U. S. Scott #1208 - Used - [SL01-0001-02-02]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1208

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

Fine

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 flowing United States flag above a finely engraved view of the White House. The design juxtaposes motion and permanence and reflects the crisp, controlled engraving typical of Bureau of Engraving and Printing production in the period. The submitted example is postally used, has no original gum, and hinging is not a grading consideration.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering is assessed at 71 (Fine). With the unaided eye, the perforation holes on one or two sides come very close to the design, but a narrow band of white space remains visible. The top margin is the most narrow, while the right margin is the least narrow. The left margin is narrower than the bottom. This overall balance conforms to the Fine centering definition under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp shows light cancellation bleed-through visible on the reverse and a perf tip crease. Each of these conditions individually qualifies as a Very Minor Fault. In combination, two very minor faults constitute a Minor Fault under PSE soundness standards. No thins, tears, stains, or repairs are observed.

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 11 on all sides, consistent with the issue. Perforations are complete, with one localized perf tip crease noted. Margin spacing corresponds to the Fine centering assessment, with the closest approach to the design at the top.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The stamp bears a machine-applied cancellation consisting of uneven but mechanically produced markings across the central portion of the design. The cancel crosses the flag and the White House vignette but does not fully obscure either element. It is typical of period machine cancellations and leaves the subject matter readily identifiable.

Collector’s Note:
Used examples of Scott #1208 are common, and collector preference typically favors lighter strikes, though heavier machine cancels such as this are representative of genuine postal use.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Color and engraving remain clear despite the cancellation, and the overall visual balance is average for a used example with Fine centering and minor soundness issues. No eye appeal adjustment is applied.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 71 (Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –30 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 41
Eye Appeal Adjustment: ±0
Final Grade: 41 (Good/Very Good)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1208
Condition: Used, No Gum
Centering: 71 (Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (light cancellation bleed-through and perf tip crease, –30)
Perforations: Perf 11, complete with localized perf tip crease
Cancellation: Machine cancel, moderately heavy
Eye Appeal: No adjustment
Final Grade: 41 (Good/Very Good)

Summary:
This used Scott #1208 combines Fine centering with a Minor Fault soundness classification resulting from two very minor defects. The machine cancellation is typical for the issue and does not require an additional eye appeal deduction. In accordance with the 2009 PSE Grading Guide and strict arithmetic, the correct final grade for this stamp is 41 (Good/Very Good).

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (1020)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions