U. S. Scott #1208 - Used - [LA01-0080-01-03]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1208

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1963

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #1208 (Used – Single Stamp)
5¢ Red, White & Blue – U.S. Flag and White House, 1960
(Flag over White House Issue – Engraved, Perf 11, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #1208, issued in 1960, features a patriotic composition combining a waving United States flag above an engraved vignette of the White House. The design contrasts motion and architectural stability and is characteristic of mid-century Bureau of Engraving and Printing workmanship. The submitted example is postally used, has no original gum, and hinging is not a grading consideration.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering is graded 78 (Fine/Very Fine). With the unaided eye, the perforation holes are clearly free of the design on all sides, though one or two margins are narrow. The top margin is the most narrow, the right margin is the least narrow, and the left margin is narrower than the bottom. The overall balance is consistent with the Fine/Very Fine centering definition under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp exhibits multiple perforation creases. No thins, tears, stains, or repairs are present. Multiple perf creases constitute a Minor Fault under PSE soundness standards.
Soundness Classification: Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction Applied: –20

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 11 on all sides, consistent with the issue. Perforations are complete but show crease disturbances affecting multiple teeth. Margins align with the assigned Fine/Very Fine centering grade.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The stamp bears a machine-applied cancellation consisting of evenly spaced, parallel wavy lines. The cancel is heavy and crosses the flag and White House vignette, but does not obliterate the design. This is classified as a Heavy machine cancel under the 2009 PSE framework.

Collector’s Note:
Heavy machine cancels are common on mid-century commemoratives; while less desirable than lighter strikes, they remain typical of genuine postal use.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The heavy machine cancel is visually dominant and detracts from overall presentation, though the design remains clearly identifiable.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 58
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5
Final Grade: 53 (Very Good)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1208
Condition: Used, No Gum
Centering: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (multiple perf creases, –20)
Perforations: Perf 11, complete with crease disturbances
Cancellation: Heavy machine cancel
Eye Appeal: –5 due to cancellation prominence
Final Grade: 53 (Very Good)

Summary:
This used example of Scott #1208 combines Fine/Very Fine centering with a Minor Fault in soundness due to multiple perforation creases. A heavy machine cancellation materially affects eye appeal but does not obscure the design. Applying a conservative and defensible eye-appeal deduction under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide results in a final grade of 53 (Very Good).

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