U. S. Scott #958 - MH [LA01-0059-03-02]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

958

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Unused

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1948

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #958 (Unused, Hinged – Single Stamp)
5¢ Blue – Swedish Pioneer Centennial, 1948
(Commemorative Issue – Rotary Press Printing, Perf 11, No Watermark)

Design Overview:
Scott #958 was issued May 23, 1948, to commemorate the centennial of Swedish immigration to the United States. Designed by Charles R. Chickering and engraved by Charles A. Brooks, the stamp portrays a Swedish pioneer leading an ox-drawn wagon westward beneath “SWEDISH PIONEER CENTENNIAL 1848–1948.” Thirteen stars symbolize the early states of the Union. The submitted example is unused with original gum and has been previously hinged.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is balanced but uneven. The bottom margin is the narrowest, while the right is slightly wider than the top and left. All perforation holes remain clear of the design, meeting PSE’s Fine/Very Fine definition where perforations are easily clear but one or two sides are narrow. Horizontal alignment is good, though slightly compressed vertically at the bottom.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp is free of thins, tears, and creases. It shows several small flaws:
Minor Fault: Several ragged or fuzzy perforations, about half normal length
Extremely Minor Fault: Slight natural gum bend visible on the reverse
According to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, a combination of very minor and extremely minor faults constitutes a Minor Fault classification, warranting a –20 point deduction from the combined centering grade.

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11 on all sides, consistent with Bureau standards. The perforations are intact though irregular in several areas, particularly at the top and right. Margins are full but uneven, narrowest at the bottom, consistent with Fine/Very Fine centering. No evidence of trimming or reperforation is present.

Cancellation Evaluation:
Not applicable. The stamp is unused and retains its original gum with a light hinge mark but no cancellation or gum disturbance beyond that.

Collector’s Note:
The Swedish Pioneer Centennial issue is admired for its finely engraved frontier design and deep blue color. This example, while hinged and showing minor perf roughness, remains attractive and sound, with strong paper tone and solid registration.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Color is rich and even, with strong detail and no discoloration. The paper remains bright and the gum retains moderate sheen. The gum bend has no visual effect on the front. Overall appearance is pleasing and balanced, meriting no adjustment.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 59
Eye Appeal Adjustment: ±0
Final Grade: 59 (Very Good – VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 958
Condition: Unused, Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (ragged perfs, gum bend)
Perforations: Perf 11, several short or uneven
Cancellation: None (unused)
Eye Appeal: Neutral, strong color and clean impression
Final Grade: 59 (Very Good – VG)

Summary:
This hinged, unused 5¢ Swedish Pioneer Centennial (Scott #958) displays Fine/Very Fine centering and bright presentation. Minor soundness flaws—ragged perforations and a natural gum bend—moderately reduce the grade but not the appeal. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, the stamp’s final grade of 59 (Very Good) reflects a collectible mid-grade example with sound paper, original gum, and attractive color.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (893)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions