U. S. Scott #906 - MH [LA01-0054-03-03]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

906

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Unused

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1942

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #906 (Unused, Hinged – Single Stamp)
5¢ Blue – China Resistance Issue (U.S.–China Commemorative), 1942
(Commemorative Issue – Rotary Press Printing, Perf 11x10½, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Issued in 1942 during World War II, Scott #906 commemorates China’s resistance to Japanese invasion and honors democratic ideals shared by the United States and China. The stamp shows Abraham Lincoln and Dr. Sun Yat-sen flanking a map of China, symbolizing unity and courage. The Republic’s Sun emblem bears the dates “July 7, 1937” and “July 7, 1942,” marking the fifth anniversary of China’s resistance. The phrase below Lincoln, “Of the People, By the People, For the People,” reflects the nations’ shared philosophy of self-governance. This example is unused, has original gum, and has been previously hinged.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is slightly off center to the right and top. The right margin is the narrowest and the left the widest, while the top is modestly closer to the design than the bottom. All perforation holes are clear of the design, matching the Fine/Very Fine standard where one or two margins are narrow but not impinging on the frame. Balance is solid, producing a pleasing, well-centered appearance for the grade.

Soundness Evaluation:
No tears, thins, or creases are present. Minor imperfections include:
Very Minor Fault: Light ink transfer on the back.
Extremely Minor Fault: Minor natural gum bend.
Extremely Minor Fault: One short perf, about half normal length.
Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, this mix constitutes a Minor Fault classification, equating to a 20-point deduction from the centering grade.

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11x10½, consistent with the issue. Perforations are full and intact, with one shorter tip on the top edge. There is no evidence of trimming or reperforation. The right margin is narrowest, the left and bottom more generous, and the top moderate. The proportions are balanced within Fine/Very Fine centering tolerance.

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

Collector’s Note:
The 5¢ China Resistance issue is among the most meaningful 1940s commemoratives, pairing Lincoln and Sun Yat-sen as symbols of freedom and endurance. Hinged examples are common, but well-centered copies with bright color remain appealing. This example, though modestly off center, retains freshness and fine presentation.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Color is rich and even, with strong impression and bright paper. The gum is clean and glossy. The light gum bend, ink transfer, and short perf are minor and unobtrusive from the front. Overall eye appeal is slightly above average, meriting a +1 adjustment for color and freshness.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 57
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +1 (Color and freshness)
Final Grade: 58 (Very Good – VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 906
Condition: Unused, Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (ink transfer, gum bend, short perf)
Perforations: 11x10½, full, one slightly short
Cancellation: None (unused)
Eye Appeal: +1 for color and paper freshness
Final Grade: 58 (Very Good – VG)

Summary:
This unused, hinged example of the 5¢ 1942 China Resistance commemorative shows Fine/Very Fine centering with slightly narrow right and top margins. Minor production flaws—a faint gum bend, one short perf, and light ink transfer—lower the technical grade but not the visual appeal. Its strong color, clear impression, and intact gum earn a final grade of 58 (Very Good) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, representing a bright and historically important mid-grade wartime commemorative.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (902)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions