U. S. Scott #1052 - Used - [LA01-0067-03-02]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1052

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 #1052 (Used, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
$1 Purple – Patrick Henry, 1955
(Liberty Series – Rotary Press Printing, Perf 11 x 10½, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Issued in 1955, the $1 Patrick Henry commemorates the fiery orator of the American Revolution, famed for his “Give me liberty, or give me death!” speech. The deep purple engraved design by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing presents Henry in three-quarter profile with “PATRICK HENRY” at right and “$1 U.S. POSTAGE” at lower left. This high-value definitive served heavier and international mail. The submitted example is used, has no original gum, and was never hinged.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is fully clear of perforations though slightly high and right. The right margin is the narrowest, followed by the top, while the bottom and left are wider and balanced. The overall framing matches the PSE definition of Fine/Very Fine centering for rotary press issues, maintaining visible white space on all four sides.

Soundness Evaluation:
This example is faultless—no tears, thins, creases, stains, or surface abrasions. The paper remains strong and even, and all perforations are intact with no pulled or clipped tips. Under the 2009 PSE Table of Soundness, this qualifies as Faultless, requiring no deduction.

Perforations and Margins:
Perforations gauge 11 x 10½, consistent with the Liberty Series. All are clean and fully formed, showing no trimming or reworking. Margins are proportionate, with the top and right slightly narrow. The edges remain sharp, confirming original perforation integrity.

Cancellation Evaluation:
A heavy machine cancel of three thick vertical bars crosses the portrait from top to bottom. The strike is bold and dark, obscuring much of Patrick Henry’s face and chest. Though even and unsmeared, it meets the PSE classification of a Heavy Cancel, defined as “much of the design obscured.” This substantially reduces design clarity and overall eye appeal.

Collector’s Note:
Used $1 Patrick Henry stamps are less common in faultless condition due to their postal role on heavy mail and parcels. This example retains rich color and full perforations but is visually affected by its dense cancel. Despite that, it remains a well-preserved and authentic Liberty Series high-denomination issue.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The engraved detail and deep purple tone are strong, with bright, clean paper and no discoloration. However, the cancel’s dark bars dominate the design. Under the PSE Eye Appeal standards for used stamps, a deduction of –10 points applies for a heavy cancel that obscures the portrait.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –0 (Faultless)
Adjusted Base Grade: 78
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 (Heavy Cancel)
Final Grade: 68 (Very Good–Fine – VG-F)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1052
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Faultless (No deductions)
Perforations: Perf 11 x 10½, full and genuine
Cancellation: Heavy machine cancel, obscuring portrait
Eye Appeal: –10 (Heavy cancel)
Final Grade: 68 (Very Good–Fine – VG-F)

Summary:
This used $1 Patrick Henry from the 1955 Liberty Series combines Fine/Very Fine centering with flawless soundness but suffers an eye appeal reduction due to a heavy machine cancel crossing the portrait. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, the proper final grade is 68 (Very Good–Fine – VG-F). The stamp remains a solid, fault-free, and historically significant high-value issue retaining its engraving sharpness and authentic postal character.

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