U. S. Scott #1066 - Used - [NA01-0195-03-02]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1066

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

80 (VF)

Year of Issue

1955

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #1066 (Used, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
8¢ Deep Ultramarine – 50th Anniversary of Rotary International, 1955
(Commemorative Issue – Engraved Printing, Perf 11 × 10½, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Issued in 1955, Scott #1066 commemorates the 50th anniversary of Rotary International, founded in 1905. The design shows a raised hand holding a torch before a globe, symbolizing enlightenment and worldwide service. The Rotary emblem appears in the lower right with the inscription “SERVICE ABOVE SELF.” Engraved by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, the deep ultramarine tone and strong lines capture the modern style of mid-century commemoratives. The submitted example is used, has never been hinged, and retains no original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is well balanced within the frame, with perforations clearly clear of the design on all sides. The top margin is the narrowest, followed by the left, while the bottom and right are wider. This spacing fits PSE’s Fine/Very Fine definition, where one or two margins are slightly tight but no perforations impinge on the design. The horizontal alignment is marginally stronger than the vertical.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp is completely sound with no creases, thins, tears, or repairs. Paper is firm, color strong, and the surface unblemished. There are no structural or production defects visible under magnification.
Soundness Classification: Faultless
Soundness Deduction: –0 points

Perforations and Margins:
Gauge 11 × 10½, standard for this issue. Perforations are full, even, and uniformly cut with no nibbing or clipping. The top margin is slightly narrow but proportionate. No irregularities, repairs, or trimming are evident.

Cancellation Evaluation:
A black cancel runs diagonally from upper left to lower right, crossing the torch and flame while leaving most of the design visible. It is clean, moderate, and does not obscure the globe or text. Under PSE definitions, this qualifies as a Neat/Clean Cancel and carries no deduction.

Collector’s Note:
The Rotary International issue remains a favorite among mid-century commemoratives for its bold engraving and global theme. Used examples with clear cancels and bright color, like this one, are sought by collectors of service-organization issues and topical themes.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Color is deep and vibrant with full inking and crisp impression. Paper is bright with no toning, and the cancel placement is well balanced. The design remains sharp and visually strong, meriting a small upward adjustment.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +5

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –0 (Faultless)
Adjusted Base Grade: 78
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +5 (Light, neat cancel)
Final Grade: 83 (Very Fine)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1066
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Faultless (No deductions)
Perforations: Perf 11 × 10½, intact and even
Cancellation: Light diagonal cancel (Neat/Clean)
Eye Appeal: +5 (Clear design, vivid color)
Final Grade: 83 (Very Fine)

Summary:
This used example of Scott #1066 exhibits Fine/Very Fine centering with bright ultramarine color, clean perforations, and a sharp impression. The cancel is light and well positioned, enhancing rather than detracting from the design. Faultless condition and strong visual balance yield a final grade of 83 (Very Fine) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (895)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions