U. S. Scott #1008 - Used - [LA01-0063-04-02]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1008

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

75 (F/VF)

Year of Issue

1952

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #1008 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
3¢ Violet – NATO 1952, Peace, Strength, Freedom
(Commemorative Issue – Rotary Press Printing, Perf 11, No Watermark)

Design Overview:
Scott #1008 was issued in 1952 to commemorate the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), established in 1949 to promote collective defense among Western nations during the early Cold War. The design depicts two clasped hands raising a flaming torch above the globe, symbolizing peace, strength, and freedom. Radiating light fills the background with the bold inscription “NATO,” while “U.S. POSTAGE 3¢” is flanked on either side. The bottom inscription, “PEACE • STRENGTH • FREEDOM,” emphasizes the alliance’s ideals. The submitted example is a postally used single stamp, hinged, with no original gum remaining.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is fully clear of the perforations, but the bottom margin is noticeably narrow, and the right margin is also somewhat smaller than the left. The top margin is the most generous, creating visible imbalance. Per PSE standards, this qualifies as Fine/Very Fine centering.

Soundness Evaluation:
Faultless: The stamp is completely sound, free of any thins, tears, creases, or other physical damage.

Soundness Classification: Faultless
Soundness Deduction: –0

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated gauge 11 on all sides, consistent with the issue. All perforations are intact, with no signs of clipping, raggedness, or reperforation. Margins are slightly uneven, with the bottom margin the most narrow, followed by the right; the left and top margins are stronger.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The stamp bears a light to moderate machine cancel, running horizontally across the design. The cancel does not heavily obscure the central imagery of the torch or the inscriptions. According to PSE definitions, this qualifies as a Neat/Clean Cancel with no negative adjustment to grade.

Collector’s Note:
This NATO commemorative is popular with collectors of Cold War–era political themes and alliance history. As a faultless used example with an attractive, unobtrusive cancel, it represents a desirable collectible despite its modest centering.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The violet color is strong, the impression is sharp, and the paper remains fresh. The cancel placement is unobtrusive. No deduction or bonus is warranted.

Eye Appeal Adjustment: ±0

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –0 (Faultless)
Adjusted Base Grade: 77
Eye Appeal Adjustment: ±0
Final Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1008
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Faultless (–0 deduction)
Perforations: Perf 11, intact and even
Cancellation: Light to moderate machine cancel, neatly placed
Eye Appeal: No adjustment, fresh color and unobtrusive cancel
Final Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)

Final Verdict:
This used example of Scott #1008 presents Fine/Very Fine centering with narrow bottom and right margins balanced by fuller top and left. The stamp is entirely faultless, with intact perforations and no physical flaws. Its neat cancellation allows the design to remain clear, and strong color supports its overall presentation. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, it earns a final grade of Fine/Very Fine 77, making it a sound and attractive collectible for NATO commemoratives.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (1014)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions