U. S. Scott #206 - Used - Graded Good (LA01-0008-03-02)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

206

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

Fine

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1881

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #206 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
1¢ Ultramarine – Benjamin Franklin, 1881
(U.S. Bank Note Issue – American Bank Note Co., Engraved, Perf 12)

Design Overview:
Scott #206, issued in 1881, was printed by the American Bank Note Company. It features a left-facing portrait of Benjamin Franklin enclosed in an oval frame with ornamental scrollwork, “U.S. POSTAGE” inscribed at top, and “ONE CENT” displayed in curved panels at the bottom. Printed in ultramarine and line-perforated 12, this definitive is one of the late Bank Note issues.

The submitted example is used, hinged, and has no original gum. The overall color remains strong and the impression is typical for the issue.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 70 (Fine)
Margins are close on several sides but white space is still visible. The bottom margin is the narrowest, followed by the right; the top and left margins are more generous. This is consistent with Fine centering under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp shows a combination of very minor and extremely minor defects, qualifying it for the Minor Fault category. Present faults include one shorter perforation less than half normal length, a hinge remnant on the back, and one extremely minor short perf about half length. Together these classify as Minor Faults.
Soundness Deduction: –30 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perf 12 on all sides. A few tips are shorter than normal, but perforations are otherwise intact with no evidence of reperforation. Margins reflect the centering grade: bottom tightest, right narrower than top, and left most generous.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The stamp bears a black fancy star killer cancel, struck heavily across Franklin’s portrait. The cancel obscures much of the vignette and qualifies as a Heavy Cancel under PSE guidelines.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 points.
Collector Desirability Note: Fancy geometric cancels such as stars are of significant collector interest. While PSE grading deducts for its heaviness, the star design is more desirable than an ordinary killer and may command a premium among cancel specialists.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 70 (Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –30 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 40 (Good/Very Good – G-VG)
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 (Heavy Cancel)
Final Grade: 30 (Good – G)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 206
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: Fine (70)
Soundness: Minor Fault (short perforations, hinge remnant)
Perforations: Perf 12 intact, several short tips
Cancellation: Fancy black star killer cancel, heavy strike across portrait (–10)
Collector Desirability Note: Fancy star cancels are collectible specialties and may add desirability beyond the numerical grade
Eye Appeal: –10 points for heavy cancel coverage
Final Grade: 30 (Good – G)

Final Verdict:
This used example of Scott #206 shows Fine centering and typical margins for the issue, but is reduced in grade by short perforations, a hinge remnant, and a heavy strike across Franklin’s face. However, the fancy star killer cancel is a desirable feature that appeals strongly to cancel specialists, making this stamp more collectible than a plain-obliterator example despite its final grade of 30 (Good – G) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (825)

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

Public Questions