U. S. Scott #1022 - Used [LA01-0065-01-03]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1022

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1953

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #1022 (Used, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
3¢ Purple – American Bar Association, 1953
(Commemorative Issue – Engraved Printing, Perf 11)

Design Overview:
Scott #1022 was issued August 28, 1953, marking the 75th anniversary of the American Bar Association. The design, engraved by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, portrays allegorical figures of Law, Liberty, and Justice before the American flag, symbolizing the motto “Liberty Under Law.” Inscriptions read “AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION,” “1878 • LIBERTY UNDER LAW • 1953,” and “U.S. POSTAGE 3¢.” The evaluated example is a used, never-hinged single without original gum, showing a heavy black slogan cancel over the design.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is off-center slightly toward the bottom and left, yet the perforations remain clear of the design on all sides. The bottom margin is narrowest, followed by the left; the right and top are comfortably full. The stamp meets PSE’s Fine/Very Fine centering definition, where margins are clear though one or two sides may be narrow.

Soundness Evaluation:
Two visible diagonal creases across the back constitute a Major Fault. A light corner perf crease adds a Very Minor Fault, and faint pencil writing on the reverse counts as an Extremely Minor Fault. The paper is sound otherwise, with no tears or repairs. Under the 2009 PSE Table of Soundness, this combination equals Major Fault soundness, requiring a 45-point deduction from the centering grade.

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11 on all sides, consistent with the issue. The perforations are intact though slightly irregular along the bottom edge. No evidence of trimming or reperforation appears. The bottom margin is tight, the left modest, the top balanced, and the right broad. These proportions confirm Fine/Very Fine centering.

Cancellation Evaluation:
A bold black machine cancel bearing the slogan “Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires” runs vertically across the central figures and inscription. It obscures key parts of the vignette, qualifying as a very heavy cancel under PSE Eye Appeal standards. The cancel’s darkness and position detract notably from the design, resulting in a –10 adjustment.

Collector’s Note:
The 1953 American Bar Association issue is admired for its classical engraving and symbolic design. While the example suffers from structural and aesthetic flaws, its vibrant color and complete perforations retain some visual merit for a used commemorative of this period.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Color is deep violet, the impression sharp, and paper fresh. However, the heavy cancel obscures the central motif, reducing clarity. Eye appeal warrants a –10 adjustment.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –45 (Major Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 34
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 (very heavy slogan cancel)
Final Grade: 24 (Fair/Good – FR/G)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1022
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Major Fault (two creases, corner perf crease, pencil mark)
Perforations: Perf 11, intact but uneven bottom edge
Cancellation: Very heavy slogan cancel obscuring design
Eye Appeal: –10 for heavy placement and loss of clarity
Final Grade: 24 (Fair/Good – FR/G)

Summary:
This used, never-hinged example of the 1953 American Bar Association commemorative displays Fine/Very Fine centering and full perforations but is limited by two creases and a bold slogan cancel that obscures much of the design. Despite strong color and paper freshness, condition and eye appeal reduce its grade. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, the final grade of 24 (Fair/Good) accurately represents a collectible but heavily faulted used example combining Fine/Very Fine centering with Major Fault soundness and poor eye appeal.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (895)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions