U. S. Scott #156 - Used [SD22-0001-04-01]

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
(Bank Note Issue – Engraved, Hard White Paper, Perf 12)

Design Overview
Scott #156 is the first 1¢ denomination produced by the Continental Bank Note Company in 1873, printed on hard white paper and perforated 12. It features a finely engraved portrait of Benjamin Franklin in profile facing left, enclosed in a decorative oval frame, with “U.S. POSTAGE” inscribed above and “ONE CENT” below. This issue continued the ornate design tradition of the National Bank Note series it replaced.

The submitted example is postally used, hinged, and lacks original gum. While the portrait is still identifiable, the design is substantially compromised by cancellation and wear.

Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: 30 (Good)
The perforations on the top and left sides cut directly into the design, removing part of Franklin’s head and the “U.S. POSTAGE” inscription. This aligns with the PSE description of “Good” centering: perforations cut well into the design and cause loss of detail. The remaining margins are slightly better but still offer little balance or white space.

Soundness Evaluation
The stamp exhibits a combination of minor and very minor faults:

Minor Fault: Small corner crease (bottom left)

Minor Fault: Partial gum remaining on the reverse, disturbing the paper surface

Very Minor Fault: Two light perf tip creases (bottom right and top left)

Extremely Minor Fault: Pencil annotation on the reverse (“542”)

This constitutes a "Fault" under the 2009 PSE guidelines.
Soundness Deduction: –17

Perforations and Margins
Perforation gauge is 12, correct for the issue. While all perforations are present, they appear ragged in several areas. The top and left sides show visible intrusions into the printed design. The bottom and right margins are marginally better but still offer limited clearance, contributing to the overall Good centering grade.

Cancellation Classification
The stamp bears a heavy black cancel that obscures a substantial portion of the design, including Franklin’s face and the upper inscription. This qualifies as a Very Heavy Cancel under PSE standards.
Eye Appeal Deduction: –15

Eye Appeal Evaluation
Despite average ultramarine color and reasonably clear impression, the visual integrity of the stamp is significantly degraded by the obtrusive cancellation. The central portrait and surrounding detail are partially lost beneath the ink.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Centering Grade: 30
Soundness Deduction: –17
Adjusted Base Grade: 13
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –15
Final Calculated Score: –2
Minimum Grade Applied: 5 (Poor - PO)
Per PSE policy, stamps without actual physical damage may not be graded below 5.

Final Summary
Scott Number: 156
Denomination: 1¢
Color: Ultramarine
Issue Year: 1873
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: Good (30) – Perfs cut well into the design on top and left
Soundness: Fault – Corner crease, partial gum disturbance, perf tip creases, pencil marks
Perforations: Perf 12 – Intact but irregular
Cancellation: Very Heavy – Obscures portrait and top inscription
Eye Appeal: Substantially reduced due to cancel
Final Grade: 5 (Poor - PO)

Final Verdict
This example of Scott #156 is heavily compromised in all grading categories. Deeply intrusive perforations, multiple condition faults, and a severe cancel that overwhelms the central portrait result in a final grade of 5 (Poor - PO), the lowest possible for a stamp without structural damage. While of limited appeal in high-grade collections, it still holds historical and cataloging significance.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (936)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions