U. S. Scott #1089 - Used - [LA01-0070-04-03]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1089

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 #1089 (Used, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
3¢ Lilac – American Institute of Architects Centennial, 1957
(American Institute of Architects Centennial Issue – Engraved, Perf 11×10½, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Issued September 30, 1957, this commemorative honors the centennial of the American Institute of Architects. Designed by Frank Conley and engraved by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, it contrasts a Corinthian column with a modern T-beam, symbolizing unity between classical and modern architecture. The lilac tone and linear precision reflect mid-century design ideals. The submitted example is postally used, never hinged, and shows no original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
The stamp is well-centered with all perforations clear of the design. The right margin is narrowest, the left widest, and the bottom slightly smaller than the top, producing mild but visible imbalance. It meets PSE’s Fine/Very Fine definition—one or two narrow margins but overall clear spacing from perforations.

Soundness Evaluation:
No tears or thins are present, but multiple physical and printing flaws impact the technical grade.
Faults Present:
Minor Fault: Several perf creases visible under magnification.
Minor Fault: Heavy cancellation bleed-through on the reverse.
According to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, two or more minor faults—or a mix of minor and very minor—lower a Fine/Very Fine centered example to Good/Very Good (40–49).
Soundness Deduction: –30 (Minor Faults)

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11×10½ as issued. All perforations are original and intact, though minor bending is visible along the top edge from machine pressure. Margins are full but uneven, consistent with rotary press production. No trimming or reperforation is evident.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The magenta machine cancel consists of broad arcs extending across the top portion of the design. The ink is heavy, penetrating to the reverse side. Under PSE guidelines, this constitutes a Heavy cancel, as it obscures a significant part of the image and affects soundness.

Collector’s Note:
This issue remains a favorite among mid-century commemoratives for its symbolic contrast of classical and modern elements. Though this example is affected by multiple faults and a strong cancel, its design remains legible, structurally intact, and representative of the 1957 release.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Color and impression remain strong, with bold lilac ink and sharp line detail. The heavy cancel reduces visual clarity but does not obscure inscriptions. Light cancel bleed on the back is noted but unobtrusive from the front.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5 points (Heavy cancel)

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –30 (Multiple Minor Faults)
Adjusted Base Grade: 48 (Very Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5 (Heavy Cancel)
Final Grade: 43 (Good/Very Good)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1089
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: –30 (Minor Faults: Perf creases, cancel bleed)
Perforations: 11×10½, full but slightly bent
Cancellation: Heavy magenta machine cancel (–5)
Eye Appeal: –5 (Cancel reduces contrast)
Final Grade: 43 (Good/Very Good)

Final Verdict:
This used 3¢ Architects Centennial stamp shows Fine/Very Fine centering and strong color. Several minor perf creases and heavy cancel bleed lower its technical grade, but the stamp remains fully intact and collectible. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, it earns a final numerical grade of 43 (Good/Very Good)—a structurally sound, moderately worn example of this 1957 commemorative.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (1012)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions