U.S. Scott #1131 - Used - [NA01-0203-03-01]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1131

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1959

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #1131 (Used, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
4¢ Blue & Red – St. Lawrence Seaway, 1959
(Joint U.S.–Canada Issue – Engraved & Typographed, Perf 11)

Design Overview:
Released in 1959 as a joint commemorative with Canada, Scott #1131 honors the completion of the St. Lawrence Seaway, a milestone that opened the Great Lakes to ocean-going vessels. The bold red inscriptions frame a deep blue map of the Seaway, upon which two interlinked rings hold the maple leaf and the American eagle—an emblematic pairing of the two nations’ partnership. Engraved and typographed, the design exhibits crisp delineation and a pleasing visual rhythm typical of mid-century commemoratives.
The submitted example is postally used, never hinged, and retains no original gum, consistent with postal handling and removal.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
The stamp presents clear white space surrounding the design, with one or two margins visibly narrow. The right margin is the tightest, the bottom margin is the widest, and the left margin is narrower than the top. The perforation holes remain well clear of the design. This balance fits the description for Fine/Very Fine centering and aligns with the user-assigned grade of 79.

Soundness Evaluation:
Faults Present:
Minor Fault: Multiple perf creases
Very Minor Fault: Light dirt smudging/spotting on back of stamp
Soundness Classification: Minor Fault
Per the 2009 PSE guide, Minor Fault soundness combined with Fine/Very Fine centering falls within the Very Good 50–59 range.
Soundness Deduction: –20

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11 on all sides, with intact teeth and no indications of trimming or reperforation. Perf creases are visible upon magnification but do not distort the shape of the perforations. Margin distribution matches the centering assessment: right margin narrowest, bottom widest.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The machine cancel is light to moderate and crosses the lower portion of the design near UNITED STATES without obscuring the central motifs. It qualifies as a Neat/Clean cancel under PSE guidelines, which carries no adjustment.
Cancellation Classification: Neat/Clean
Eye Appeal Impact: 0

Collector’s Note:
Despite perf creasing and minor back smudging, the stamp remains visually strong with excellent color and a clean, unobtrusive cancel. Used examples with Fine/Very Fine centering are desirable on this popular joint-issue commemorative.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Color is bright, impression sharp, and paper fresh. No excessive canceling ink or discoloration affects the face.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 59
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 59 (Very Good–Fine)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1131
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (–20 for perf creases and back smudging)
Perforations: Perf 11, intact with perf creases
Cancellation: Neat/Clean machine cancel, no deduction
Eye Appeal: 0, strong color and clean presentation
Final Grade: 59 (Very Good–Fine)

Summary:
This used Scott #1131 offers Fine/Very Fine centering and bright, original color, offset by perf creasing and minor smudging on the reverse. The unobtrusive cancel preserves design clarity, supporting a final grade of 59 (Very Good–Fine) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

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