U. S. Scott #1109 - Used - [LA01-0072-01-03]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1109

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 #1109 (Used, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
3¢ Blue – The Mackinac Bridge, 1958
(Commemorative – Rotary Press Intaglio, Perf 11×10½)

Design Overview:
Issued June 25 1958, Scott #1109 marks the completion of the Mackinac Bridge, linking Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas. Designed by Ervine Metzl and engraved by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, the design shows a low-angle view of the suspension bridge stretching into the distance, symbolizing engineering progress. “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” appears at top, “3¢” at right, and “THE MACKINAC BRIDGE – CONNECTING THE PENINSULAS OF MICHIGAN” across the base. The submitted example is postally used, never hinged, and lacks original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design sits slightly high and right of center. The right margin is the narrowest, left the widest, with the top margin marginally tighter than the bottom. Perforations are well clear of the printed design and fully intact. The layout meets PSE’s Fine/Very Fine standard, showing minor vertical and rightward imbalance but solid overall alignment.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp shows no thins, tears, or creases. A Heavy Cancellation Bleed-Through is visible on the reverse, where purple ink has lightly penetrated the paper. Under the 2009 PSE Guide, this is a Minor Fault, carrying a moderate deduction from the base grade.
Soundness Classification: Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –20 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforations gauge 11×10½, correct for this issue. All tips are intact and naturally struck, with no trimming or reperforation. Margins are clear but uneven: bottom broadest, top narrow, left generous, right close. The frame remains fully visible on all sides, consistent with Fine/Very Fine centering.

Cancellation Evaluation:
A bold purple circular handstamp crosses the bridge towers and sky, heavy in color and moderately wide in spread. It qualifies as a Heavy Cancel under PSE eye-appeal standards. While typical for period postal use, it partially obscures the bridge structure and text, lowering clarity and balance slightly.
Cancellation Classification: Heavy Cancel
Cancellation Deduction: –10 points

Collector’s Note:
The Mackinac Bridge issue is prized for its perspective engraving and historical significance. Despite the heavy cancel and ink bleed-through, this example retains excellent structural soundness and a vivid blue impression, appealing to collectors who favor transportation-themed commemoratives of the 1950s.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Color remains deep and even; paper is fresh with no discoloration. The bleed-through affects only the back, and the cancel, though strong, leaves inscriptions legible. Visual presentation remains acceptable for a Fine/Very Fine used example.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 59
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5 (Heavy Cancel)
Final Grade: 54 (Very Good VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1109
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (Heavy Cancel Bleed-Through, –20)
Perforations: 11×10½, intact and true
Cancellation: Heavy Purple Handstamp (–5 Eye Appeal)
Eye Appeal: Slight deduction for cancel and bleed-through
Final Grade: 54 (Very Good VG)

Summary:
This used Scott #1109 Mackinac Bridge stamp shows Fine/Very Fine centering, intact perforations, and strong color. The heavy purple cancel and light ink bleed-through reduce its numeric grade but not its collectability. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, it receives a final grade of 54 (Very Good VG) – a sound, visually stable, and representative used example of this 1958 commemorative.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (1010)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions