U. S. Scott #1089 - Used - [NA01-0199-02-01]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1089

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

XF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

75 (F/VF)

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 3¢ commemorative marks the centennial of the American Institute of Architects. Designed by Frank Conley and produced by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, it features a classical Corinthian column merged with a modern steel T-beam—representing the transition from traditional design to modern architecture. The clean lines and lilac hue reflect 1950s architectural modernism. The submitted example is postally used, never hinged, and bears no original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 90 (Extremely Fine)
The design is precisely struck with balanced spacing on all sides. The right margin is narrowest, the top widest, and the left slightly narrower than the bottom. All perforation holes are well clear of the design. Under PSE standards, this corresponds to Extremely Fine centering—near-perfect alignment with slight margin variation.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp is free of tears, thins, or creases affecting the design.
Faults Present:
Minor Fault: Several small perf creases visible under magnification.
Very Minor Fault: Light dirt spotting on reverse, visible only under angled light.
These combine as a Minor Fault per the 2009 PSE Grading Guide. In conjunction with Extremely Fine centering, this yields a Fine/Very Fine technical range (75–79).
Soundness Deduction: –15 (Minor Faults)

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11×10½ as issued. All perforations are intact, original, and evenly punched, with no signs of trimming or reperforation. The edges show clean separation, typical of the rotary press process. Margins are full but slightly uneven right-to-left.

Cancellation Evaluation:
A black machine cancel with wavy lines runs horizontally across the stamp, lightly crossing the column and text. The strike is moderate, neat, and well-aligned, classifying as a Clean cancel under PSE definitions. No deduction applies, as the cancel does not obscure major design elements.

Collector’s Note:
This 1957 issue is admired for its symbolic blending of artistic and structural motifs. Despite minor wear, this example remains well-balanced, fresh, and visually appealing—a strong representative for collectors of U.S. commemoratives from the modern design era.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The color remains bright and even, with sharp engraved detail and clean contrast. Paper is fresh, with no toning or stains. The cancel is well placed and does not detract from presentation.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: ±0 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 90 (Extremely Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –15 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 75 (Fine/Very Fine)
Eye Appeal Adjustment: ±0
Final Grade: 75 (Fine/Very Fine)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1089
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 90 (Extremely Fine)
Soundness: –15 (Minor Fault: Perf creases, light smudging)
Perforations: 11×10½, full and even
Cancellation: Clean machine cancel (no deduction)
Eye Appeal: ±0 (Bright color and clarity)
Final Grade: 75 (Fine/Very Fine)

Final Verdict:
This used 3¢ American Institute of Architects Centennial stamp shows premium centering, clean perforations, and vivid color. Minor perf creases and light reverse marks slightly lower the score. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, it earns a final grade of 75 (Fine/Very Fine)—a well-centered, collectible used example of this 1957 commemorative.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (976)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions