U. S. Scott #156 - Used - Graded Poor (SL01-0001-06-01)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

156

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

VG & Below

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 from the 1873 National Bank Note Company series. It features a left-facing bust of Benjamin Franklin in a shaded oval with “U.S. POSTAGE” across the top and “ONE CENT” below. This issue marked the transition from hard paper to soft porous paper and was printed with 12-gauge perforations. The 1¢ denomination was used extensively for circulars and printed matter.

This example is postally used, previously hinged, and does not retain original gum. Despite general design legibility, the specimen suffers from significant faults and edge trimming.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 56 (Very Good)
This stamp’s design is extremely close to the perforations on the left and bottom, and appears to slightly touch the frameline at one or more points. The right and top margins are more generous. The design loss is minimal but clearly places it into the Very Good centering category (approximately 0.1mm margin remaining on at least one side).

Soundness Evaluation:
Faults Present Classification
Two cut e
Both the left and top edges appear trimmed or cut, rather than properly perforated. The holes are completely absent along these edges. This meets the 2009 PSE definition of a Severe Fault (e.g., multiple trimmed edges, large repairs, or significant alteration).
Soundness Classification: Severe Fault
Soundness Deduction: –41 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforation Gauge: Correct at 12 on the top and right only
Left and bottom edges are completely imperforate, indicating trimming or cutting
Top and right sides have intact perforations
The presence of two cut edges seriously impacts both soundness and market value

Cancellation Classification:
The stamp bears a horizontal black cancel across the lower half of the design, including Franklin’s collar and portions of the oval.
The face and upper text remain visible
The cancel is dark but not obliterating
This qualifies as a Heavy Cancel, not very heavy or obliterated.
Cancellation Classification: Heavy Cancel
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Component Score
Centering Grade 56 (Very Good)
Soundness Deduction –41 (Severe Fault – 2 cut edges)
Adjusted Base Grade 15 (Fair)
Eye Appeal Adjustment –10 (Heavy Cancel)
Final Grade 5 (Poor – PO)
Per PSE guidelines, the minimum grade for an intact, non-damaged stamp is 5 (Poor) even when calculated grade is lower.

Final Summary:
Parameter Details
Scott Number 156
Condition Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering 56 (Very Good – touching or nearly touching on two sides)
Soundness Severe Fault (trimmed left and bottom edges)
Perforations Perf 12 (top/right), cut on left and bottom
Cancellation Heavy – dark strike across lower design but face remains visible
Eye Appeal –10 points
Final Grade 5 (Poor – PO)

Final Verdict:
This used Scott #156 displays partial design visibility and somewhat balanced margins, but the presence of two trimmed edges results in a Severe Fault classification. A heavy cancellation further detracts from its visual appeal. While technically still collectible, this specimen is best suited for reference or placeholder use. The final assigned grade under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide is 5 (Poor – PO).

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (673)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions