U. S. Scott #941 Plate Block - MNH - Graded Fine (SL01-0002-05-01)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

941

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Mint (NH)

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Plate Block

Certificate Grade

70 (Fine)

Year of Issue

1946

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #941 (Unused, Never Hinged – Plate Block)
3¢ Purple – Tennessee Volunteer State 150th Anniversary of Statehood, 1946
(Engraved Printing, Perf 11, Original Gum)

Design Overview:
Scott #941 is a 3¢ purple engraved commemorative stamp issued in 1946 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Tennessee’s statehood. The design features portraits of Andrew Jackson and John Sevier flanking an image of the Tennessee State Capitol. The inscriptions "U.S. POSTAGE" appear at the top and "TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER STATE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF STATEHOOD" at the bottom, with the denomination "3¢" in the lower corners. This issue was produced by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing using the engraved method, which produces sharp, detailed lines and strong color. It is perforated 11 and printed on paper with original gum.

The example submitted is an unused plate block of four, never hinged, and retains full original gum. It has strong color and impression but shows minor flaws affecting the numerical grade.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is free of the perforation holes on all sides, though margins are slightly unbalanced. The bottom margin is the narrowest, the top is the widest, and the left margin is narrower than the right. These characteristics place the block squarely within the Fine/Very Fine centering criteria according to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Soundness Evaluation:
Two faults are present: a minor natural gum bend (an extremely minor fault) and slight discoloration (a very minor fault). Together, these qualify the plate block for the Very Minor Fault classification.
Soundness Classification: Very Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –6 points

Perforations and Margins:
The block is perforated 11 on all sides, as expected for this issue. All perforations are intact and well-formed with no evidence of trimming, separation, or reperforation. Margins are slightly narrow at the bottom but consistent with the Fine/Very Fine centering grade.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The plate block presents with bold color, clean impressions, and attractive gum. The minor gum bend and discoloration have minimal impact on visual appeal, so no adjustment is applied.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –6 (Very Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 72
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 72 (Fine – F)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 941
Condition: Unused, Never Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Very Minor Fault (natural gum bend, slight discoloration)
Perforations: Perf 11, intact and even
Eye Appeal: No deduction or bonus applied
Final Grade: 72 (Fine – F)

Final Verdict:
This unused, never hinged plate block of Scott #941 exhibits Fine/Very Fine centering and solid overall appearance. Minor flaws reduce its final numerical grade slightly, resulting in a grade of 72 (Fine) in accordance with the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (839)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

• Bids
• Sales

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions