U. S. Scott #953 - MH [LA01-0059-02-02]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

953

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Unused

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1948

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #953 (Unused, Hinged – Single Stamp)
3¢ Purple – Dr. George Washington Carver, 1948
(Commemorative Issue – Rotary Press Printing, Perf 11, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #953 honors Dr. George Washington Carver (1864–1943), the pioneering agricultural scientist and educator whose work in crop rotation and soil improvement transformed Southern farming. Issued January 5, 1948, in Tuskegee, Alabama, the design features a portrait of Carver framed by fine double-line borders, with “DR. GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER” inscribed below. The denomination “3¢” appears in a tablet at the lower right, balanced by a lamp of learning motif at left. Printed in purple ink by rotary press, this issue was the first U.S. commemorative to recognize an African American scientist. The submitted example is unused, previously hinged, and retains its original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design shows balanced spacing horizontally, with all perforations well clear of the printed frame. The top margin is the narrowest, while the bottom is widest, producing a slightly vertical shift within acceptable limits. The left margin is marginally tighter than the right. All borders remain visible to the unaided eye, placing this example squarely in the Fine/Very Fine category per the 2009 PSE grading standards.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp is intact and free from tears, thins, or gum disturbance beyond hinge evidence. Observed faults are:
Very Minor Fault: One shorter to short perf, less than half normal length
Extremely Minor Fault: Two additional shorter perfs, about half normal length
Extremely Minor Fault: Two fuzzy or ragged perfs
According to the 2009 PSE Table of Soundness, two or three very minor or extremely minor imperfections together constitute a Minor Fault, resulting in a –20 deduction.

Soundness Classification: Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –20 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11 on all sides. The perforations are full, with several tips showing natural variance and one shorter perf on the top and left sides. Margins are cleanly cut and even, typical of rotary press issues. No trimming or alteration is present. Margin balance supports Fine/Very Fine centering, with a slightly larger bottom margin enhancing visual stability.

Cancellation Evaluation:
Not applicable. The stamp is unused and bears no cancel.

Collector’s Note:
The Carver commemorative is widely collected for its cultural and historical significance, marking a milestone in U.S. postal recognition of African American achievement. This example retains rich coloration, full design clarity, and original gum—desirable features despite minor perf irregularities.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Color is deep and vivid, the impression sharp, and the paper bright with no toning. The very minor perforation flaws do not distract from visual symmetry. Overall appearance is solid for the grade, with gum and surface freshness well preserved.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +1 point

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

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 953
Condition: Unused, Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (short and ragged perfs)
Perforations: Perf 11, complete with slight irregularity
Cancellation: None (unused issue)
Eye Appeal: +1 (color and freshness)
Final Grade: 59 (Very Good/Fine)

Summary:
This unused, hinged example of Scott #953—the 3¢ George Washington Carver commemorative—shows Fine/Very Fine centering with strong color, crisp impression, and full gum. Several short and fuzzy perfs constitute minor faults, reducing the technical grade to 59 (Very Good/Fine). Still, its sharp design and fresh presentation make it a desirable representative of this historic 1948 issue under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

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