U. S. Scott #1234 - Used - [LA01-0080-04-02]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1234

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 #1234 (Used – Single Stamp)
5¢ Multicolor – Alliance for Progress, 1963
(Alliance for Progress Issue – Printed, Perf 11, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #1234 was issued in 1963 in support of the Alliance for Progress, a U.S.-backed initiative associated with economic development and cooperation in Latin America. The design is clean, modern, and symbolic: a hand grips a torch set within a forward-pointing white arrow, suggesting guidance and momentum, while the bold lettering anchors the message. The submitted example is postally used, has been hinged, and has no original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
The perforation holes are clearly free of the design on all sides, but margin balance is uneven. The bottom margin is the most narrow and the top margin is the least narrow (widest). The right margin is narrower than the left. This aligns with Fine/Very Fine centering, where the design remains clear of the perforations but one or two margins are noticeably tight.

Soundness Evaluation:
Very Minor Fault: Two shorter-to-short perforations, less than half normal length
Extremely Minor Fault: Two shorter perforations, about half normal length
These faults together constitute a Minor Fault soundness classification under the PSE framework (combination of very minor and extremely minor faults). Minor Fault soundness combined with Fine/Very Fine centering places the base grade in the Very Good range, requiring a 20-point deduction.

Perforations and Margins:
Perforations appear consistent with the issue and remain complete, though several teeth are shortened as described. No clear evidence of trimming or reperforation is visible in the provided images. Margins correspond to the centering assessment, with the bottom tightest and the top providing the greatest clearance.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The stamp bears multiple dark wavy-line cancellations crossing diagonally through the central torch/arrow design and into the left inscription area. The cancel is clearly noticeable and interferes with the main focal elements, though the stamp remains identifiable with the inscription still readable. Cancellation Classification: Heavy, with a substantial impact on design clarity.

Collector’s Note:
This issue has strong topical appeal for collectors interested in Cold War-era U.S. diplomacy and modern graphic commemoratives. Even with faults and a heavy cancel, it remains a serviceable representative used example.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The heavy wavy-line cancel dominates the face and draws attention away from the torch and arrow motif, reducing overall visual balance. Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 points.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 58
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10
Final Grade: 48 (Good/Very Good)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1234
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault, –20 (two very short perfs under half length; two shorter perfs about half length)
Perforations: Perf 11, complete, multiple short teeth noted
Cancellation: Heavy wavy-line cancel across central design, –10 eye appeal
Eye Appeal: –10
Final Grade: 48 (Good/Very Good)

Summary:
This Scott #1234 shows Fine/Very Fine centering with the design clearly free of the perforations, but condition is limited by multiple shortened teeth and a heavy wavy-line cancel that cuts through the central torch-and-arrow motif. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide framework you specified, the stamp earns a final grade of 48 (Good/Very Good), remaining collectible as a representative used example rather than a premium visual specimen.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (1020)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions