U. S. Scott #156 - Used - Graded Good (SL01-0001-01-03)

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
(U.S. Bank Note Company Issue – Continental Bank Note Printing, Perf 12)

Design Overview:
Scott #156, issued in 1873, is a 1¢ ultramarine stamp printed by the Continental Bank Note Company. The design features a left-facing portrait of Benjamin Franklin framed in an ornate oval with ornamental corner scrolls. “U.S. POSTAGE” appears above the portrait and “ONE CENT” is displayed at the bottom. This issue was produced using the line-engraving method on soft paper and perforated gauge 12.

The example presented is postally used, hinged, and has no original gum. The stamp retains its full design and rich ultramarine color but is impacted by centering and several minor condition issues.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 70 (Fine)
The design comes very close to the perforations at the top and right sides, but a thin line of white space remains visible to the unaided eye. The left margin is the widest, followed by the bottom. Overall balance is below average, consistent with Fine centering under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Soundness Evaluation:
Faults Present Include:
Very Minor Fault: Hinge remnant on reverse
Very Minor Fault: Light cancellation bleed-through visible from the back
Extremely Minor Fault: Small pencil notation on reverse
According to PSE standards, the combination of two very minor faults with an additional extremely minor fault places the stamp in the Minor Fault category.
Soundness Classification: Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –30 points

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 12 on all sides. All perforations are intact, though the upper right margin is close to the design. The left margin is the most generous, while the top is the narrowest. There are no signs of reperforation or trimming.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The black circular cancellation is moderately heavy, crossing Franklin’s face and extending into the background, partially obscuring the portrait. This qualifies as a Heavy cancel under the PSE guidelines, meriting a –10 point eye appeal adjustment.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 70 (Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –30 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 40 (Good/Very Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 (Heavy Cancel)
Final Grade: 30 (Good – G)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 156
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: Fine (70)
Soundness: Minor Fault (hinge remnant, light cancel bleed-through, pencil notation)
Perforations: Full, Perf 12, narrow top and right margins
Cancellation: Heavy black cancel over portrait
Eye Appeal: –10 points due to cancellation severity
Final Grade: 30 (Good – G)

Final Verdict:
This used, hinged example of Scott #156 presents Fine centering for the issue, with the left margin being the strongest and the top margin the tightest. While it retains strong color and a complete design, a combination of multiple small faults and a heavy cancel reduce its overall grade to Good (30) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (977)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions