U. S. Scott #954 - Used [LA01-0059-01-03]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

954

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1948

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #954 (Used, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
3¢ Deep Violet – California Gold Centennial, 1948
(Commemorative Issue – Rotary Press Printing, Perf 11, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #954 commemorates the 100th anniversary of the discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill in Coloma, California, which triggered the Gold Rush of 1849. Issued January 24, 1948, the design shows the historic mill along the American River, framed by tall pines and distant mountains. A crossed pick and shovel emblem appears at the upper right, while banners below mark “1848” and “1948.” Printed in deep violet by rotary press, this issue honors the pioneer spirit that transformed the nation. The submitted example is used, never hinged, and shows no visible cancellation or gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is balanced with full margins on all sides. The right margin is the narrowest, the left the widest, and the bottom slightly tighter than the top. Perforations remain clear of the design, meeting PSE’s Fine/Very Fine standard.

Soundness Evaluation:
The paper is firm and shows no thins or tears. The following are noted:
Minor Fault: Several perf creases visible from the reverse
Minor Fault: Several ragged or short perforations, about half normal length
According to the 2009 PSE Table of Soundness, two minor faults qualify as a Fault classification, resulting in a –30 deduction.

Soundness Classification: Fault
Soundness Deduction: –30 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11 on all sides. Perforations are complete though uneven along the right and bottom edges, with some short or fuzzy tips. The left side is even and intact. Margins remain consistent with Fine/Very Fine centering and show no evidence of trimming or alteration.

Cancellation Evaluation:
No visible cancellation is present. Under the 2009 PSE Eye Appeal guidelines, a used stamp showing no visible cancel qualifies for a +5 eye appeal adjustment, as such examples display exceptional visual clarity and face cleanliness.

Cancellation Classification: None visible (light/absent cancel, +5 adjustment)

Collector’s Note:
The California Gold Centennial issue is admired for its bold design and historical subject. Clean used examples such as this, showing no visible cancellation, are particularly desirable and scarce. Despite minor perforation flaws, the stamp retains its engraved strength and color depth.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The violet ink remains bright and fully saturated. Paper is fresh with no soiling or toning. The absence of cancel and overall clarity provide above-average visual appeal for a used example.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +5 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –30 (Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 49
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +5 (no visible cancel)
Final Grade: 54 (Very Good – VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 954
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Fault (perf creases, short or fuzzy perfs)
Perforations: Perf 11, full but uneven right and bottom
Cancellation: None visible (+5 bonus for face clarity)
Eye Appeal: +5 (bright color, fresh paper)
Final Grade: 54 (Very Good)

Summary:
This used, never hinged example of Scott #954—the 3¢ California Gold Centennial commemorative—shows Fine/Very Fine centering, strong color, and no visible cancellation, granting a +5 eye appeal bonus. Minor perf creases and irregular tips result in a final grade of 54 (Very Good). The stamp remains fresh, balanced, and visually superior for its issue under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (896)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions