U. S. Scott #1213 - Used - [LA01-0080-01-01]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1213

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

70 (Fine)

Year of Issue

1962

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #1213 (Used, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
5¢ Blue – George Washington, 1962
(Liberty Series – Engraved Printing, Perf 11, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #1213, issued in 1962, features a neoclassical bust of George Washington gazing upward, engraved in deep blue. Designed by Charles R. Chickering and printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, it is among the most recognized Liberty Series denominations. The design conveys strength and leadership through clean lines and upward composition. “5¢ U.S. POSTAGE” appears at the base. The submitted example is postally used, has no original gum, and has never been hinged.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is slightly high and left. The top margin is narrowest, the bottom widest, with the left side tighter than the right. Perforations remain clear of the design on all four sides, and balance is consistent with the rotary-press Liberty issues. The spacing comfortably meets PSE’s Fine/Very Fine definition, where one or two margins are narrow but distinct from the frameline.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp shows light soiling or dirt smudging on the reverse, visible under magnification but not affecting the face or paper integrity. No tears, thins, or creases are observed. According to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, this constitutes a Very Minor Fault, as light surface marks on the back have minimal visual impact.
Soundness Classification: Very Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –7 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11 as issued. All perforations are full and well formed. The top perfs are nearest to the design but still clear, while the others are even. There is no reperforation or trimming. Margins show expected variation—top narrow, bottom broad, sides moderately balanced—consistent with Fine/Very Fine centering.

Cancellation Evaluation:
A black machine cancel enters from the lower left, curving lightly through the background. The cancel is faint and unobtrusive, leaving Washington’s portrait fully visible. Under PSE standards, this is a Light Cancel, which neither detracts from nor obscures the design.
Cancellation Classification: Light Cancel
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +2 points

Collector’s Note:
Serving as the standard first-class letter-rate issue from 1962 to 1967, the 5¢ Washington is one of the most familiar modern definitives. Used examples with clean color, minimal cancel interference, and intact perforations are sought by collectors assembling high-grade Liberty Series sets.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The blue color is fresh and evenly inked. Paper tone is bright, and the light cancel contributes to a balanced appearance. No discoloration or surface dullness is evident. Overall presentation slightly exceeds average for a used example.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +2

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –7 (Very Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 72
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +2 (Light Cancel)
Final Grade: 74 (Fine/Very Fine – Low End)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1213
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Very Minor Fault – Light reverse smudging (–7)
Perforations: Perf 11, full and even
Cancellation: Light black machine cancel (+2)
Eye Appeal: Fresh color, clean presentation, slightly above average
Final Grade: 74 (Fine/Very Fine – Low End)

Summary:
This used Scott #1213 shows Fine/Very Fine centering with complete perforations and strong color. A minor back smudge results in a small deduction, offset by a light, well-placed cancel. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, it earns a final grade of 74 (Fine/Very Fine – Low End), representing a sound and collectible Liberty Series example.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (896)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions