U. S. Scott #904 - MNH [LA01-0054-03-02]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

904

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Mint (NH)

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1942

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #904 (Unused, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
3¢ Purple – Sesquicentennial of the Statehood of Kentucky, 1942
(Commemorative Issue – Rotary Press Printing, Perf 11x10½, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Issued in 1942 for the 150th anniversary of Kentucky’s statehood, Scott #904 portrays Daniel Boone and companions surveying the Kentucky River valley. The scene reflects the frontier spirit and westward expansion of early America. Designed by Casper W. Hine and engraved by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, it bears the inscriptions “1792” and “1942” with the legend “Sesquicentennial of the Statehood of Kentucky.” This example is unused, retains full original gum, and has never been hinged.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is slightly off center to the left and bottom. The left margin is narrowest, the top widest, while the bottom is moderately close but clear. All perforations remain well outside the design, matching PSE’s Fine/Very Fine standard where one or two sides are narrow without touching the frame. The overall layout appears balanced and visually sound.

Soundness Evaluation:
No structural damage such as tears, thins, or creases is visible. Minor imperfections include:
Minor Fault: Several ragged, fuzzy, or short perforations about half normal length.
Very Minor Fault: Light dirt smudging and faint spotting on back.
Extremely Minor Fault: Minor natural gum bend under angled light.
According to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, this combination constitutes a Minor Fault, requiring a deduction of about 20 points from the centering grade.

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11x10½, consistent with 1940s commemoratives. All perforations are intact though slightly uneven along the left and bottom edges. There is no evidence of trimming or reperforation. The left and bottom margins are narrower, while the right and top are wider and balanced, supporting the Fine/Very Fine centering assessment.

Cancellation Evaluation:
Not applicable. This unused stamp has full original gum and no cancellation marks.

Collector’s Note:
The Kentucky Sesquicentennial issue remains popular for its historical theme and frontier imagery. Mint, never hinged copies with strong color are sought after. This example, though showing minor handling flaws, displays crisp detail and clean gum, typical of collectible mid-grade commemoratives.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Color is deep and even, with strong impression and bright paper. The gum is fresh with natural sheen. The faint back smudge and light gum bend have negligible effect on presentation. Overall appearance is slightly above average, justifying a +1 adjustment.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 59
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +1 (Fresh color and gum)
Final Grade: 60 (Very Good/Fine – VG/F)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 904
Condition: Unused, Never Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (ragged perfs, smudging, gum bend)
Perforations: 11x10½, intact, slightly uneven
Cancellation: None (unused)
Eye Appeal: +1 for bright color and freshness
Final Grade: 60 (Very Good/Fine – VG/F)

Summary:
This unused, never hinged example of the 3¢ Kentucky Statehood Sesquicentennial issue exhibits Fine/Very Fine centering with narrow left and bottom margins. Minor rough perforations and light back smudging slightly reduce technical grade, yet the color and gum remain bright and original. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, it receives a final grade of 60 (Very Good/Fine), a sound and attractive collectible from the early 1940s commemorative series.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (939)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions