U. S. Scott #1138 - Used - [LA01-0074-02-04]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1138

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 #1138 (Used – Single Stamp)
4¢ Rose Carmine – Dr. Ephraim McDowell, 1959
(Commemorative Issue – Engraved, Perf 11)

Design Overview:
Issued in 1959, this commemorative honors Dr. Ephraim McDowell, the pioneering Kentucky surgeon known for performing the first successful abdominal surgery in 1809. The design presents a detailed engraved portrait set within a rectangular frame, with UNITED STATES POSTAGE at top and the denomination and name integrated cleanly within the portrait field. The rich rose-carmine color emphasizes the shading lines and depth typical of mid-century engraved issues. The submitted example is used and naturally lacks original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
The stamp shows full margins around the design, with one or two notably narrower sides. The right margin is the most narrow, while the left is the most generous. The top margin is slightly narrower than the bottom. No part of the design approaches or touches the perforations. This corresponds to Fine/Very Fine centering under the 2009 PSE definitions.

Soundness Evaluation:
Faults Present:
Minor Fault: Several ragged, fuzzy, or shorter perforations, approximately half normal length.
No tears, thins, creases, or stains are visible.
Soundness Classification: Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –20
Under the 2009 PSE matrix, Minor Fault soundness combined with Fine/Very Fine centering yields a Very Good (50–59) base category.

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11 on all sides. Several perforation tips show shortening and roughness, consistent with the Minor Fault classification. No evidence of trimming or reperforation is present. Margin proportions match the centering description: right narrowest, left widest, top narrower than bottom.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The cancellation is heavy, dark, and lands directly across the portrait. The facial features are partially obscured, with heavy black inking affecting eye, nose, and collar lines.
Cancel Classification: Heavy
Effect on Design: Significant facial obscuring

Collector’s Note:
Used commemoratives from the late 1950s often exhibit strong cancels from high-speed mail processing equipment. While the heavy cancel reduces eye appeal, the stamp remains collectible for specialists who value centering and color strength.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The cancel is heavy and obscures major design elements. Per PSE Eye Appeal guidelines for used stamps, a heavy cancel may reduce the grade by up to 10 points.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 57
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10
Final Grade: 47 (Good–Very Good)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1138
Condition: Used, No Original Gum
Centering: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (ragged/short perfs), –20
Perforations: Perf 11 with multiple shorter or irregular perf tips
Cancellation: Heavy cancel across portrait, –10 adjustment
Eye Appeal: –10
Final Grade: 47 (Good–Very Good)

Summary:
This used example of Scott #1138 shows balanced Fine/Very Fine centering and strong color but suffers from multiple shortened perforations and a heavy face-obscuring cancel. These factors lower the final grade to 47, placing it in the Good–Very Good range under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide and your numeric grading scale. While not a premium example, it remains a serviceable representative of this mid-century commemorative.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (1012)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions