U. S. Scott #1049 - Used [LA01-0067-02-03]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1049

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1955

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #1049 (Used, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
30¢ Black – Robert E. Lee, 1955
(Liberty Series – Engraved Printing, Perf 11 × 10½, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #1049, issued in 1955 as part of the Liberty Series, honors Confederate General Robert E. Lee. The engraved design, based on a photograph by Mathew Brady, presents a somber bust portrait of Lee against a horizontally lined background. The inscriptions “ROBERT E. LEE,” “30¢,” and “U.S. POSTAGE” appear within the design. The stamp was printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on unwatermarked paper and perforated 11 × 10½. The examined example is postally used, retains no gum, and has never been hinged.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
The stamp displays balanced centering slightly shifted downward and to the left. The bottom margin is narrowest, the top is the widest, and the left is slightly narrower than the right. All perforations are clear of the design, consistent with Fine/Very Fine centering per the 2009 PSE standard, which allows one or two narrow margins provided the design remains well clear of perforations. Visual balance remains pleasing for the issue.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp remains structurally intact with no tears, thins, or repairs. A single Very Minor Fault—a light corner perforation crease—is visible under magnification but does not affect the design. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, a single Very Minor Fault results in a soundness deduction of about five points from the base grade.

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

Perforations and Margins:
Perforations are gauge 11 × 10½, full, and original. No signs of reperforation, trimming, or short tips are present. The bottom margin is the tightest, the left margin slightly smaller than the right, and the top margin is broad and even. The perforation line is straight and proportionate, fully consistent with the Fine/Very Fine centering classification.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The cancel is light and even, positioned across the portrait without obscuring key design features. The placement qualifies as a light, clean cancel per the 2009 PSE Eye Appeal adjustment guidelines. This cancellation type is considered visually unobtrusive and may enhance overall appeal.

Collector’s Note:
The 30¢ Lee issue, among the higher denominations of the Liberty Series, is prized for its deep black engraving and portrait clarity. The presented used example shows a light, well-placed cancel and intact perforations, representing a clean collectible copy with only a minor physical fault.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The stamp’s color remains rich black with crisp impression, paper tone bright, and no oxidation or discoloration. The cancel is unobtrusive, adding to the stamp’s visual quality. Under PSE Eye Appeal standards, a neat, light cancel warrants a modest positive adjustment.

Eye Appeal Adjustment: +5 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –5 (Very Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 72
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +5 (Light cancel)
Final Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1049
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Gum
Centering: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Very Minor Fault (corner perf crease)
Perforations: Perf 11 × 10½, intact and genuine
Cancellation: Light, clear, face-free, +5 adjustment
Eye Appeal: Bright color, clean cancel, strong impression
Final Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)

Summary:
This used 30¢ Robert E. Lee issue displays Fine/Very Fine centering with clean margins, sharp engraving, and a lightly struck cancel that enhances overall appeal. With one minor perforation crease reducing soundness but offset by a favorable eye appeal adjustment, the final numerical grade is 77 (Fine/Very Fine) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide—an attractive, collectible Liberty Series high-value definitive.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (902)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions