U. S. Scott #1069 - Used - [NA01-0195-04-01]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1069

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 #1069 (Used, 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 features a freighter crossing beneath a map of the five Great Lakes—Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario—symbolizing inland commerce. Inscriptions include “SOO LOCKS 1855 – SAULT SAINTE MARIE – 1955” and “A CENTURY OF GREAT LAKES TRANSPORTATION.” Printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in deep blue, this issue celebrates American maritime trade and engineering progress. The example is postally used, has no original gum, and has never been hinged.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is evenly balanced, with perforations clear of the frameline on all sides. The top margin is narrowest, followed by the left, while the right and bottom provide more white space. This alignment meets PSE criteria for Fine/Very Fine centering—slightly off on one or two sides but fully clear of the design throughout.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp is structurally solid with no tears, thins, or repairs. A faint perforation tip crease is visible under magnification but does not impact the overall integrity. Per the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, this constitutes a Very Minor Fault, resulting in a –6 point deduction.

Soundness Classification: Very Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –6 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforations gauge 11 x 10½ and are full and intact, with mild natural unevenness on the top edge typical of rotary press production. The left and top show tighter margins consistent with the centering grade, while the right and bottom margins are wider and cleanly punched. No evidence of trimming or reperforation is present.

Cancellation Evaluation:
A black machine cancel consisting of five wavy bars runs horizontally across the design. The lines intersect the map and both ships, obscuring parts of “SOO LOCKS” and “GREAT LAKES TRANSPORTATION.” The strike is dark and heavy, reducing clarity of the central image but leaving the general design visible. Under PSE standards, this qualifies as a Heavy Cancel, resulting in a notable reduction to eye appeal.

Cancellation Classification: Heavy Cancel (–10 points)

Collector’s Note:
This Great Lakes issue is admired for its dynamic layout and historical theme. Despite a heavy cancel, this example remains visually appealing, with strong color, full perforations, and solid centering. Its balance and freshness make it an attractive used representative within the Liberty Series.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Color remains deep and even, and the engraving retains crisp detail. The heavy cancel, however, obscures much of the central imagery. A –10 point eye appeal deduction is warranted for reduced design visibility.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –6 (Very Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 72
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 (Heavy cancel)
Final Grade: 62 (Very Good/Fine)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1069
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Very Minor Fault (perf tip crease, –6)
Perforations: 11 x 10½, full and intact
Cancellation: Heavy machine cancel (–10)
Eye Appeal: –10 (cancel obscures design)
Final Grade: 62 (Very Good/Fine)

Summary:
Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, this used Scott #1069 grades 62 (Very Good/Fine). Its centering and soundness meet Fine/Very Fine standards, but a heavy machine cancel reduces visual clarity. The color remains strong and paper fresh, making it a solid collectible Liberty Series example with attractive centering and minimal physical faults.

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