U. S. Scott #1209 - Used - [NA01-0189-05-01]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1209

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 #1209 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
1¢ Green – Andrew Jackson, 1962
(Liberty Series – Rotary Press Printing, Perf 11, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #1209, issued in 1962, features a finely engraved right-facing portrait of Andrew Jackson, seventh President of the United States. Designed by Charles R. Chickering and printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, it completed the Liberty Series’ low-value range. The deep green design presents “ANDREW JACKSON” vertically at right and “1¢ U.S. POSTAGE” below. The submitted example is postally used, previously hinged, and shows no remaining gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is slightly high and left. The left margin is narrowest, the right widest, with the top tighter than the bottom. All perforations are clear of the design but margins are uneven, fitting PSE’s Fine/Very Fine standard—full margins with one or two narrow sides. Alignment and balance are typical for rotary-press Liberty issues.

Soundness Evaluation:
Several faulty and clipped perforations, including pulled or short tips, are visible along the top and sides. No tears, thins, or creases are present. According to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, these defects qualify as a Major Fault, defined as “several faulty, clipped, pulled, or short perfs,” resulting in significant deduction to the technical grade.
Soundness Classification: Major Fault
Soundness Deduction: –45 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11 on all sides as issued. The upper and left edges show visible perf damage, while the right and bottom are full and even. No evidence of reperforation or trimming is seen. Margins correspond to the centering analysis: top and left narrowest, bottom broadest, and right moderate.

Cancellation Evaluation:
A faint black circular machine cancel appears in the lower left corner, curving across “1¢.” The cancel is light, evenly struck, and leaves the portrait unobscured. Under PSE standards, this is a Light Cancel, which has negligible visual impact.
Cancellation Classification: Light Cancel
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +1

Collector’s Note:
Though common, this Liberty Series issue illustrates normal production and handling variation of early 1960s definitives. Despite faulty perforations, the stamp maintains decent color and legibility, suitable for use as a reference or filler example in a working Liberty collection.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The green tone is rich and well impressed. Paper remains bright, and the cancel placement helps preserve design clarity. While the perf damage reduces structural soundness, the overall appearance remains serviceable.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +1

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –45 (Major Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 31
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +1 (Light Cancel)
Final Grade: 32 (Good – G)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1209
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Major Fault – Several faulty or short perfs (–45)
Perforations: Perf 11, incomplete at top and left, full at right and bottom
Cancellation: Light black machine cancel (+1)
Eye Appeal: Average, with strong color and clear portrait
Final Grade: 32 (Good – G)

Summary:
This used Scott #1209 shows Fine/Very Fine centering but suffers from multiple perforation faults typical of postal wear. Despite these defects, it retains sharp color, an unobtrusive cancel, and full design clarity. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, the result is a final grade of 32 (Good – G)—a structurally flawed yet visually legible Liberty Series example.

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