U. S. Scott #1077 - MNH - [LA01-0070-01-01]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1077

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Mint (NH)

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

70 (Fine)

Year of Issue

1956

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #1077 (Unused, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
3¢ Red Brown – Wildlife Conservation, Wild Turkey, 1956
(Commemorative Issue – Engraved, Perf 11 × 10½, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Issued June 22, 1956, the 3¢ Wild Turkey stamp marked the first release in the U.S. Wildlife Conservation Series. Designed and engraved by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, the image depicts a wild turkey in flight through a forest clearing, symbolizing the success of American conservation efforts. “WILDLIFE CONSERVATION” is inscribed at the top and “UNITED STATES POSTAGE 3¢” below. The stamp was printed in red brown ink on unwatermarked paper and perforated 11 × 10½. The examined example is unused, retains full original gum, and has never been hinged.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is clearly within the perforations on all sides but slightly shifted toward the left and top. The left margin is narrowest, the right most generous, with a top margin that is smaller than the bottom. These proportions align precisely with the PSE definition for Fine/Very Fine centering, in which the design remains well clear of the perforations, though one or two sides are slightly narrower.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp is free of significant physical damage—no thins, tears, or missing perforations. A faint ink transfer from the front design is visible on the reverse, accompanied by a minor natural gum bend. Both issues are non-detracting and fall under the Very Minor Fault category of the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, resulting in a small deduction of approximately –7 points.
Soundness Classification: Very Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –7 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforations gauge 11 × 10½ and are full, evenly spaced, and cleanly struck. The perforation holes are clear of the design, exhibiting consistent alignment typical of the rotary press method used for this issue. Margins are even for the grade level, with slight compression on the left and top but ample white space at right and bottom.

Cancellation Evaluation:
Not applicable. The example is mint, never hinged, and retains full original gum with no cancellation marks.

Collector’s Note:
This issue represents a turning point in mid-20th-century U.S. commemoratives, focusing on wildlife and ecological stewardship rather than political subjects. The stamp’s crisp engraving, rich color, and natural gum sheen highlight Bureau production quality from the 1950s. Despite a faint reverse ink transfer and small gum bend, the piece maintains strong front presentation and a pleasing overall balance.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The color is deep and even, with fresh paper and a sharp, detailed impression. The gum remains smooth and natural, showing only minimal bending. Eye appeal adjustment: +1 point for excellent front presentation and vibrancy.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –7 (Very Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 72
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +1 (Fresh color and clarity)
Final Grade: 73 (Fine)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1077
Condition: Unused, Never Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Very Minor Fault (Light ink transfer, minor gum bend)
Perforations: 11 × 10½, full and even
Cancellation: None (Unused)
Eye Appeal: +1 (Rich color, crisp impression)
Final Grade: 73 (Fine)

Final Verdict:
This never-hinged Scott #1077 displays Fine/Very Fine centering with intact perforations and a vivid red brown impression. Its minor reverse transfer and gum bend are typical production traits that do not detract from the stamp’s eye appeal. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, the stamp achieves a final grade of 73 (Fine)—a bright, well-preserved mint example of the 1956 Wild Turkey issue and a worthy representation of the Wildlife Conservation commemoratives.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (938)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions