U. S. Scott #922 - MH [LA01-0056-01-01]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

922

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 #922 (Unused, Hinged – Single Stamp)
3¢ Purple – Completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad, 1944
(Commemorative Issue – Rotary Press Printing, Perf 11x10½, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Issued in 1944 for the 75th anniversary of the first transcontinental railroad, Scott #922 commemorates the joining of the Central Pacific and Union Pacific lines at Promontory Point, Utah, in 1869. The engraved design shows the two locomotives meeting head-on, surrounded by workers and officials celebrating the event. Framed with arched borders and ornamental foliage, it symbolizes unity and national progress. Printed in purple by rotary press, this example is unused, has full original gum, and shows evidence of light hinging.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is slightly off center toward the bottom and left. The bottom margin is narrowest, the top broadest, while the left is a touch closer than the right. All perforation holes are clear of the design, matching the PSE definition of Fine/Very Fine centering, where one or two margins are narrow but not touching the frame. The visual balance remains clean and typical for the issue.

Soundness Evaluation:
No tears, thins, or missing perforations are evident. Minor imperfections include:
Very Minor Fault: Two small perf tip creases.
Extremely Minor Fault: Minor natural gum bend.
Extremely Minor Fault: Two short perforations about half normal length.
According to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, these qualify as a Minor Fault classification, requiring an approximate 20-point deduction from the centering grade.

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11x10½, standard for 1940s commemoratives. All perforations are intact, with minor irregularity at a few tips. No evidence of trimming or reperforation. Margins are full and balanced, though the bottom and left are narrowest. Overall spacing supports the Fine/Very Fine centering evaluation.

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

Collector’s Note:
The Transcontinental Railroad commemorative remains one of the most admired WWII-era issues for its detailed depiction of technological achievement and national unity. Hinged examples are plentiful, but those with strong color and intact gum remain attractive to collectors. This copy, despite minor production flaws, retains crisp printing and appealing freshness.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Color is rich with sharp impression and even purple tone. Paper is bright, and gum retains natural gloss. The slight gum bend and small perf imperfections are negligible from the front. Overall appearance is slightly above average, justifying a +1 adjustment for freshness and clarity.

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: 922
Condition: Unused, Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (perf creases, gum bend, short perfs)
Perforations: 11x10½, intact, slightly uneven
Cancellation: None (unused)
Eye Appeal: +1 for color and brightness
Final Grade: 59 (Very Good/Fine – VG/F)

Summary:
This unused, hinged example of the 3¢ 1944 Transcontinental Railroad issue exhibits Fine/Very Fine centering with narrow lower and left margins. Minor perf creases, two short perfs, and a light gum bend slightly lower the technical grade but not the visual impact. Strong color, sharp engraving, and fresh gum contribute to solid presentation. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, it earns a final grade of 59 (Very Good/Fine), representing a clean and collectible mid-grade example of this classic U.S. commemorative.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (895)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions