U. S. Scott #1090 - Used - [LA01-0071-02-01]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1090

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

75 (F/VF)

Year of Issue

1957

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #1090 (Used, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
3¢ Deep Blue – America and Steel Growing Together, 1957
(Steel Industry Centennial Issue – Engraved, Perf 11×10½, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Issued on September 24, 1957, this 3¢ commemorative celebrates the 100th anniversary of the U.S. steel industry. Designed by Charles R. Chickering and produced by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, the stamp portrays an American eagle with wings outstretched above a pouring crucible of molten steel, symbolizing the partnership between industry and national strength. The design is rendered in deep blue tones, highlighting power, production, and patriotism. The submitted example is postally used, never hinged, and without original gum as expected.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is well balanced, with all perforations clear of the printed frame. The left margin is the narrowest, while the right is the widest. The top margin is slightly narrower than the bottom, creating a mild but visible vertical imbalance. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, this falls within the Fine/Very Fine range—margins are easily distinguishable from the design, though not perfectly uniform.

Soundness Evaluation:
This example is completely faultless. The paper is firm and clean, with no tears, thins, creases, or staining. The perforations are sharp, and there is no toning or offset on the reverse. The stamp’s structural integrity is excellent, classifying as Faultless, with no soundness deductions applied.
Soundness Deduction: –0 (Faultless)

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11×10½ as issued. The perforations are crisp, full, and evenly separated. No short or blunted teeth are visible, and the corners are well defined. Margins are proportionate and typical of rotary press production, with only slight asymmetry contributing to the Fine/Very Fine centering grade.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The black machine cancel consists of wavy horizontal lines evenly spaced across the design. The strike is clean and moderate, intersecting the eagle’s head and crucible but leaving all inscriptions clear. Under PSE standards, this qualifies as a Neat/Clean cancel with no adverse effect on visual balance. No deduction is warranted.

Collector’s Note:
This Steel Centennial issue is one of the more dynamic industrial-themed designs of the 1950s, showcasing the strength of U.S. manufacturing. Well-centered, used examples with crisp cancels and faultless condition remain popular for their symbolic artwork and solid engravings. This particular stamp demonstrates strong visual appeal and clean presentation for a used example.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The color is deep and consistent, with fine detail in both the eagle and molten steel. Paper tone is bright with no discoloration or soiling, and the cancel is evenly applied. There are no creases, tears, or toning that detract from appearance.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: ±0 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –0 (Faultless)
Adjusted Base Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Eye Appeal Adjustment: ±0
Final Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1090
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: 0 deduction (Faultless)
Perforations: 11×10½, full and even
Cancellation: Clean machine cancel (no deduction)
Eye Appeal: ±0 (Rich color, strong impression)
Final Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)

Final Verdict:
This used 3¢ Steel Industry Centennial stamp is a faultless example featuring Fine/Very Fine centering, bold color, and a balanced cancel. With full perforations and no physical or visual defects, it earns a final grade of 77 (Fine/Very Fine) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide—an exceptionally clean and collectible used representative of the 1957 industrial commemorative issue.

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