U. S. Scott #156 - Used - Graded Fair (SL01-0001-05-05)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

156

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1873

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #156 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
1¢ Ultramarine – Benjamin Franklin, 1873
(Banknote Issue – National Bank Note Printing, Soft Paper, Perf 12)

Design Overview:
Scott #156 is a 1¢ ultramarine stamp issued in 1873 as part of the National Bank Note Company’s second Banknote series. It features a left-facing profile of Benjamin Franklin enclosed in a dark oval frame with “U.S. POSTAGE” inscribed above and “ONE CENT” below. Printed on soft porous paper and perforated 12, this issue marked the transition from hard to soft paper during the 1870s.

This specimen is postally used, has been hinged, and does not retain its original gum. Despite design clarity and decent centering, it suffers from multiple perforation faults and cancel wear.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
The stamp is slightly off-center, with the left and bottom margins narrower than the right and top, but all perforations are clear of the design. There is sufficient white space (≥ 0.4 mm) visible on all four sides, consistent with Fine/Very Fine centering. The frameline is intact and not encroached upon by perforations.

Soundness Evaluation:
Faults Present Classification
Multiple ragged, fuzzy, and short perfs (half length) Fault
Pulled perf (below the holes) at lower left Fault
These two faults meet the criteria for Major Fault under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide:
“Large crease or two light creases, large thin, two small thins or three tiny thins, small tear or two tiny tears, reperforated on two sides, significant stain, small repair (e.g., added perf), natural straight edge (post-1890), several trimmed, clipped, or short perfs, two or three faults…”
Soundness Classification: Major Fault
Soundness Deduction: –45 points

Perforations and Margins:
Gauge: Perf 12
Multiple perforation faults are present:
Several ragged and fuzzy tips.
Two or more shortened perforations (about half normal length).
One pulled perf at lower left extends well below the hole.
There is no evidence of trimming or reperforation.
Margins otherwise meet minimum size and shape criteria for F/VF centering.

Cancellation Classification:
The stamp bears a black circular date stamp, struck heavily across Franklin’s portrait and extending into the right inscription area.
The cancel is legible, and the face is not fully obscured.
Despite its prominence, the portrait remains visible.
This qualifies as a Very Heavy Cancel.
Cancellation Classification: Very Heavy Cancel
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –15 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Component Score
Centering Grade 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction –45 (Major Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade 32 (Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment –15 (Very Heavy Cancel)
Final Grade 17 (Fair – FR)

Final Summary:
Parameter Details
Scott Number 156
Condition Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Major Fault (short/ragged perfs, pulled perf)
Perforations Perf 12, with multiple faults including pulled and shortened perfs
Cancellation Very Heavy circular date stamp across portrait and design
Eye Appeal –15 points
Final Grade 17 (Fair – FR)

Final Verdict:
Although this example of Scott #156 shows Fine/Very Fine centering, the presence of multiple perforation issues — including a pulled perf — along with a very heavy cancellation, significantly affects its grade. The final score of 17 (Fair) accurately reflects these conditions under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide. This stamp may serve as a placeholder or reference copy for collectors building a used Banknote series.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (738)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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