U. S. Scott #855 - Used [LA01-0051-04-01]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

855

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1939

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #855 (Used, Never Hinged, No Original Gum – Single Stamp)
3¢ Purple – Centennial of Baseball, 1939
(Commemorative Issue – Rotary Press Printing, Perf 11×10½)

Design Overview:
Scott #855 commemorates the 100th anniversary of baseball, often called “America’s pastime.” The vignette depicts an 1839 baseball game scene in Cooperstown, New York, with players and spectators gathered around. The left panel shows crossed bats with a laurel wreath and the dates “1839–1939.” Along the bottom is inscribed “CENTENNIAL OF BASEBALL” and “UNITED STATES POSTAGE.” The denomination “3 CENTS” is at lower left. Issued in 1939, the stamp was primarily used for standard first-class letter mail. The submitted example is postally used, never hinged, and without original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine–Very Fine, F–VF)
The design is clear of the perforations on all sides, though margins are uneven. The top margin is the narrowest, the bottom the widest, with the right side tighter than the left. This corresponds to Fine–Very Fine centering under the 2009 PSE definitions.

Soundness Evaluation:
Minor Fault: Several perf creases
Minor Fault: Very short or nibbed perf
Very Minor Fault: One shorter perf, less than half normal length
The combination of multiple minor issues places the stamp in the Fault category under PSE grading standards.
Soundness Deduction: –30 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforations gauge 11×10½, consistent with the issue. Several teeth are shortened or nibbed, and crease lines cross some perforations, reducing structural integrity. Margins confirm Fine–Very Fine centering, though uneven.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The stamp bears a heavy black machine cancel of wavy horizontal lines crossing the entire vignette. This is considered a Heavy Cancel under PSE definitions, as it disrupts significant portions of the design but leaves the imagery recognizable.

Collector’s Note:
The Baseball Centennial issue remains a popular commemorative with collectors, though most surviving examples are heavily used with bold cancels. Clear face-free strikes are far scarcer and command premiums.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The strong design and color remain, but perf damage and a bold cancel reduce overall visual appeal. A –10 point adjustment is applied.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine–Very Fine, F–VF)
Soundness Deduction: –30 (Fault classification)
Adjusted Base Grade: 47
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10
Final Grade: 37 (Good, G)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 855
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 77 (Fine–Very Fine, F–VF)
Soundness: Faults (perf creases, nibbed and short perfs), –30
Perforations: Perf 11×10½, several creased and shortened teeth
Cancellation: Heavy wavy-line machine cancel across vignette, –10 adjustment
Eye Appeal: –10 due to perf faults and cancel strength
Final Grade: 37 (Good, G)

Final Verdict:
This used 3¢ Baseball Centennial shows Fine–Very Fine centering, but perf creases, nibbed perforations, and a heavy machine cancel reduce its grade significantly. Its final numerical grade under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide is 37 (Good). It remains a collectible commemorative example, notable for its cultural significance as the Baseball Centennial issue.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (997)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions