U. S. Scott #1022 - MNH [NA01-0185-02-03]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1022

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Mint (NH)

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

70 (Fine)

Year of Issue

1953

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #1022 (Unused, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
3¢ Purple – American Bar Association, 1953
(Commemorative Issue – Rotary Press Printing, Perf 11x10½, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Issued August 24, 1953, Scott #1022 commemorates the 75th anniversary of the American Bar Association. Designed by Charles R. Chickering and engraved by Richard M. Bower and Arthur W. Dintaman, the artwork adapts sculptor C. Paul Jennewein’s Liberty Under Law from the U.S. Department of Justice Building. The design features allegorical figures symbolizing Liberty, Law, and Justice, flanked by supporting motifs. The inscription reads “1878 • LIBERTY UNDER LAW • 1953.” The submitted example is unused, has full original gum, and is never hinged.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is clear of perforations on all sides but slightly unbalanced. The right margin is the narrowest, the left the widest, and the bottom narrower than the top. The frame remains fully intact, meeting PSE’s Fine/Very Fine definition (75–79 range) where one or two sides may be narrow but not touching the design.

Soundness Evaluation:
Extremely Minor Fault: One short perf about half normal length
Extremely Minor Fault: Minor natural gum bend
These faults constitute a Very Minor Fault classification under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide. The short perf is intact and only slightly shorter than normal; the gum bend is faint and natural. The stamp shows no thins, tears, or creases. Per the Numeric Grading Guidelines, Fine/Very Fine centering (75–79) combined with a Very Minor Fault results in a Fine numeric grade (70–74). A deduction of 5 points is applied.

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11x10½ by rotary press, the perforations are genuine, intact, and evenly spaced. One short perf is noted near the lower edge but does not enter the design. Margins are narrowest on the right and bottom and widest on the left and top, typical of rotary press issues. There is no evidence of trimming or reperforation.

Cancellation Evaluation:
Not applicable. This stamp is mint, unused, and bears no cancel.

Collector’s Note:
Scott #1022 is among the most elegant of the 1950s commemoratives, blending neoclassical artistry with legal symbolism. Its refined engraving and rich purple tone make it a standout among mid-century issues. Never hinged examples with full gum remain desirable to collectors of law and government themes.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Color is vivid purple with sharp impression and clean paper tone. The gum is bright and fresh with only a light natural bend visible. The stamp’s overall appearance is strong and balanced, warranting a small positive adjustment.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +3 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 76 (Fine/Very Fine – F-VF)
Soundness Deduction: –5 (Very Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 71 (Fine – F)
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +3 (Fresh color and gum)
Final Grade: 74 (Fine – F)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1022
Condition: Unused, Never Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Very Minor Fault (short perf; gum bend) –5 deduction
Perforations: 11x10½, genuine and intact
Cancellation: None (mint issue)
Eye Appeal: +3 for freshness and color
Final Grade: 74 (Fine – F)

Summary:
This never hinged mint example of the 1953 American Bar Association issue shows Fine/Very Fine centering with slightly narrow right and bottom margins. The minor short perf and faint gum bend are unobtrusive natural traits. Strong purple color, crisp impression, and bright gum contribute to solid visual appeal. According to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide and Numeric Grading Guidelines (70–74 = Fine), these characteristics yield a final grade of 74 (Fine) — a clean, collectible, well-preserved commemorative reflecting balanced centering and excellent condition.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (913)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions