U. S. Scott #854 - Used - Graded Fine (LA01-0051-03-03)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

854

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

70 (Fine)

Year of Issue

1939

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #854 (Used, Hinged, No Original Gum – Single Stamp)
3¢ Purple – Sesquicentennial of Washington’s Inauguration, 1939
(Commemorative Issue – Rotary Press Printing, Perf 11×10½)

Design Overview:
Scott #854 commemorates the 150th anniversary of George Washington’s inauguration as the first President of the United States in 1789. The central vignette depicts Washington standing on the balcony of Federal Hall in New York City, taking the oath of office before a crowd. The design is framed with ornate scrollwork, with “U.S. POSTAGE” at the top, “SESQUICENTENNIAL OF THE INAUGURATION OF WASHINGTON AS FIRST PRESIDENT” inscribed in an arch above, and “1789–1939” at the bottom flanked by large numeral “3”s. Issued in 1939, this stamp served as the 3¢ letter rate. The submitted example is postally used, hinged, and without original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine–Very Fine, F–VF)
The perforations are clear of the design, though margins are not balanced. The bottom margin is the narrowest, the left the widest, with the right tighter than the top. This matches Fine–Very Fine centering under the 2009 PSE definitions.

Soundness Evaluation:
Very Minor Fault: Light ink transfer on the back of the stamp
This is considered a Very Minor Fault under PSE standards.
Soundness Deduction: –5 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforations gauge 11×10½, consistent with the issue. All perforations are intact and genuine, with no evidence of trimming or reperforation. Margins align with the Fine–Very Fine centering grade, though uneven.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The stamp carries a black machine cancel with multiple horizontal lines, covering a substantial portion of the vignette. This qualifies as a Heavy Cancel under PSE grading, though Washington’s figure remains identifiable.

Collector’s Note:
Commemorative 3¢ issues like this were widely used for everyday mail, often receiving heavy machine cancels. While this reduces eye appeal, it reflects authentic postal usage during the late 1930s.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The color remains strong, and paper is sound. The heavy cancel reduces presentation modestly, though not beyond typical usage. No additional deduction beyond the soundness penalty is necessary.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: ±0 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine–Very Fine, F–VF)
Soundness Deduction: –5 (Very Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 72
Eye Appeal Adjustment: ±0
Final Grade: 72 (Fine, F)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 854
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 77 (Fine–Very Fine, F–VF)
Soundness: Very Minor Fault (light ink transfer on back), –5
Perforations: Perf 11×10½, intact and genuine
Cancellation: Heavy machine cancel across vignette
Eye Appeal: No additional adjustment beyond soundness
Final Grade: 72 (Fine, F)

Final Verdict:
This used 3¢ Sesquicentennial of Washington’s Inauguration stamp shows Fine–Very Fine centering, but a light ink transfer on the reverse reduces the grade modestly. Its final numerical grade under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide is 72 (Fine). It remains a collectible commemorative example of the 1939 Washington Inauguration issue.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (825)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

• Bids
• Sales

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions