U. S. Scott #1128 - Used - [LA01-0073-03-01]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1128

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

VF/XF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

70 (Fine)

Year of Issue

1959

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #1128 (Used, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
4¢ Blue – Arctic Explorations, 1959
(Commemorative Issue – Engraved Printing, Perf 11)

Design Overview:
Scott #1128 was issued in 1959 to celebrate two milestones in Arctic exploration: Robert Peary’s 1909 North Pole expedition and the 1959 Arctic under-ice transit of the USS Skate (SSN-578). The design places Peary with his dog team above a polar projection map and the submarine Skate cutting through the ice below, uniting classic exploration with modern technological achievement. Engraved printing produces crisp tonal contrast across both scenes.
The submitted stamp is postally used, never hinged before mailing, and retains no original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 87 (Very Fine/Extremely Fine)
The stamp displays balanced, full margins typical of VF/XF centering. The left margin is the narrowest, with the bottom margin the widest. The right margin is narrower than the top but still clear of the design. Overall spacing is comfortably above average for the issue.

Soundness Evaluation:
Faults present include multiple perf creases (Minor Fault) and light cancellation bleed-through (Very Minor Fault). Together these constitute a Minor Fault classification under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.
Soundness Classification: Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –15 points
Minor Fault + VF/XF centering yields a base grade in the Fine range (70–74).

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11 on all sides with intact perforations. Several perf tips show creasing consistent with the stated fault. No evidence of reperforation or trimming. Margins match the centering analysis: narrow left, wide bottom, top and right in intermediate positions.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The black circular cancel arcs across the upper design and into the submarine. While clearly visible, the strike does not obscure major design elements and falls between light and medium intensity. The resulting light bleed-through is already accounted for as a Very Minor Fault. As a used stamp, this cancel is typical and does not produce an eye appeal deduction.

Collector’s Note:
This issue remains desirable for its dual-scene Arctic motif and Cold War narrative. The VF/XF centering is a strength, and despite the perf creases the stamp presents well. Used examples with strong color and clean impressions continue to be collected actively.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Color, impression, and paper freshness remain strong. The cancellation is moderately applied and does not overwhelm the design. No further eye appeal deduction is warranted.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 87 (Very Fine/Extremely Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –15 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 72 (Fine)
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 72 (Fine)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1128
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 87 (Very Fine/Extremely Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (Multiple perf creases; light cancel bleed-through)
Perforations: Perf 11, intact with several creased tips
Cancellation: Medium circular strike, light bleed-through
Eye Appeal: 0 adjustment
Final Grade: 72 (Fine)

Summary:
This used example of Scott #1128 offers strong VF/XF centering, crisp engraved detail, and attractive face presentation. Although perf creases and slight cancel bleed-through reduce the technical grade, the stamp remains solidly collectible. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, the final grade is 72 (Fine).

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (976)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions