U. S. Scott #1070 - Used - [LA01-0068-04-02]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1070

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 #1070 (Used, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
3¢ Deep Blue – Atoms for Peace, 1955
(Prominent Americans Issue – Engraved Printing, Perf 11 x 10½, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Issued July 28 1955, Scott #1070 commemorates President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s “Atoms for Peace” address promoting peaceful nuclear progress. Designed by George Oldden and printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, the stamp shows two globes surrounded by atomic orbits symbolizing global unity through science. “ATOMS FOR PEACE” spans the center, framed by excerpts from the speech and “UNITED STATES POSTAGE 3¢” below. The submitted example is postally used, never hinged, and has no original gum, typical for circulated copies.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is slightly off balance, closer to the right. The left margin is the widest, the top and bottom moderately even, and the right narrowest. All perforations are clear of the design, satisfying the PSE definition of Fine/Very Fine centering—margins fully clear though one or two are narrow. The overall appearance is balanced but not symmetrical enough for a higher grade.

Soundness Evaluation:
One short perforation about half normal length appears on the right side. According to the 2009 PSE Soundness Table, this qualifies as an Extremely Minor Fault (“one shorter perf, about half length”). The stamp is otherwise fault-free with no thins, creases, stains, or discoloration.
Soundness Classification: Extremely Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –4 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11 x 10½, consistent with the issue. Perforations are complete, evenly aligned, and show only one shortened tip. There are no signs of trimming or reperforation. The left margin is the most generous, the right tightest, producing minor horizontal imbalance. Vertical margins are nearly equal, supporting Fine/Very Fine centering.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The stamp bears a four-line black machine cancel struck horizontally across the design. The cancel is uniform but crosses both globes and the central inscription, partly obscuring the design. Under PSE standards this qualifies as a Heavy Cancel (–10), covering a substantial portion while keeping the subject legible.

Collector’s Note:
The Atoms for Peace issue stands among the most iconic Cold War commemoratives, combining strong engraving and symbolism of scientific cooperation. This used example retains bold blue color, intact perforations, and balanced centering, offering solid collector appeal despite its heavy cancel.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Color and impression are strong, and the paper is fresh. The cancel is bold but even. Under PSE guidelines, a heavy yet neatly applied cancel that obscures central elements warrants a –10 adjustment.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –4 (Extremely Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 73 (Fine)
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 (Heavy Cancel)
Final Grade: 63 (Very Good/Fine – VG/F)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1070
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: –4 (Extremely Minor Fault – short perf)
Perforations: 11 x 10½, full with one short tip
Cancellation: Heavy machine cancel (–10)
Eye Appeal: –10 for heavy cancel coverage
Final Grade: 63 (Very Good/Fine – VG/F)

Summary:
This Atoms for Peace 3¢ stamp displays Fine/Very Fine centering with clean perforations and one short tip. The heavy cancel reduces visibility of the design, producing a final grade of 63 (Very Good/Fine) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide. Despite the cancel, the stamp retains strong color, crisp impression, and enduring collector appeal as a solid used example of this historic commemorative.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (906)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions