U. S. Scott #1024 - MNH [NA01-0185-03-02]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1024

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Mint (NH)

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1953

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #1024 (Unused, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
3¢ Deep Ultramarine – Future Farmers of America, 1953
(Commemorative Issue – Rotary Press Printing, Perf 11)

Design Overview:
Scott #1024 commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Future Farmers of America (1928–1953). Issued in 1953, the design by Charles R. Chickering and engraved by M.D. Fenton features a young farmer overlooking plowed fields and a barn under a bright sky, symbolizing agricultural leadership and progress. “U.S. Postage 3¢” appears at the upper left, with “1928–1953” and “Future Farmers of America” below. The submitted example is unused, never hinged, and retains full original gum with a mild natural sheen.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is well balanced, though the bottom and right margins are narrow, with the top the most generous. The perforations are clear of the design and show no cutting into the frame. Margins are unequal but consistent with Fine/Very Fine centering under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, typical of rotary press issues of the period.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp is intact and structurally sound with no thins, tears, or repairs. Gum is original and never hinged, showing no disturbance. The following minor issue is noted:
Very Minor Fault: Light dirt smudging and faint reverse spotting.
Under PSE definitions, this qualifies as a Very Minor Fault and results in a small deduction.

Soundness Classification: Very Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –5 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated gauge 11 on all sides, the stamp shows sharp, fully formed holes without trimming or reperforation. The bottom margin is narrowest, followed by the right, while the left and top remain wider and balanced. The perforations are intact and consistent with Fine/Very Fine centering.

Cancellation Evaluation:
Not applicable. The stamp is unused and never hinged with full original gum.

Collector’s Note:
This commemorative issue remains popular for its strong symbolic design and fine engraving detail. The stamp’s vibrant color, original gum, and overall freshness make it an appealing and representative example of postwar U.S. commemoratives.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Color is bright deep ultramarine with a crisp impression and fresh paper. Minor reverse smudging is visible but does not detract from front presentation. The gum remains smooth and untoned. A minor deduction is applied for light discoloration on the back.

Eye Appeal Adjustment: –2 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –5 (Very Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 71
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –2 (Minor reverse soiling)
Final Grade: 69 (Fine)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1024
Condition: Unused, Never Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Very Minor Fault (light dirt smudging on back)
Perforations: Perf 11, intact and full
Cancellation: None (unused)
Eye Appeal: –2 adjustment for reverse discoloration
Final Grade: 69 (Fine)

Summary:
This never hinged example of the 1953 Future Farmers of America 3¢ issue shows Fine/Very Fine centering, full perforations, and strong color. The only detracting factor is light soiling on the reverse, producing a modest deduction and resulting in a final grade of Fine (69). It remains a fresh, well-preserved postwar commemorative and a solid representative under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

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