U. S. Scott #156 - Used [SL01-0001-04-01]

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 as part of the second Banknote series printed by the National Bank Note Company. It features a left-facing profile of Benjamin Franklin within a dark oval frame surrounded by ornate scrollwork. “U.S. POSTAGE” appears at the top, and “ONE CENT” at the bottom. This stamp was printed on soft porous paper and perforated 12, replacing earlier hard-paper issues from the same series.

This example is postally used, has been hinged, and lacks original gum. While it maintains integrity and legibility, it exhibits clear signs of wear from handling, usage, and aging.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
All four margins are fully clear of the design. The left and bottom margins are wider, while the top and right are narrower but still meet the 0.4 mm minimum for Fine/Very Fine centering. Though unbalanced, this centering falls squarely into the F/VF category under PSE grading standards for large Banknote issues.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp exhibits a combination of multiple faults that fall under the “Fault” classification per the 2009 PSE Grading Guide:
Light diagonal crease (Minor Fault)
Toning spots visible on the back (Minor Fault)
Hinge remnant (Very Minor Fault – noted, but not included in the soundness deduction)
Two shorter perforations (Extremely Minor Faults)
Two fuzzy or ragged perfs (Extremely Minor Faults)
Per the PSE soundness chart, “two or three minor faults or a combination of minor and very minor faults” qualifies the stamp as having Fault soundness.
Soundness Classification: Fault
Soundness Deduction: –30 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 12 on all sides, consistent with the issue.
Two shorter perforations (about half the standard length) and two ragged tips are visible.
All perforations are intact; there is no sign of reperforation, trimming, or scissors cuts.
Margins are full and uncut, with the design safely within bounds.

Cancellation Classification:
The stamp has a heavy horizontal black bar cancellation across Franklin’s portrait and the "U.S. POSTAGE" label. The dark cancel dominates the central image and obscures key facial and text features.
Cancellation Classification: Very Heavy Cancel
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –15 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Component Score
Centering Grade 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction –30 (Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade 48 (Good/Very Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment –15 (Very Heavy Cancel)
Final Grade 33 (Good – G)

Final Summary:
Parameter Details
Scott Number 156
Condition Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Fault (light crease, toning, hinge remnant, short/fuzzy perfs)
Perforations Perf 12, full, with shorter and ragged tips
Cancellation Very Heavy – obscures portrait and upper label
Eye Appeal –15 point deduction due to cancellation severity
Final Grade 33 (Good – G)

Final Verdict:
This used, hinged example of Scott #156 shows Fine/Very Fine centering and complete perforations. However, multiple minor and very minor faults (including a crease and toning), along with a very heavy cancel, reduce its desirability. The final grade of 33 (Good) reflects the stamp’s strong core appearance tempered by visible detractors, consistent with the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (1021)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions