U. S. Scott #1029 - Used - [LA01-0065-04-03]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1029

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1954

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #1029 (Used, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
3¢ Deep Blue – Columbia University Bicentennial, 1954
(Commemorative Issue – Rotary Press Printing, Perf 11×10½, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Issued May 31, 1954, Scott #1029 commemorates the 200th anniversary of Columbia University’s founding in 1754. The design by Charles R. Chickering features the university’s Low Memorial Library, symbolizing higher education and free inquiry. The detailed engraving captures the stately dome and columns of the building, with the inscription “MAN’S RIGHT TO KNOWLEDGE AND THE FREE USE THEREOF” below the steps. This example is used, shows no original gum, and bears a light machine cancel that leaves the design clearly legible.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is well centered within the perforations, with the bottom margin the narrowest, the right slightly narrow, and the top the widest. The image is clearly framed and evenly proportioned to the naked eye. Under the 2009 PSE grading scale, this placement meets the Fine/Very Fine standard—margins fully clear of the design but not perfectly balanced.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp displays several ragged or short perforations about half normal length (Minor Fault) and two shorter perforations less than half normal length (Very Minor Faults). These combined faults qualify as a Minor Fault classification under the PSE Table of Soundness. There are no creases, tears, or thins beyond those minor edge irregularities.
Soundness Classification: Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –20 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11×10½ as issued. Perforations are intact but irregular along the right and lower edges, showing multiple fuzzy or shortened tips. The top and left sides are more even and well defined. Margins are full, with the bottom narrowest and top broadest, aligning with the Fine/Very Fine centering assessment. No trimming or reperforation is evident.

Cancellation Evaluation:
A medium-strength horizontal machine cancel crosses the center of the stamp in three lines. The cancel is even, clear, and does not obscure the main subject or inscriptions. Under PSE classification, it qualifies as a moderate machine cancel—present but not visually heavy. No deduction is necessary for cancellation quality, as it remains unobtrusive.

Collector’s Note:
This used example of the Columbia University Bicentennial issue retains excellent color and detail. While minor perf irregularities are present, the overall balance and moderate cancel placement maintain a clean, collectible appearance. This issue remains popular among mid-century U.S. commemorative collectors for its fine architectural engraving and historical subject.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Color is rich and consistent, and paper is clean without discoloration. The cancel is neat and evenly applied, preserving design visibility. The stamp’s presentation slightly exceeds the baseline for its technical grade, warranting a +1 eye appeal adjustment.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 59
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +1 (Color and clarity)
Final Grade: 60 (Very Good/Fine – VG/F)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1029
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (ragged and short perfs)
Perforations: Perf 11×10½, intact, uneven lower and right edges
Cancellation: Moderate machine cancel, balanced and unobtrusive
Eye Appeal: +1 for color strength and cancel clarity
Final Grade: 60 (Very Good/Fine – VG/F)

Summary:
This used Scott #1029 retains strong blue color, fine engraving detail, and balanced margins. Minor perforation irregularities reduce technical soundness, but the well-applied cancel and overall freshness maintain visual appeal. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, it receives a final grade of 60 (Very Good/F

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (977)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions