U. S. Scott #1026 - MNH [LA01-0065-03-02]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1026

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 #1026 (Unused, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
3¢ Deep Violet – General George S. Patton, Jr., 1953
(Commemorative Issue – Rotary Press Printing, Perf 11×10½, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Issued on November 11, 1953, this commemorative honors General George S. Patton, Jr., and the armored forces of the United States Army. Designed and engraved by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, the vignette depicts Patton in uniform with tanks advancing behind him, symbolizing leadership and mobility in modern warfare. The inscription reads “HONORING GEN. GEORGE S. PATTON, JR. AND THE ARMORED FORCES OF THE U.S. ARMY.” The stamp was part of a post-war series celebrating distinguished military leaders. The evaluated example is unused, never hinged, and retains original gum with bold color and a clean rotary-press impression.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
The margins are all clear of the design, with the right margin the narrowest and the left the broadest. The top margin is slightly narrower than the bottom, giving a modest rightward and upward shift. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, this spacing meets Fine/Very Fine centering, as the perforation holes are easily clear of the design but not evenly balanced.

Soundness Evaluation:
This example shows a light perf-tip crease at the upper right (Very Minor Fault) and a faint natural gum bend visible only under reflected light (Extremely Minor Fault). Per the PSE Table of Soundness, the combination of one very minor and one extremely minor fault constitutes a Very Minor Fault classification.
Soundness Classification: Very Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –7 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11×10½, consistent with issue standards. All perforations are intact, with only slight irregularity along the right edge where the perf-tip crease occurs. The lower edge is smooth and full, and the left edge shows excellent perforation depth and uniformity. No evidence of trimming, reperforation, or scissor separation is detected. The overall balance and alignment are typical for Fine/Very Fine centering.

Cancellation Evaluation:
Not applicable. The stamp is unused and free of any cancellation marks.

Collector’s Note:
This never hinged example of the 1953 Patton issue retains strong color and sharp line detail throughout the design. As one of the most iconic mid-century military commemoratives, its appeal lies in the precision of engraving and its historical significance. The minor physical imperfections are negligible in normal viewing and do not affect its overall presentation.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Color saturation is deep and even, with sharp detail in the portrait and tank motifs. Paper is bright and untoned, and gum is fresh with full sheen. The slight perf-tip crease and faint natural gum bend do not detract visually. The stamp appears crisp and well-preserved, warranting no deduction and a neutral adjustment of ±0.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –7 (Very Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 72
Eye Appeal Adjustment: ±0 (Neutral)
Final Grade: 72 (Fine)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1026
Condition: Unused, Never Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Very Minor Fault (perf-tip crease, light gum bend)
Perforations: Perf 11×10½, intact, slight right-edge irregularity
Cancellation: None (unused)
Eye Appeal: ±0, color and paper fresh, no visible detractors
Final Grade: 72 (Fine)

Summary:
This unused, never hinged example of Scott #1026 exhibits Fine/Very Fine centering with strong color and crisp engraving. Minor production irregularities—a single perf-tip crease and a faint natural gum bend—place it in the Very Minor Fault category, reducing the grade slightly. Its freshness and even tone maintain strong collector appeal, resulting in a final grade of 72 (Fine) 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