U. S. Scott #1095 - Used - [LA01-0071-03-01]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1095

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 #1095 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
3¢ Violet – The Virginia of Sagadahock, Shipbuilding, 1957
(Commemorative Issue – Rotary Press Printing, Perf 11×10½, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Issued in 1957 for the 350th anniversary of America’s first shipbuilding at Popham Colony, Maine, Scott #1095 depicts The Virginia of Sagadahock beneath the Maine state seal. “1607 SHIPBUILDING 1957” appears above, with “UNITED STATES POSTAGE 3¢” at the base. The violet engraving, created by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, highlights early colonial craftsmanship and maritime heritage. The examined example is a used, hinged single without original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Design margins are even and fully clear of perforations. The bottom is narrowest, the right widest, and the top slightly tighter than the left, giving mild vertical imbalance. Frame lines are intact, meeting the Fine/Very Fine standard, where one or two margins are narrow but not touching the design.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp exhibits a Minor Fault: several ragged or shorter perforations, about half normal length. No tears, thins, or creases are present. This common flaw for rotary press issues constitutes a –20 point deduction per the 2009 PSE Table of Soundness.
Soundness Deduction: –20 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforations gauge 11×10½ as issued. Right and upper edges are well cut, while the lower edge shows rougher separation and short perf tips. All holes are genuine, with no evidence of trimming or reperforation. Margins are visibly uneven, narrowest at bottom, widest right.

Cancellation Evaluation:
A black machine cancel with three bold horizontal bars runs across the ship and state emblem, intersecting the sails and obscuring some upper lettering. The cancel is heavier than typical, classified as a Heavy Cancel under the PSE grading system, reducing visual clarity but not fully obliterating the design.
Cancellation Adjustment: –8 points

Collector’s Note:
This 3¢ Shipbuilding Industry issue is admired for its maritime theme and fine engraving. Despite the heavy machine cancel and rough perforations, the color remains bright and detail clear, making it a representative used example of this mid-century commemorative.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Violet tone is strong and even, paper fresh, and gum remnants faint. The heavier cancel slightly diminishes balance and contrast.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –8 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 59 (Very Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –8 (Heavy Cancel)
Final Grade: 51 (Very Good)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1095
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (ragged, short perfs)
Perforations: Perf 11×10½, rough lower edge
Cancellation: Heavy machine cancel across design (–8)
Eye Appeal: –8 for coverage and contrast
Final Grade: 51 (Very Good)

Summary:
This used, hinged 3¢ Shipbuilding Industry stamp shows Fine/Very Fine centering and intact perforations but is affected by rough separation and a heavier machine cancel. The design remains legible and color fresh, resulting in a final grade of 51 (Very Good) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide—a collectible example with clear historical appeal despite moderate postal wear.

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