U. S. Scott #C59

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

C59

Stamp Type

Air Mail

Condition

Unused

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1960

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #C59 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
25¢ Deep Red & Black – Abraham Lincoln Airmail, 1960
(Airmail Tribute to Leadership – “Of the People, By the People, For the People”)

?️ Design Overview
Scott #C59 was issued in 1960 and features a dignified black engraved portrait of Abraham Lincoln, surrounded by one of his most iconic phrases. The right panel features a stylized “US AIR MAIL” inscription in deep red, topped with a silhouette of a jet aircraft. This stamp reflects both reverence for American democracy and mid-century design sensibilities, serving as a symbol of national pride during the Cold War.

? Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: Fine/Very Fine (77)
Top Margin: Clear and reasonably even
Bottom Margin: Slightly narrower, but not crowding the design
Left Margin: Balanced with full frameline
Right Margin: Narrowest of all sides, but within tolerance
Framelines: Fully intact with no design loss
? Assigned Centering Grade: 77

? Soundness Evaluation
Gum: None (used stamp)
Hinging: Clear hinge remnant visible at top center
Back Condition:
? Very Minor Fault – Light ink transfer from front design
? Very Minor Fault – Hinge mark / remnant
? These two very minor faults collectively qualify as a Minor Fault
? Soundness Deduction: –20
? Adjusted Base Grade: 77 – 20 = 57

✂️ Perforations & Margins
Perforations: Fully intact; no short, ragged, or pulled teeth

Margins: Slight vertical and right-heavy imbalance, but all sides are clear
? Perforation Evaluation: Structurally excellent

? Cancellation Evaluation
Aspect Observation Impact
Type Horizontal wavy-line machine cancel Neutral
Placement Crosses Lincoln’s jaw and mid-design, somewhat distracting –5 pts
Visibility Design remains fully legible and distinct
? Cancellation Impact: –5

?️ Eye Appeal Evaluation
Aspect Observation Impact
Color Deep red and rich black inks remain strong +1
Impression Clean, engraved detail with no inking flaws +1
Freshness Clean surface despite cancel and minor back issues +1
Balance Slight tilt to the right visually, still presentable 0
Visible Faults Cancel crosses central facial features slightly –1
? Eye Appeal Bonus: +2

? Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Component Score
Centering Grade 77
Soundness Deduction –20
Subtotal 57
Cancellation Impact –5
Subtotal 52
Eye Appeal Bonus +2
Final Grade 54 ✅

? Final Summary
Attribute Details
Scott # C59
Format Single Stamp (Used, Hinged)
Condition No Gum, Hinge Remnant (Minor Fault), Light Ink Transfer
Centering Fine/Very Fine (77)
Soundness –20 – Two Very Minor Faults = Minor Fault
Cancellation –5 – Machine cancel crosses center
Eye Appeal +2 – Bold color and detail, minor visual distraction
Final Grade 54 (Very Good) ✅

? Final Verdict
This Scott #C59 – 25¢ Lincoln Airmail used example combines sharp presentation with a few notable imperfections. A hinge remnant and light ink transfer on the back result in a Minor Fault, while the centered machine cancel lightly obscures Lincoln’s jawline. Despite this, the overall appeal of the stamp remains solid, earning a respectable 54 (Very Good). A fine addition for collectors focusing on used historical airmail issues. ✈️??‍♂️

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (557)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

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Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions