#151 Faded From Attempt To Remove Cancel?

I picked up this used, Scott #151, this morning at auction. I don't own an example of the Clay 12 cent. I thought, this one is nicely centered.
It sold for 5% of CV.

I wonder if it was ignored because, it appears faded and that fading was caused by someone trying to remove the cancel? Or, is the color normally dull on this issue?

The original shade of this stamp, from the National Bank Note Co. was not as deep nor as durable as its counterpart from the Continental Bank Note Co. These often appear rather washed out, like this, but since that is typical it is not per se a defect. Fresh and full color is a premium.

As for why it sold to you so cheaply, that could have more to do with how many people noticed it or how well known the seller is or is not. To me it looks like you got a great price on a nice stamp (despite a few perf problems and minor wrinkles). Good catch.

Stampcrow - nice catch!

For what it's worth, you can compare with the most fresh looking of my 4 speciemens. All of which are quite dull. I would gladly swop my batch of 4 with your well centered thing!

Thanks, both of you. It's excellent when I can fill a space, cheaply, with better than a space filler.