U. S. Scott #921 - MH [LA01-0055-05-03]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

921

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Unused

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1944

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #921 (Unused, Hinged – Single Stamp)
5¢ Deep Blue and Carmine – Korea Commemorative, 1944
(Commemorative Issue – Rotary Press Printing, Perf 11x10½, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Issued in 1944 as part of the “Overrun Nations” series, Scott #921 honors Korea’s struggle for freedom during World War II. The design features the Korean flag (Taegukgi) centered between two allegorical figures—an eagle symbolizing liberty and a bound woman representing oppression under Japanese rule. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” and “KOREA” underscore Allied solidarity with occupied nations. Printed in deep blue with vivid red and blue accents, this example is unused, retains full original gum, and has been lightly hinged.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is slightly off center to the bottom and left. The bottom margin is narrowest and the top widest, with the left modestly closer than the right. All perforations remain clear of the design, meeting the PSE Fine/Very Fine definition, where one or two sides are narrow but not touching. Overall balance is good, producing a pleasing though slightly uneven frame.

Soundness Evaluation:
No tears, thins, or creases are visible. Minor imperfections include:
Very Minor Fault: Light dirt smudging on the back.
Extremely Minor Fault: Minor natural gum bend.
Extremely Minor Fault: Two short perforations, about half normal length.
Extremely Minor Fault: One fuzzy or ragged perforation tip.
Per the 2009 PSE Guide, this combination constitutes a Minor Fault classification, requiring about a 20-point deduction from the centering grade.

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11x10½, typical of the WWII commemorative series. All perforations are intact, though two are short and one slightly rough. No evidence of trimming or reperforation. The bottom and left margins are narrower, the right and top wider. The spacing aligns with Fine/Very Fine centering standards.

Cancellation Evaluation:
Not applicable. This is an unused, hinged example with full original gum and no cancellation.

Collector’s Note:
The “Overrun Nations” series is celebrated for its symbolism and striking design. The Korea issue, representing hope and independence, remains among the most popular. Hinged copies are common, but examples with strong color and intact gum retain solid collector demand. This stamp, despite minor flaws, presents cleanly with vivid impression.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Color is rich, and the flag’s red and blue printing is sharp and well registered. Paper is bright, and gum maintains healthy tone and sheen. The back smudging and gum bend are negligible from the front. Overall visual impact is slightly above average, meriting +1 for freshness and color.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 58
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +1 (Color and freshness)
Final Grade: 59 (Very Good/Fine – VG/F)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 921
Condition: Unused, Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (smudging, gum bend, short and ragged perfs)
Perforations: 11x10½, intact, slightly uneven
Cancellation: None (unused)
Eye Appeal: +1 for color and freshness
Final Grade: 59 (Very Good/Fine – VG/F)

Summary:
This unused, hinged example of the 5¢ Korea Commemorative from 1944 shows Fine/Very Fine centering with a narrow bottom margin and minor perforation irregularities. Light smudging and a small gum bend lower the technical grade but not the appearance. Its vivid color, crisp flag detail, and full gum support a final grade of 59 (Very Good/Fine) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide—a bright and collectible mid-grade representative of the historic “Overrun Nations” series.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (913)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions