U. S. Scott #1128 - Used - [NA01-0203-02-01]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1128

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

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:
Issued in 1959, Scott #1128 commemorates two major Arctic milestones: the 1909 North Pole expedition led by Robert Peary and the 1959 under-ice Arctic patrol of the nuclear submarine USS Skate (SSN-578). The design balances historical exploration with modern technological achievement, depicting Peary and his dog team above a polar projection and the Skate navigating icy waters below. Engraved production provides sharp lines and controlled shading throughout the stamp.
The submitted example is postally used, never hinged prior to use, and carries no original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Margins are full but uneven, with the left margin the narrowest and the right the widest. The top margin is narrower than the bottom. All perforations remain safely clear of the design, meeting the PSE definition of Fine/Very Fine centering: full margins with one or two being noticeably narrow.

Soundness Evaluation:
Faults identified include heavy dirt smudging or spotting on the back (Minor Fault) and a corner perf crease (Very Minor Fault). Together, these faults constitute a Minor Fault classification under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.
Soundness Classification: Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –20 points
Given Fine/Very Fine centering, this places the preliminary grade in the Very Good range (50–59).

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11 on all sides. A corner perf crease is visible, consistent with the noted fault. All perforations are genuine with no clipping or reperforation. Margins reflect the centering description: left narrowest, right widest, top narrower than bottom.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The stamp bears a wavy-line machine cancel that covers the upper half of the design but remains light enough to preserve full visibility of the imagery. The cancel does not qualify as Heavy or Very Heavy. It has typical used-stamp appearance and does not negatively affect eye appeal beyond the soundness issues already noted.

Collector’s Note:
Used examples of this commemorative often show handling wear or smudging due to its broad white background. Although this copy exhibits back smudging, its centering and clean front presentation maintain solid visual appeal for collectors of 1950s U.S. commemoratives.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Front color and impression remain bright and strong. The cancel is moderate and does not obscure major design elements. No additional eye appeal deduction or bonus is warranted.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 59 (Very Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 59 (Very Good)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1128
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (Back smudging; corner perf crease)
Perforations: Perf 11, intact with one creased tip
Cancellation: Moderate wavy-line machine cancel
Eye Appeal: 0 adjustment
Final Grade: 59 (Very Good)

Summary:
This used example of Scott #1128 combines Fine/Very Fine centering with a clean, well-impressed design. Though the back smudging and small perf crease reduce the technical grade, the stamp retains solid collector appeal. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, it earns a final grade of 59 (Very Good).

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