U. S. Scott #1049 - Used [NA01-0187-04-01]

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, features an engraved portrait of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, adapted from a Mathew Brady photograph. The design presents Lee in formal attire against a lined background with “ROBERT E. LEE” at left and “30¢ U.S. POSTAGE” at lower right. Produced by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, it was printed on unwatermarked paper and perforated 11 × 10½. The example is postally used, has no original gum, and was never hinged.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
The stamp is slightly high and right, with the top margin the narrowest, followed by the right. The bottom and left margins are fuller. All perforations are clear of the design, consistent with Fine/Very Fine centering under the 2009 PSE standards, where one or two margins may be narrow but remain free of encroachment.

Soundness Evaluation:
There are no tears, thins, or repairs. One corner perforation crease is visible but minor. Classified as a Very Minor Fault, it warrants a small deduction from the base grade.

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

Perforations and Margins:
Perforations are gauge 11 × 10½ and fully intact with no short, ragged, or altered tips. The alignment is even and genuine. Margins follow the centering assessment: top narrowest, right slightly reduced, left and bottom wider. No evidence of reperforation or trimming is observed.

Cancellation Evaluation:
A black machine cancel with horizontal bars crosses the face evenly. It obscures parts of the portrait and text but leaves the image recognizable. Under the PSE Eye Appeal guidelines, this qualifies as a Heavy Cancel, resulting in a moderate deduction.

Cancellation Classification: Heavy Cancel
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 points

Collector’s Note:
The 30¢ Lee stamp, among the high-denomination Liberty Series issues, is often found off-center or with strong cancels. Despite the visible cancel and minor crease, this example remains structurally intact and retains clear detail, making it a representative collectible used copy.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Color remains rich black with sharp impression and bright paper tone. The cancel is heavy but evenly struck. No stains, toning, or discoloration are visible. Per PSE guidelines, a –10 point deduction applies due to cancel prominence.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –5 (Very Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 71
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 (Heavy Cancel)
Final Grade: 61 (Very Good–Fine)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1049
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Gum
Centering: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Very Minor Fault (corner perf crease)
Perforations: Perf 11 × 10½, intact and genuine
Cancellation: Heavy machine cancel across design
Eye Appeal: –10 adjustment for cancel; strong color and clarity retained
Final Grade: 61 (Very Good–Fine)

Summary:
This used 30¢ Robert E. Lee stamp shows Fine/Very Fine centering and intact perforations with one minor fault and a heavy cancel. While the cancel reduces visual balance, the stamp remains sound and well-centered for the issue. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, the final grade is 61 (Very Good–Fine)—a solid, collectible used example of this Liberty Series 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