Landing Of Columbus "Broken Hat" - Condition?

This stamp appears to be Landing of Columbus "Broken Hat" version.
Is the broken hat version significantly more rare then the standard?

Is the darken round spot the "cancel" or just an unwanted marking of a different kind?

Also, how does one grade condition of a stamp over 120 years old?
This stamp for example seems to be in ok condition given its age, however, I do not know what to compare it to...?

thanks,
dave

Yes, that's the broken hat variety. These are common, and valued at $3.50 used in my 2011 Scott US Specialized Catalog, versus 30 cents for the normal variety.

That dark round spot is a cork cancel.

The centering is very nice, and the cancel is fairly light, but you've got some pulled perfs on the left side near the top, significantly reducing the value, probably to 10 percent or less of catalog value. There is also some edge toning, which also brings down the value.

Still, it is an enjoyable variety to own, and the broken hat is not covered by the cancel, a big plus!

The "Broken Hat" variety carries premium above the regular version. For comparison, my 2012 Scotts Specialty Catalogue lists a used version of Columbus Landing at .30 cents, but a Broken Hat at $3.50.

As to your specific stamp, the black mark appears to be a "cancel", however, the brown stain along the lower right corner appears to be foxing which is sort of like "mold". There are some nibbled perfs at the bottom and upper left edge. The stamp is nicely centered and the cancel does not kill the main image. I would call the stamp "Average" at best.

As to "resale" value, here is one comparison at Stamps2Go.com: http://www.stamps2go.com/Item.aspx?...Ref=DRjim100

Thank you for the info!