U. S. Scott #156 - Used - Graded FR/G (SL01-0001-05-03)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

156

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

Fine

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 second Banknote issue printed by the National Bank Note Company. The design features a left-facing bust of Benjamin Franklin framed by ornamental scrollwork, with “U.S. POSTAGE” above and “ONE CENT” below. These stamps were printed on soft porous paper and perforated 12. This series replaced the earlier hard-paper Banknotes and was commonly used for everyday postal duties.

This specimen is postally used, previously hinged, and lacks original gum. While it retains integrity, it shows signs of wear including tone spots and cancellation effects.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 70 (Fine)
The stamp is noticeably off-center, especially on the left and bottom sides, where the margins approach the design. However, white space is still clearly visible to the unaided eye, and the perforations do not impinge upon the framelines. This qualifies as Fine centering, with margins exceeding the 0.2 mm minimum width per PSE standards.

Soundness Evaluation:
Fault Classification
Toning spots (visible on reverse) Minor Fault
There are scattered toning spots visible on the back of the stamp. While not severe, the discoloration does reduce the stamp's soundness under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide. A single Minor Fault results in a 30-point deduction from the centering grade.

Soundness Classification: Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –30 points

Perforations and Margins:
Gauge: Correct at 12
All perforations are intact, without any pulled or excessively short perfs.
Margins are narrow on the left and bottom, consistent with the Fine centering classification.
There is no evidence of trimming or reperforation.

Cancellation Classification:
The black cancel is moderately heavy, spreading across the face of Franklin and into the side scrolls. Despite this, the cancel:
Does not obscure the portrait entirely – Franklin’s silhouette and facial structure remain identifiable.
Allows the “U.S. POSTAGE” and “ONE CENT” inscriptions to remain partially visible.
This meets the criteria for a Very Heavy Cancel per the PSE Eye Appeal guidelines.
Cancellation Classification: Very Heavy Cancel
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –15 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Component Score
Centering Grade 70 (Fine)
Soundness Deduction –30 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade 40 (Good/Very Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment –15 (Very Heavy Cancel)
Final Grade 25 (Fair/Good – FR/G)

Final Summary:
Parameter Details
Scott Number 156
Condition Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering 70 (Fine)
Soundness Minor Fault (toning spots on back)
Perforations Perf 12, full and intact
Cancellation Very Heavy – obscures most of face, some inscriptions
Eye Appeal –15 point deduction
Final Grade 25 (Fair/Good – FR/G)

Final Verdict:
This used example of Scott #156 displays Fine centering with fully intact perforations. However, it suffers from minor toning and a very heavy cancellation, both of which reduce the stamp’s visual and market appeal. Based on the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, it receives a final grade of 25 (Fair/Good), making it suitable as a filler or reference example for the issue.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (721)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

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Store

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions