U. S. Scott #1069 - MNH - [LA01-0068-04-01]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1069

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Mint (NH)

Centering

Fine

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1955

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #1069 (Unused, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
3¢ Deep Blue – A Century of Great Lakes Transportation, 1955
(Liberty Series Commemorative – Engraved Printing, Perf 11 x 10½, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Issued June 25, 1955, Scott #1069 commemorates 100 years of Great Lakes transportation and the opening of the Soo Locks at Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan. The design depicts a freighter and passenger vessel beneath a map of the Great Lakes—Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario—with inscriptions “SOO LOCKS 1855 • SAULT SAINTE MARIE • 1955” and “A CENTURY OF GREAT LAKES TRANSPORTATION.” Printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in rich deep blue, this Liberty Series issue celebrates engineering progress and American maritime industry. The example is unused, retains full original gum, and has never been hinged.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 70 (Fine)
The design is noticeably off-center toward the right and slightly high, with perforations close to the frameline on those sides but maintaining visible white space. The left and bottom margins are wider and balanced. According to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, this spacing meets the definition of Fine centering, with one or two margins narrow but none cutting into the design.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp is sound overall, free from tears, thins, or creases. A light ink transfer is visible on the back, along with a minor natural gum bend typical of mid-century Bureau issues. These do not detract from integrity or front appearance and constitute a Very Minor Fault, resulting in a 10-point deduction.

Soundness Classification: Very Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –10 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforations measure 11 x 10½ and are complete with no signs of trimming or reperforation. The right perforations are slightly uneven, matching the off-center shift of the design. The left and bottom sides show even separation. All tips remain intact with no pulls or irregular tears. Margins show Fine alignment, consistent with this centering grade.

Cancellation Evaluation:
Not applicable. The stamp is unused, never hinged, and retains its original gum.

Collector’s Note:
This 1955 commemorative is well regarded for its detailed map and maritime theme, marking a century of progress in North American shipping. While centering is modest, the stamp remains appealing for its bright color, intact gum, and clean surface. A representative mint example within its grade range, it exemplifies the quality typical of mid-grade Liberty Series issues.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Color is deep blue with crisp impression and strong contrast. The paper is clean, and the gum retains its natural tone. Despite the light ink transfer on the reverse, the face remains bright and well printed. A +2 point adjustment is warranted for strong impression and overall freshness.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 70 (Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –10 (Very Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 60
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +2 (color and freshness)
Final Grade: 62 (Very Good/Fine)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1069
Condition: Unused, Never Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 70 (Fine)
Soundness: Very Minor Fault (ink transfer, gum bend, –10)
Perforations: 11 x 10½, full and intact
Cancellation: None (unused)
Eye Appeal: +2 (fresh color, sharp impression)
Final Grade: 62 (Very Good/Fine)

Summary:
Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, this unused example of Scott #1069 receives a final grade of 62 (Very Good/Fine). The stamp’s centering is Fine with close but clear margins, and soundness deductions are minimal. The deep blue color, strong engraving, and intact gum maintain its collector appeal, making it a solid mid-grade mint example of the Great Lakes Transportation commemorative.

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