U. S. Scott #1229 - Used - [LA01-0080-01-04}

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1229

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 #1229 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
5¢ Blue – George Washington, 1962
(Liberty Series – Rotary Press Printing, Perf 11 x 10½, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #1229, issued in 1962 as part of the Liberty Series, depicts George Washington in a right-facing engraved bust based on Jean-Antoine Houdon’s sculpture. Designed by Charles R. Chickering and engraved by Bureau artists, the portrait is rendered with a fine crosshatched background, conveying strength and dignity. “5¢ U.S. POSTAGE” appears below the image in a serif font typical of mid-century engravings. The submitted example is postally used, previously hinged, and has no original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 76 (Fine/Very Fine – F-VF)
The design is balanced vertically but shifted slightly right. The right margin is narrowest, the top narrower than the left, and the bottom the widest. The perforations are clear of the printed frame with consistent white margins. The centering matches the Fine/Very Fine (75–79) range of the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, which allows one or two narrow margins while maintaining full design clearance.

Soundness Evaluation:
Light dirt smudging and faint toning appear on the reverse, but there are no tears, thins, or creases. The defect is strictly cosmetic, qualifying as a Very Minor Fault under the PSE Table of Soundness. Structural integrity is unaffected, and the stamp’s face remains clean and fully legible.
Soundness Classification: Very Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –5 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11 x 10½, standard for the issue. The perforations are full and undamaged with no clipped or pulled tips. Slight unevenness is visible along the right edge but within tolerance for rotary-press Liberty Series issues. Margins are narrow at the right and top but comfortably clear of the design. There is no sign of reperforation or trimming.

Cancellation Evaluation:
A black machine cancel consisting of evenly spaced horizontal bars runs across Washington’s face and chest. It is moderately heavy, obscuring portions of the portrait while keeping the outline clear. Classified as a Heavy Cancel by PSE Eye Appeal standards, this detracts slightly from design clarity.

Collector’s Note:
This used example of the 5¢ Washington issue retains strong color and fine impression despite minor reverse smudging and a heavy cancel. Its balanced design and full perforations make it an appealing mid-grade collectible representative of the later Liberty Series issues.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Color is deep and even, paper tone clean, and print detail sharp. The cancel’s heaviness and faint reverse spotting slightly reduce visual balance. A –5 adjustment is applied for modest eye appeal impact.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 76 (Fine/Very Fine – F-VF)
Soundness Deduction: –5 (Very Minor Fault – light smudging)
Adjusted Base Grade: 71
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5
Final Grade: 66 (Very Good/Fine – VG/F)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1229
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 76 (Fine/Very Fine – F-VF)
Soundness: Very Minor Fault (Light smudging on back)
Perforations: Perf 11 x 10½, intact and even
Cancellation: Heavy horizontal machine cancel (–5)
Eye Appeal: –5 (Cancel and reverse tone)
Final Grade: 66 (Very Good/Fine – VG/F)

Summary:
Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, this used Scott #1229 shows Fine/Very Fine centering with a very minor fault and a moderately heavy cancel. The final grade of 66 (Very Good/Fine) reflects minimal wear consistent with typical postal use. Despite its reverse spotting and cancel weight, the stamp retains strong color, full perforations, and crisp engraving, making it a solid collectible Liberty Series example.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (895)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions