U. S. Scott #1126 - MNH - [LA01-0073-03-03]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1126

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Mint (NH)

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1959

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #1126 (Unused – Single Stamp)
8¢ José de San Martín, Champion of Liberty Series, 1958
(Commemorative Issue – Engraved Printing, Perf 11×10½, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Issued in 1958, Scott #1126 forms part of the multiyear Champion of Liberty series honoring global leaders associated with independence and democratic ideals. This stamp commemorates José de San Martín (1778–1850), general and statesman instrumental in liberating Argentina, Chile, and Peru. The design features an engraved golden medallion portrait encircled by the inscription “HERO OF THE ANDES,” surmounted by a stylized liberty torch with radiating beams and laurel branches in red and blue. The submitted example is unused, never hinged, and retains its original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
The assigned centering grade is 77 (Fine/Very Fine). Margin balance shows the right margin as the narrowest, the left as the widest, and the top slightly narrower than the bottom. All perforations remain clear of the design, meeting PSE’s definition for F–VF centering on modern small‐margin commemoratives.

Soundness Evaluation:
The following faults are present:
A Fault: small stain, and
A Very Minor Fault: light ink transfer on the back.
Under the PSE soundness table, the presence of a small stain places the stamp in the “Fault” category regardless of additional minor issues.
Fault soundness combined with Fine/Very Fine centering produces a net grade of Good/Very Good (40–49). A deduction of –30 is applied.

Perforations and Margins:
Perforations measure correctly at 11×10½ and are fully intact with no signs of reperforation or trimming. Margin proportions match the assigned centering grade: right margin tightest, left strongest, with a slight top–bottom imbalance.

Cancellation Evaluation:
Not applicable; the stamp is unused with original gum.

Collector’s Note:
While the stain impacts the technical grade, the face of the stamp remains bright, sharply engraved, and visually appealing. Champion of Liberty issues remain highly collected for their historical significance, and examples with full original gum continue to retain demand even in lower technical grades.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The face is clean, with vivid colors and strong impression. The stain is confined to the reverse and does not intrude on the front design. No additional deduction or bonus for eye appeal is applied.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –30 (Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 47
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 47 (Good/Very Good)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1126
Condition: Unused, Never Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Fault (small stain)
Perforations: Perf 11×10½, intact and consistent
Cancellation: Not applicable
Eye Appeal: No adjustment
Final Grade: 47 (Good/Very Good)

Summary:
This unused Scott #1126 receives a final grade of 47 (Good/Very Good), reflecting strong centering for the issue but a notable deduction for the back stain. Despite its technical limitations, the stamp retains clean, sharp engraving and full original gum, making it a presentable and collectible example of the Champion of Liberty series.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (977)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions