U. S. Scott #1107 - Used - [LA01-0072-01-01]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1107

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1958

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #1107 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
3¢ Black and Orange Red – International Geophysical Year, 1958
(Commemorative – Rotary Press Intaglio, Perf 11×10½)

Design Overview:
Issued May 31 1958, Scott #1107 commemorates the International Geophysical Year (1957–58), a worldwide scientific effort to study Earth and space. Designed by Ervine Metzl and engraved by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, the stamp shows two outstretched hands inspired by Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam, symbolizing human cooperation and discovery. Beneath them, orange volcanic energy suggests the forces of nature explored through science. “In ternational Geophysical Year 1957–58” appears at top with “U.S. Postage 3¢” below. The submitted example is postally used, previously hinged, and without original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is slightly high and left of center. Left margin is narrowest; bottom is broadest. Top and right margins are even and modest in width. All perforations are clear of the design, meeting the Fine/Very Fine standard under the 2009 PSE Guide. Balance is pleasing though not precise enough for a higher grade.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp is structurally sound with no thins, tears, or creases. A single Extremely Minor Fault appears – one short perforation about half normal length. It is natural to production and barely visible. This warrants a small deduction per the PSE table.
Soundness Classification: Extremely Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –5 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforations measure 11×10½, as issued. All tips are intact and clean, with no sign of trimming or reperforation. Margins are full but slightly uneven – left tight, bottom broad – consistent with Fine/Very Fine centering. Alignment is natural and balanced for a rotary-press printing.

Cancellation Evaluation:
A black horizontal wavy-line machine cancel crosses the design, touching both hands and upper text. It is a Heavy Cancel under PSE guidelines, as it darkens part of the design without obliterating it. The strike confirms genuine postal use and slightly lowers eye appeal.
Cancellation Classification: Heavy Cancel
Cancellation Deduction: –10 points

Collector’s Note:
The Geophysical Year commemorative remains a noted 1950s issue for its artistic symbolism and scientific theme. Despite a heavier cancel and one short perf, this example shows sharp engraving and bright color, making it a sound representative for used Liberty-era collections.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Color and impression are strong, with deep black and luminous orange tones. Paper is fresh and free of toning. The cancel reduces clarity slightly but leaves the hands and background visible. Overall visual balance remains solid.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –5 (Extremely Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 73
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5 (Heavy Cancel)
Final Grade: 68 (Very Good–Fine VG-F)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1107
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Extremely Minor Fault (Short Perforation, –5)
Perforations: 11×10½, intact with one short tip
Cancellation: Heavy Machine Cancel (–5 Eye Appeal Deduction)
Eye Appeal: Strong color and impression, minor cancel impact
Final Grade: 68 (Very Good–Fine VG-F)

Summary:
This used Scott #1107 International Geophysical Year stamp exhibits Fine/Very Fine centering with intact perforations and crisp engraving. A single extremely minor perf fault and a heavy cancel lower its score, yet it remains fresh, well-balanced, and collectible. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, the stamp earns a final grade of 68 (Very Good–Fine VG-F) – a sound, attractive example of this 1958 commemorative.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (1014)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions