U. S. Scott #1213 - Used - [LA01-0080-01-02]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1213

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 #1213 (Used – Single Stamp)
5¢ Dark Blue – George Washington, 1960
(Washington Definitive Issue – Engraved, Perf 11, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #1213 is a 1960 definitive portraying George Washington in a finely engraved three-quarter portrait within a simple rectangular frame. The design emphasizes clarity and dignity through dense line engraving and restrained layout, typical of mid-century Bureau of Engraving and Printing production. The submitted example is postally used, has no original gum, and has been hinged, with hinging evaluated separately and not noted here.

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

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp exhibits multiple condition issues. A natural straight edge is present on two sides, which constitutes a Major Fault under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide. In addition, a moderate crease is present, along with multiple perforation creases, and one shorter-to-short perforation tooth measuring less than half normal length. While several defects are noted, the soundness classification is governed by the most severe condition.
Soundness Classification: Major Fault
Soundness Deduction Applied: –45

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 11, but two sides exhibit natural straight edges rather than full perforation teeth. Remaining perforations are present but include multiple creases and one noticeably shortened tooth. Margin proportions align with the assigned Fine/Very Fine centering grade, with the closest approach to the design at the bottom.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The stamp bears a heavy machine cancellation consisting of multiple parallel wavy lines applied across the face. The cancel crosses the portrait and lower inscriptions, reducing visual clarity but not fully obscuring the design.

Collector’s Note:
While the centering is respectable, the presence of straight edges on two sides places this example firmly in space-filler territory for most collectors.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The heavy machine cancel is visually dominant and crosses major design elements, materially reducing overall presentation.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –45 (Major Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 33
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10
Final Grade: 23 (Fair/Good)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1213
Condition: Used, No Gum
Centering: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Major Fault (natural straight edge on two sides; moderate crease; multiple perf issues)
Perforations: Perf 11 with two natural straight edges; multiple perf creases; one shortened tooth
Cancellation: Heavy machine cancel
Eye Appeal: –10 due to cancellation dominance
Final Grade: 23 (Fair/Good)

Summary:
This used Scott #1213 retains Fine/Very Fine centering, but its condition is decisively limited by a Major Fault classification due to natural straight edges on two sides, compounded by additional crease and perforation issues. A heavy machine cancellation further diminishes eye appeal. Applying the grading sequence and arithmetic strictly, the correct final assessment is 23 (Fair/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