U. S. Scott #1087 - Used - [NA01-0199-01-02]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1087

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1957

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #1087 (Used, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
3¢ Purple – Honoring Those Who Helped Fight Polio, 1957
(Polio Fighters Commemorative Issue – Engraved, Perf 11×10½, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Issued January 15, 1957, this commemorative honors those who fought poliomyelitis through medicine and public service. Designed by Victor S. McCloskey Jr. and engraved by M.D. Fenton of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, the design features the allegorical figure of Health shielding two children beside a medical shield with the caduceus emblem. The inscription “HONORING THOSE WHO HELPED FIGHT POLIO” crowns the scene. The example is postally used, never hinged, and without original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
The stamp shows balanced design elements, with all perforations clear of the frame. The bottom margin is narrowest, the top widest, and the right slightly narrower than the left, producing mild vertical and horizontal imbalance. This centering conforms to the PSE Fine/Very Fine definition, where one or two margins are narrow but visible to the unaided eye.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp displays multiple irregular perforations, including short and blunted tips and one pulled perf along the lower edge. The paper remains intact with no tears or thins.
Faults Present: Major Fault – Several faulty, clipped, pulled, or short perforations.
Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, this fault level combined with Fine/Very Fine centering corresponds to a Good grade (30–34).
Soundness Deduction: –45 (Major Fault)

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11×10½ as issued, with original teeth present though uneven. Roughness along the bottom and right edges results from handling wear. Margins are full but uneven, consistent with the assigned centering grade. No signs of trimming or reperforation are evident.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The black wavy-line machine cancel runs horizontally across the upper design, covering the heads of the figures but leaving the denomination and text legible. It is dark and moderately heavy, classifying as a Heavy cancel under the 2009 PSE guidelines, typically warranting a –10 point deduction.

Collector’s Note:
Despite its perforation faults, this stamp retains full color and a complete strike of the design. The 1957 Polio commemorative remains an enduring mid-century issue valued for its symbolic representation of public health and medical achievement.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The purple hue is strong with no fading or toning. Paper is bright, and the cancel, though heavy, is clearly printed and evenly applied. Overall appearance is respectable for a used example.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 points (Heavy cancel)

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –45 (Major Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 32 (Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 (Heavy Cancel)
Final Grade: 22 (Fair/Good)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1087
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: –45 (Major Fault: Faulty, clipped, or pulled perforations)
Perforations: 11×10½, several short or blunted
Cancellation: Heavy wavy-line machine cancel (–10)
Eye Appeal: –10 (Cancel reduces contrast)
Final Grade: 22 (Fair/Good)

Final Verdict:
This used 3¢ Polio Fighters commemorative retains Fine/Very Fine centering and strong color but is affected by multiple faulty perforations and a heavy cancel. These combined deductions yield a final grade of 22 (Fair/Good) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide—a lower-grade but still collectible used example with clear imagery and historic significance.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (1009)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions