U. S. Scott #1088 - Used - [LA01-0070-04-02]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1088

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

XF/Superb

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

80 (VF)

Year of Issue

1957

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #1088 (Used, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
3¢ Deep Blue – U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, 1957
(Coast and Geodetic Survey Sesquicentennial Issue – Engraved, Perf 11×10½, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Issued April 5, 1957, this commemorative honors the 150th anniversary of the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, established under President Thomas Jefferson. Designed by Charles R. Chickering and engraved by Richard M. Bower, it depicts the Coast and Geodetic Survey flag, with ships below symbolizing hydrographic and mapping work. The triangular emblem represents accuracy and service, surrounded by radiating lines of light. The submitted example is postally used, never hinged, and bears no original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 95 (Extremely Fine/Superb)
The stamp shows near-perfect alignment, with equal margins on all sides. The right margin is slightly narrower and the bottom the widest, creating minor diagonal imbalance. The design remains well centered within the perforations, consistent with PSE’s Extremely Fine/Superb criteria, where any deviation is slight and margins remain generous.

Soundness Evaluation:
The paper is strong and free of tears, thins, or creases.
Faults Present:
Minor Fault: Partial gum residue on the reverse, likely from surface moisture or exposure.
Very Minor Fault: Light dirt spotting or smudge marks on back, visible only under angled light.
Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, this combination qualifies as a Minor Fault condition, reducing the technical grade of an otherwise XF/Superb example to approximately Very Fine (80–84).
Soundness Deduction: –15 (Minor Fault)

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11×10½ as issued. All perforations are intact and evenly punched with smooth separation. Margins are full, with generous spacing visible around the frame. There is no evidence of trimming, reperforation, or uneven cuts.

Cancellation Evaluation:
A black wavy-line machine cancel crosses the stamp horizontally, cutting across the flag and ships but leaving all inscriptions clear. The strike is even and of moderate density, classifying as a Neat/Clean cancel under PSE standards. No deduction applies.

Collector’s Note:
This 1957 Coast and Geodetic Survey issue remains one of the most attractive nautical-themed U.S. commemoratives. With bold engraving, symbolic composition, and fine color, it continues to appeal to collectors of maritime and scientific issues. Despite small back faults, this example retains excellent presentation and strong visual balance.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Color and impression are vivid, showing deep blue tones and sharp line detail. Paper and design remain bright and crisp, with no oxidation or staining. The light smudge and partial gum do not affect appearance from the front.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: ±0 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 95 (Extremely Fine/Superb)
Soundness Deduction: –15 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 80 (Very Fine)
Eye Appeal Adjustment: ±0
Final Grade: 80 (Very Fine)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1088
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 95 (Extremely Fine/Superb)
Soundness: –15 (Minor Fault: Partial gum, light soiling)
Perforations: 11×10½, full and even
Cancellation: Neat wavy-line machine cancel (no deduction)
Eye Appeal: ±0 (Rich color, clean design)
Final Grade: 80 (Very Fine)

Final Verdict:
This used 3¢ Coast and Geodetic Survey commemorative features superb centering and sharp color. Minor back faults slightly reduce the technical score, but the stamp retains excellent eye appeal. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, it earns a final grade of 80 (Very Fine)—a well-centered, collectible used example from the 1957 issue.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (907)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions