U. S. Scott #1233 - Used - [LA01-0080-04-01]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1233

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 #1233 (Used – Single Stamp)
5¢ Multicolor – Emancipation Proclamation Centennial, 1963
(Emancipation Proclamation Issue – Printed, Perf 11, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #1233 was issued in 1963 for the centennial of the Emancipation Proclamation (1863–1963). The design is a modern symbolic composition of broken chain links in a bold blue-and-black field, emphasizing emancipation through graphic abstraction rather than portraiture. The inscriptions frame the theme clearly, with the dates at top and “EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION” across the bottom. The submitted example is postally used, has never been hinged, and has no original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
The perforation holes are easily seen to be clear of the design on all sides, but margins are uneven. The bottom margin is the most narrow and the top margin is the least narrow (widest). The left margin is narrower than the right. This layout fits Fine/Very Fine centering, with visible white space maintained while one or two margins are noticeably tight.

Soundness Evaluation:
Minor Fault: Multiple perforation creases
Extremely Minor Fault: One shorter perforation, about half normal length
Constituting a Minor Fault soundness classification. Under the PSE framework provided, Minor Fault soundness combined with Fine/Very Fine centering places the base grade in the Very Good range and requires a 20-point deduction.

Perforations and Margins:
Perforations appear consistent with the issue and remain complete, but the stamp is compromised by multiple perf creases and one short tooth as noted. No clear signs of trimming or reperforation are evident from the images. Margins correspond to the centering grade, with the bottom tightest and the top providing the greatest clearance.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The stamp bears a wavy-line cancel in dark ink that runs across the central chain motif and through the lower inscription area. The cancel is noticeable and interferes with the design’s central symbolism, though the stamp remains identifiable and the inscriptions are still readable. Cancellation Classification: Heavy, with a meaningful reduction in design clarity.

Collector’s Note:
This is a historically significant commemorative with a strong, graphic design that remains popular in thematic collections. Even with faults and a strong cancel, it functions as a representative example for a used 1963 commemorative set.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The wavy-line cancel is prominent and distracts from the central chain imagery, and the perf creases further reduce overall presentation. Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 points.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 57
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10
Final Grade: 47 (Good/Very Good)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1233
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Gum
Centering: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault, –20 (multiple perf creases; one short perf about half length)
Perforations: Perf 11, complete, creases and one short tooth noted
Cancellation: Heavy wavy-line cancel across design, –10 eye appeal
Eye Appeal: –10
Final Grade: 47 (Good/Very Good)

Summary:
This Scott #1233 shows Fine/Very Fine centering with the design clearly separated from the perforations, but its grade is reduced by minor-fault soundness from multiple perf creases and by a heavy wavy-line cancellation that interferes with the central chain motif. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide framework you specified, the stamp receives a final grade of 47 (Good/Very Good), remaining collectible as a representative used example rather than a premium-quality display piece.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (1042)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions