade: 19 (Fair)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1206
Condition: Used, Hinged, Partial Original Gum
Centering: 79 (Fine–Very Fine)
Soundness: Severe Fault, –55
Perforations: Perf 11, multiple perf creases
Cancellation: Heavy horizontal machine cancel
Eye Appeal: –5
Final Grade: 19 (Fair)

Summary:
This Scott #1206 retains Fine–Very Fine centering with the design clearly clear of the perforations, but multiple major faults combined with perf creases place soundness firmly in the Severe Fault category. A heavy machine cancel further limits visual appeal. Applying your stated deductions and methodology under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, the stamp concludes with a final grade of 19 (Fair).

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (1021)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions