U. S. Scott #1229 - Usud - [NA01-0191-04-02]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1229

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Unused

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1963

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #1229 (Used – Single Stamp)
5¢ Dark Blue – George Washington, 1962
(Washington Definitive Issue – Engraved, Perf 11, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #1229 depicts George Washington in a three-quarter engraved portrait within a plain rectangular frame, with the denomination at lower left and “U.S. POSTAGE” across the bottom. The design relies on dense line engraving to model the face and hair, a hallmark of early-1960s Bureau of Engraving and Printing definitives. The submitted example is postally used, has no original gum, and hinging is not noted per instructions.

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 right margin is the most narrow and the top margin is the least narrow. The bottom margin is narrower than the left. Overall balance and clearance are consistent with the Fine/Very Fine centering definition.

Soundness Evaluation:
Extremely Minor Fault: One shorter perforation tooth, approximately half normal length.
Soundness Classification: Extremely Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction Applied: –5
No additional defects such as creases, thins, or stains are evident in the provided images.

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 11, consistent with the issue. Perforations are generally intact, with one visibly shortened tooth accounting for the soundness deduction. Margin spacing aligns with the centering assessment, tightest at right and most generous at top.

Cancellation Evaluation:
A heavy machine cancellation composed of multiple parallel wavy lines is present across the face. The cancel crosses the portrait and denomination, materially affecting visual clarity but not fully obscuring the design.

Collector’s Note:
This example combines respectable Fine/Very Fine centering with minimal physical faulting, though the bold machine cancel dominates the visual presentation.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The heavy machine cancel is visually prominent and crosses major design elements, reducing overall eye appeal.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –5 (Extremely Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 73
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10
Final Grade: 63 (Very Good/Fine)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1229
Condition: Used, No Gum
Centering: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Extremely Minor Fault (one shortened perf, –5)
Perforations: Perf 11, generally intact with one short tooth
Cancellation: Heavy machine cancel across central design
Eye Appeal: –10 due to heavy cancel
Final Grade: 63 (Very Good/Fine)

Summary:
This used Scott #1229 offers Fine/Very Fine centering and largely sound physical condition, limited only by a single shortened perforation tooth. However, a heavy machine cancellation significantly impacts visual appeal. Applying the grading sequence and arithmetic under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, the correct final assessment is 63 (Very Good/Fine).

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