U. S. Scott #156 - Used - Graded Poor (SL01-0001-08-03)

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, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
1¢ Ultramarine – Benjamin Franklin, 1873
(Bank Note Issue – Engraved, Perf 12, Hard White Paper)

Design Overview:
Scott #156 is a 1¢ ultramarine stamp from the 1873 Bank Note Issue printed by the Continental Bank Note Company. It features a left-facing portrait of Benjamin Franklin in an oval frame, surrounded by ornamental scrollwork. The numeral denomination “ONE CENT” appears prominently at the bottom. This issue was produced on hard white paper and perforated 12, representing a transition in U.S. postage printing methods and paper types.

This example is postally used, has never been hinged, and has no original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 33 (Good)
The right side perforations cut significantly into the design, with a portion of Franklin’s hair lost to the perf teeth—exceeding 0.2mm and clearly into the portrait. The bottom perforations just touch the frame, while the left and top margins are much wider, creating a lopsided appearance. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, this qualifies as Good centering.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp exhibits the following faults:
Fault: Multiple ragged or short perforations, especially along the top and left edges, with some being approximately half their normal length
Minor Fault: A small pinhole in Franklin's neck, visible from both front and back
Minor Fault: Two small corner creases, located at the bottom left and upper right
This combination of multiple minor faults and structural issues qualifies the stamp for a Major Fault classification.
Soundness Classification: Major Fault
Soundness Deduction: –21 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 12 on all four sides. While most perforations are technically present, several are short or blunted, particularly at top left. No evidence of reperforation is observed, but the overall presentation of the perforations is degraded due to their irregular and incomplete appearance.

Cancellation Classification:
The stamp bears a heavy black grid-style cancellation across Franklin’s face. Although typical for the period, this type of cancel covers much of the central portrait.
Cancellation Classification: Heavy Cancel
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 33 (Good)
Soundness Deduction: –21 (Major Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 12
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5 (Heavy Cancel)
Final Grade: 7 (Poor – PO)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 156
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 33 (Good)
Soundness: Major Fault (short perfs, pinhole, corner creases)
Perforations: Perf 12, several short or ragged
Cancellation: Heavy black grid cancel over portrait
Eye Appeal: –5 for cancellation and pinhole visibility
Final Grade: 7 (Poor – PO)

Final Verdict:
This used example of Scott #156 suffers from both significant perforation intrusions into the design and multiple structural faults, including a visible pinhole, corner creases, and numerous short perfs. Combined with a heavy facial cancel, these factors result in a final grade of 7 (Poor) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (714)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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