U. S. Scott #FA1 - Used - Graded G/VG

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

FA1

Stamp Type

Back of Book (Other) - Certified Mail

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1955

Item Description

Detailed Analysis of Scott #FA1 (Used, Never Hinged, No Gum)

Stamp Design & General Description
Scott #FA1, issued in 1955, is the first Certified Mail stamp of the United States. It was used to prepay fees for certified mail services, ensuring proof of mailing and delivery.

The design features a postal worker in uniform, holding mail and wearing a mailbag. The words "CERTIFIED MAIL" appear in bold, capitalized letters at the top, while "U.S. POSTAGE" is printed at the bottom. The denomination "15¢" is prominently displayed in the lower right corner.

This issue was intended only for Certified Mail fees and was not valid for postage on its own.

Detailed Condition Analysis
1. Centering (Grade: 78 - Fine/Very Fine)
The stamp is noticeably off-center, with one or two sides significantly closer to the perforations.
However, white space remains between the frameline and the perforations, ensuring the design is not cut into.
This centering falls under Fine/Very Fine (F-VF).
Centering Grade: 78.

2. Soundness (Fault: Light Crease)
The stamp has a light crease, which is considered a Fault in grading.
The stamp is otherwise intact with no tears, thins, or other major damage.
The perforations are fully intact and well-formed.
Fault Deduction: 30 points from centering grade.
Final Soundness Grade: Good/Very Good (40-49).

3. Perforations
The perforations are clean and well-executed.
No signs of trimming, reperforation, or missing perfs.
The stamp retains its original structure as issued in 1955.

4. Eye Appeal
The carmine rose color remains vibrant, with no fading.
The engraving is crisp, and details remain visible despite the crease.
However, the crease is slightly visible on the front, affecting overall appeal.
Given the strong color but visible crease, a -5 point eye appeal deduction is warranted.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Starting Grade:
Fine/Very Fine Centering (78).
Soundness Deduction:
Light Crease → -30 points (Fault Category).
Adjusted Grade: 48 (Good/Very Good).
Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Strong Color but Visible Crease → -5 Points.
Final Grade: 43 (Good/Very Good).

Final Grade & Summary
Centering: 78 (Fine/Very Fine).
Soundness: Light Crease (Fault Category, Deduction -30).
Eye Appeal: -5 Deduction for Visible Crease.
Final Grade: 43 (Good/Very Good - Low End).

Overall Assessment:
This Scott #FA1 (Used, No Gum, Light Crease) is a moderately collectible example, but its final grade of 43 (Good/Very Good - Low End) means it falls into the lower collectible range due to the crease.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (1042)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions