U. S. Scott #159 - Used - Graded G/VG (LA01-0007-02-01)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

159

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 #159 (Used, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
6¢ Dull Pink – Abraham Lincoln, 1873
(Bank Note Issue – Engraved, Perf 12, Hard White Paper)

Design Overview:
Scott #159 is a 6¢ dull pink stamp issued in 1873 as part of the Continental Bank Note Company’s Bank Note series. It features a left-facing portrait of Abraham Lincoln, engraved within an oval frame flanked by shaded corner ornaments. The denomination appears in bold script at the bottom with “U.S. POSTAGE” above. This issue was printed on hard white paper and perforated 12, and it served a variety of domestic and international postal rates.

This example is postally used, has never been hinged, and does not retain original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is clearly clear of the perforations on all sides, though the top margin is slightly narrow, with perforations approaching—but not touching—the frame. The bottom margin is the widest, with left and right sides appearing moderately balanced. This qualifies for a Fine/Very Fine (77) centering grade under the PSE guidelines.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp exhibits the following faults:
Fault: One pulled perforation, clearly below the base of the perf holes
Very Minor Fault: One shorter to short perf, less than half normal length
Extremely Minor Faults: Two shorter perforations, approximately half length
This combination places the stamp into the Fault category per the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, where a pulled perf combined with other minor issues requires a moderate deduction.
Soundness Classification: Fault
Soundness Deduction: –30 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 12 on all sides. All perforations are present, though there is one visible pulled perf (likely top center), and several short or blunted tips. There is no evidence of reperforation or trimming. The bottom margin helps offset some visual imbalance, and overall perforation integrity is fair.

Cancellation Classification:
The stamp bears a heavy black grid cancel, covering a significant portion of Lincoln’s face and forehead. The cancellation is smudgy and reduces visual clarity, though it is not extreme.
Cancellation Classification: Heavy Cancel
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –30 (Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 47
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5 (Heavy cancel obscures portrait)
Final Grade: 42 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 159
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Fault (pulled perf, short perfs)
Perforations: Perf 12, intact with faults noted
Cancellation: Heavy black grid cancel across portrait
Eye Appeal: –5 points for obscured facial detail
Final Grade: 42 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Verdict:
This used example of Scott #159 exhibits solid centering and overall visual balance. However, a pulled perf, additional short perfs, and a heavy cancel obscuring Lincoln’s face reduce the stamp's appeal and structural integrity. The final grade of 42 (Good/Very Good) reflects this balance between centering quality and moderate faults, consistent with the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (720)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

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Store

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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