Some New Additions To My Collection

All I know is the PF opined twice that it was faintly cancelled.

The arguers for it being unused were/are prior owners and seller(s) of it, each of whom has a vested interest in realizing a higher sale price.

Maybe it is unused, I have no idea, but you always have to consider the source of information.

edit: reededge - if I were in your shoes, I'd probably show the stamp informally to some dealer friends, who are expert at this and see what their take is.

Tx-- somehow I knew you would know something about this one!! :)

You are 100% correct with everything stated, and quite honestly, I don't know if it is "faintly canceled" or not. I did not buy this stamp for this reason. At this juncture, this is my single most important and valuable stamp, so I had some prerequisites before I bought it: It had to show all design elements clearly, including balls and scrolls. I did not want the design elements to be obscured by a cancellation. I wanted good color with ample margins. Finally, I did not want any major faults. The fact that this stamp had a tiny thin reduced its value to fit my budget. So, after viewing the stamp and talking at length with Scott Trepel, I made the decision to pursue this. Scott advocated that I get it re-certed which I may eventually do. But, for the time being, it occupies a vital spot in my album and brings my regular-issue U.S. definitive collection one stamp closer to completion, a goal which hopefully I will be able to someday accomplish.

rgstamp - For this stamp issue I would honestly prefer having margins that show the design over a small thin or tiny repaired tear or minute crease. This issue is about observing the full design. Soundness to me is less important

I agree with rgstamp - a tiny thin is much less important to me than eye appeal. Your #5 is a great looking stamp, and I think you got it at a fair price.