U. S. Scott #956 - Used [LA01-0059-02-04]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

956

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

70 (Fine)

Year of Issue

1948

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #956 (Used, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
3¢ Dark Violet – The Immortal Chaplains, 1948
(Commemorative Issue – Engraved, Perf 11, No Watermark)

Design Overview:
Scott #956 was issued in 1948 to honor the heroic sacrifice of the “Immortal Chaplains” of the U.S. Army Transport Dorchester, who gave their life jackets to fellow soldiers as the ship sank in 1943. The design features portraits of the four chaplains above the sinking Dorchester, with inscriptions “These IMMORTAL CHAPLAINS … INTERFAITH IN ACTION” at the top and “UNITED STATES POSTAGE 3¢” across the bottom. This example is postally used, has never been hinged, and has no original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is clear of the perforations on all sides, though margins are uneven. The top margin is the narrowest, followed by the left, while the right and bottom margins are more generous. Under the 2009 PSE scale, this qualifies as Fine/Very Fine centering.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp exhibits the following faults:
Extremely Minor Fault: One shorter perf, about half normal length (×2)
These faults together constitute a Very Minor Fault classification.
Soundness Deduction: –6 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11 on all sides, consistent with the issue. Perforations are intact overall, with two shorter tips noted. Margins are unbalanced, tighter at the top and left, with better clearance on the right and bottom.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The stamp shows an extremely light, indistinct cancel that is barely visible. It does not obscure the vignette or inscriptions and has no negative effect on design clarity. Under PSE definitions, this qualifies as a Light/Indistinct cancel and carries no deduction.

Collector’s Note:
The “Immortal Chaplains” issue is a meaningful commemorative with strong thematic appeal. Despite small perf faults, its balanced centering, bold impression, and faint cancellation help preserve its visual appeal.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The deep violet color remains strong, and the engraving is sharp. The nearly invisible cancel neither detracts from nor enhances the design. 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)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 956
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Very Minor Fault (two short perfs)
Perforations: Perf 11, intact except two shorter perfs
Cancellation: Extremely Light, indistinct; no deduction
Eye Appeal: Neutral, no adjustment
Final Grade: 72 (Fine)

Final Verdict:
This Scott #956 shows Fine/Very Fine centering with strong color and clean design presentation. Minor perf faults bring the grade to Fine, but the extremely light cancel preserves its appearance, making it a desirable collectible example of this commemorative 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