U. S. Scott #156 - Used - Graded G/VG (SL01-0001-05-02)

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 during the second Banknote series, printed by the National Bank Note Company. Featuring a left-facing profile of Benjamin Franklin within an ornamental frame, the stamp bears the inscription “U.S. POSTAGE” at the top and “ONE CENT” at the bottom. It was printed on soft porous paper and perforated 12. This issue is valued by collectors for its classic engraving and historical use in late 19th-century correspondence.

This example is postally used, previously hinged, and lacks original gum. It shows heavy usage and multiple faults but remains intact.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 32 (Good)
The stamp is significantly off-center. The perforations on the left side cut well into the design, removing part of Franklin’s profile and the frameline. The other margins are small but remain clear. Based on PSE centering criteria, this meets the Good (32) category, where perforations cut at least 0.2 mm into the design.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp presents a combination of faults, including:
Fault Classification
Moderate diagonal crease Fault
Pulled perforation at bottom right Fault
One shorter-to-short perf Very Minor Fault
One perf tip crease Very Minor Fault
These are consistent with a Major Fault classification per the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, which defines it as:
“Two or three faults, or a combination of minor faults.”
Soundness Classification: Major Fault
Soundness Deduction: –20 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforation Gauge: 12 (correct for issue)
Bottom-right perf is pulled, extending below the hole line.
One perf is short, and another shows a tip crease.
No signs of reperforation or trimming.
Margins are especially narrow on the bottom, where design is lost.

Cancellation Classification:
The cancellation consists of a heavy black smudged grid covering the majority of Franklin’s face and upper text, but:
The facial outline is still visible, including the eye, nose, and jawline.
The text “U.S. POSTAGE” is darkened but discernible.
This qualifies as a Very Heavy Cancel (not Obliterated) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.
Cancellation Classification: Very Heavy Cancel
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –15 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Component Score
Centering Grade 32 (Good)
Soundness Deduction –20 (Major Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade 12 (Fair)
Eye Appeal Adjustment –15 (Very Heavy Cancel)
Final Grade 5 (Poor – PO)
PSE policy sets 5 as the minimum grade for intact stamps that are not considered Damaged or Altered.

Final Summary:
Parameter Details
Scott Number 156
Condition Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering 32 (Good – perfs cut into design)
Soundness Major Fault (moderate crease, pulled perf, short perf, tip crease)
Perforations Perf 12, full, with pulled, short, and creased tips
Cancellation Very Heavy – obscures much of portrait and text, but not fully
Eye Appeal –15 points
Final Grade 5 (Poor – PO)

Final Verdict:
This example of Scott #156 exhibits severe wear, with perforations cutting into the design, multiple physical faults including a crease and pulled perf, and a very heavy cancel obscuring much of the face and inscription. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, the stamp earns a final grade of 5 (Poor) — the lowest assignable grade for a non-damaged stamp. It may be retained for reference or placeholder purposes in a comprehensive collection.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (714)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Store

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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