U. S. Scott #1096 - MNH - [LA01-0071-03-02]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1096

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Mint (NH)

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

70 (Fine)

Year of Issue

1957

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #1096 (Unused, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
8¢ Multicolor – Ramon Magsaysay, Champion of Liberty, 1957
(Champion of Liberty Series – Rotary Press Printing, Perf 11×10½, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #1096 was issued on August 31, 1957, as the first stamp in the Champion of Liberty series. It honors Ramon Magsaysay, President of the Philippines from 1953 to 1957, whose leadership symbolized integrity and democratic reform. The design features a golden medallion portrait suspended from a red, white, and blue ribbon with a liberty torch and laurel at the top, representing unity and freedom. The inscriptions “CHAMPION OF LIBERTY” and “UNITED STATES POSTAGE 8¢” appear in red and blue, giving the design its patriotic tri-color appearance. The submitted example is unused, never hinged, and retains full original gum with excellent color and printing registration.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is clear of the perforations on all sides, though the top and right margins are slightly narrow compared to the bottom and left. The centering shows minor vertical and horizontal imbalance visible to the unaided eye. Frame lines remain fully intact. Under the 2009 PSE centering definitions, this placement qualifies for the Fine/Very Fine range, as one or two sides are narrow but the design remains completely unobstructed.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp has a Very Minor Fault—a light ink transfer visible on the reverse, likely from contact with another freshly printed sheet. There are no tears, thins, or creases. The paper and gum are clean, glossy, and fully intact. Under the 2009 PSE Table of Soundness, a light ink offset on the back constitutes a Very Minor Fault, resulting in a small deduction while maintaining overall integrity.
Soundness Deduction: –5 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforations gauge 11×10½, correct for this issue. The perforations are genuine, well-formed, and evenly cut. The top and right edges display slightly shorter perforation tips from normal separation but no pulling or trimming. The bottom margin is the widest and most balanced; the top is narrowest. The margins overall correspond to Fine/Very Fine centering.

Cancellation Evaluation:
Not applicable. The stamp is unused, never hinged, and bears full original gum with no cancellations, hinging marks, or disturbances.

Collector’s Note:
The Ramon Magsaysay issue is a cornerstone of the Champion of Liberty series and one of the most vibrant mid-century multicolor U.S. commemoratives. Its bold design and high symbolic value make it particularly sought after in well-centered, mint never-hinged condition.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The color is bright with sharp impression, clean paper, and fresh gum luster. The faint ink transfer on the back has no visible effect from the front. Overall visual balance is strong.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: ±0 (neutral)

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –5 (Very Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 71 (Fine)
Eye Appeal Adjustment: ±0
Final Grade: 71 (Fine)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1096
Condition: Unused, Never Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Very Minor Fault (light ink transfer on back)
Perforations: Perf 11×10½, genuine, minor tip shortening
Cancellation: None (unused example)
Eye Appeal: Neutral; bright tricolor, crisp impression
Final Grade: 71 (Fine)

Summary:
This unused, never hinged 8¢ Ramon Magsaysay, Champion of Liberty stamp shows Fine/Very Fine centering with intact perforations and fresh original gum. The faint reverse ink transfer slightly lowers soundness but does not affect visual quality. With vivid color, clear design, and no structural faults, it achieves a final grade of 71 (Fine) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide—a clean and well-balanced example from this historic series.

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