U. S. Scott #1241 - Used - [LA01-0080-03-04]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1241

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

70 (Fine)

Year of Issue

1963

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #1241 (Used – Single Stamp)
5¢ Multicolor – Audubon, American Artist, 1963
(Audubon Issue – Engraved, Perforation 11)

Design Overview:
Scott #1241 was issued in 1963 to honor John James Audubon, the American naturalist and artist celebrated for The Birds of America. The engraved design depicts two stylized blue birds perched among branches and foliage, executed with fine line work and layered color to echo Audubon’s illustrative style. Script lettering at left reads “Audubon, American Artist,” with the denomination and “U.S. Postage” positioned at lower right. The composition emphasizes vertical movement through elongated tail feathers and balanced natural elements. The submitted example is used and has no original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering is assigned a grade of 78 (Fine/Very Fine). The perforation holes are clearly clear of the design to the unaided eye, consistent with the Fine/Very Fine definition in the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, though one or two margins are narrow. The top margin is the most narrow and controls the centering grade. The left margin is the least narrow, while the bottom margin is narrower than the right, producing a visible but acceptable imbalance consistent with Fine/Very Fine centering.

Soundness Evaluation:
Faultless.
The stamp is completely sound, free of tears, thins, pinholes, creases, stains, or repairs. Paper integrity remains intact. Under the PSE Guide, this qualifies as a faultless stamp and receives no soundness deduction.

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 11. Perforations are original, intact, and evenly formed on all sides, with no evidence of trimming, reperforation, clipped teeth, or pulled perforations. Margins are present on all four sides, with the top margin limiting centering and the left margin providing the most space.

Cancellation Evaluation:
A bold vertical-bar cancellation is present across much of the stamp. While the primary bird figures remain identifiable, the cancel is visually dominant and intrudes into the background and portions of the design. Under PSE terminology, this is classified as a heavy cancel, as it materially reduces design clarity without fully obliterating the subject.

Collector’s Note:
This Audubon issue remains popular with both art and bird topical collectors. Used examples retain appeal when the engraving remains sharp, even when the cancellation is visually strong.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Color and impression remain strong, with good detail in the engraved birds. However, the heavy vertical-bar cancellation disrupts visual balance and detracts from the overall presentation. An eye appeal adjustment of –5 is applied.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –0 (Faultless)
Adjusted Base Grade: 78
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5
Final Grade: 73 (Fine)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1241
Condition: Used, No Original Gum
Centering: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Faultless, no deduction
Perforations: Perf 11, intact and original
Cancellation: Heavy vertical-bar cancel
Eye Appeal: –5 due to cancellation prominence
Final Grade: 73 (Fine)

Summary:
This Scott #1241 grades Fine 73 under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide. It combines Fine/Very Fine centering with faultless soundness and intact perforations, while a heavy vertical cancellation reduces visual harmony and necessitates an eye appeal deduction. Despite the cancel, the engraved birds remain well defined, making this a solid and collectible used example of the Audubon commemorative.

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