U. S. Scott #1023 - Used [LA01-0065-02-01]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1023

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 #1023 (Used, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
3¢ Green – Sagamore Hill, Oyster Bay, N.Y. (Home of Theodore Roosevelt), 1953
(Commemorative Issue – Engraved Printing, Perf 11)

Design Overview:
Scott #1023 was issued October 27, 1953, to honor Theodore Roosevelt and his home, Sagamore Hill, in Oyster Bay, New York. The stamp depicts the residence framed by trees, symbolizing Roosevelt’s love of family and nature. The inscriptions read “U.S. POSTAGE,” “SAGAMORE HILL, OYSTER BAY, N.Y.,” and “HOME OF THEODORE ROOSEVELT.” Produced by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, this issue reflects the balanced, precise engraving typical of early 1950s commemoratives. The submitted example is a used, never-hinged single without original gum, canceled with horizontal black machine lines.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is slightly high and right of center, but all margins are visible. The right margin is the narrowest, the top slightly tight, the left full, and the bottom evenly balanced. The perforations are clear of the frame, fitting the PSE definition of Fine/Very Fine centering, where one or two margins are narrow but not touching the design.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp shows three small imperfections. Light dirt smudging and faint spotting appear on the reverse, a subtle corner perf crease is visible at upper right, and a pencil mark (“1023”) is written on the back. The paper is intact with no tears or thins. These combine to yield a Minor Fault soundness classification under the 2009 PSE Guide, requiring a 20-point deduction from the centering grade.

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11 on all sides, consistent with the issue. All perforations are full and intact with only minor unevenness along the right edge. There is no trimming or reperforation. The bottom margin is even, the right narrowest, the top slightly tight, and the left widest—proportions typical of Fine/Very Fine centering.

Cancellation Evaluation:
A black machine cancel of horizontal wavy lines runs across the middle of the design, passing through the building but leaving text and outer frames readable. The cancel is evenly struck and of moderate strength, classifying as an average cancel under PSE standards. It neither improves nor diminishes visual appeal, so no adjustment is applied.

Collector’s Note:
The Sagamore Hill commemorative concludes the 1953 historical series and is admired for its rich engraving and strong green tone. While minor imperfections reduce its technical score, the stamp retains fresh color, clear detail, and well-proportioned margins that reflect careful preservation.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The ink remains vivid, and the paper tone is bright. The cancel is balanced, of average weight, and does not obscure key details. Minor reverse smudging is not visible from the front. Eye Appeal Adjustment: ±0.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 57
Eye Appeal Adjustment: ±0
Final Grade: 57 (Very Good – VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1023
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (light back smudge, corner perf crease, pencil mark)
Perforations: Perf 11, intact and complete
Cancellation: Average machine cancel, centered across design
Eye Appeal: ±0 (neutral impact)
Final Grade: 57 (Very Good – VG)

Summary:
This used, never-hinged example of the 1953 Sagamore Hill commemorative shows Fine/Very Fine centering, strong color, and full perforations. Minor reverse marks and a light corner crease slightly lower the grade but do not detract from overall presentation. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, the final grade of 57 (Very Good) accurately represents a collectible used example combining Fine/Very Fine centering with Minor Fault soundness and balanced appearance.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (896)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions