U. S. Scott #964 - Used [LA01-0060-01-02]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

964

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 #964 (Used, No Gum – Single Stamp)
3¢ Brown Rose – Oregon Territory Centennial, 1948
(Commemorative Issue – Rotary Press Printing, Perf 11, No Watermark)

Design Overview:
Scott #964 was issued August 14, 1948, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Oregon Territory’s establishment. Designed by Charles R. Chickering and engraved by Charles A. Brooks, it features portraits of Dr. John McLoughlin (“Father of Oregon”) at left and missionary Jason Lee at right. A covered wagon drawn by oxen symbolizes pioneer settlement, with “OREGON TERRITORY CENTENNIAL 1848–1948” below. This example is postally used, never hinged, and has no original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is well balanced but slightly high and right. The top margin is narrowest, the right also tight, while the bottom and left margins are more generous. All perforations are clear of the design, matching the PSE definition for Fine/Very Fine centering—visible margins on all sides with one or two narrower.

Soundness Evaluation:
No tears or thins are present, but several faults affect soundness:
Minor Fault: Multiple perf creases along the right and lower edges
Minor Fault: Several ragged or short perforations, about half normal length
Extremely Minor Fault: Minor natural gum bend from manufacture
These combine to a Fault classification under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, producing a –30 deduction from the centering grade.

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11 on all sides. Perfs are intact but uneven, with a few short or rough tips along the top and right. Margins are full, with the design remaining safely within the frame. No trimming or reperforation detected.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The cancellation is light and neatly struck, avoiding the portraits and wagon vignette. Under the PSE Eye Appeal Adjustment Guidelines, this qualifies as a Light Cancel, allowing an upward adjustment of up to +10 points for clarity and minimal obstruction.

Collector’s Note:
The Oregon Territory Centennial issue remains popular for its detailed engraving and strong historical theme. Despite minor perf creasing and irregular edges, this example maintains vivid color and balanced centering, making it an appealing used representative.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Color and impression are fresh with strong rose-brown saturation and bright paper tone. The cancel is lightly applied and well positioned, enhancing presentation. These factors justify an +8 eye appeal adjustment under PSE guidelines for a Light Cancel with above-average color.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –30 (Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 47
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +8 (Light Cancel, vivid color)
Final Grade: 55 (Very Good – VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 964
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Gum
Centering: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Fault (perf creases, ragged perfs, gum bend)
Perforations: Perf 11, intact, slightly uneven
Cancellation: Light, clear strike; unobtrusive
Eye Appeal: +8 (light cancel, fresh color)
Final Grade: 55 (Very Good – VG)

Summary:
This used 3¢ Oregon Territory Centennial (Scott #964) exhibits Fine/Very Fine centering, strong color, and a light, clean cancel. Perforation irregularities and light creases lower its technical grade, but the stamp retains excellent visual appeal. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide and numeric scale, the final grade of 55 (Very Good) reflects a collectible, sound, and visually pleasing used example from the 1948 commemorative series.

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