U. S. Scott #966 - MH [LA01-0060-01-03]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

966

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 #966 (Unused, Hinged – Single Stamp)
3¢ Deep Blue – Palomar Mountain Observatory, 1948
(Commemorative Issue – Rotary Press Printing, Perf 11, No Watermark)

Design Overview:
Scott #966 was issued August 30, 1948, celebrating the completion of the Palomar Mountain Observatory and its 200-inch Hale Telescope, then the world’s largest. Designed by Charles R. Chickering and engraved by Charles A. Brooks, the image shows the massive observatory dome with its shutters open to the sky, symbolizing mid-century scientific progress. The example is unused, retains original gum, and has been previously hinged.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
The stamp is slightly off to the right and low. The right margin is narrowest, while the left and top are fuller. The design remains clear of all perforations, meeting PSE’s Fine/Very Fine criteria for rotary press commemoratives, where one or two sides may be narrow but all margins remain visible to the unaided eye.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp is sound overall with no tears, thins, or repairs but displays minor irregularities:
Minor Fault: Several ragged or shorter perforations, about half normal length
Very Minor Fault: Light ink transfer on the reverse
Extremely Minor Fault: Slight natural gum bend from production
According to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, these conditions collectively constitute a Minor Fault, warranting a –20 deduction from the centering grade.

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11 on all sides. The perforations are intact but irregular, particularly along the right and bottom edges. Margins are full though uneven, narrowest on the right and bottom. The design is fully contained within the frame, and no trimming or reperforation is evident.

Cancellation Evaluation:
Not applicable. The stamp is unused, with original gum and no sign of postal cancellation.

Collector’s Note:
The Palomar Mountain issue remains popular among commemorative collectors for its striking design and historical theme. Despite hinge evidence and slight roughness at the edges, this example retains clean color, balanced design, and strong impression.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Color is rich and even, showing deep blue saturation with bright paper tone. The impression is sharp and well-defined, and the light ink offset on the back has no visual effect on the face. Overall freshness and strong color merit a modest +3 adjustment under the PSE Eye Appeal Guidelines for superior color and impression quality.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 58
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +3 (fresh color, strong impression)
Final Grade: 61 (Very Good/Fine – VG-F)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 966
Condition: Unused, Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (ragged perfs, ink transfer, gum bend)
Perforations: Perf 11, slightly uneven
Cancellation: None (unused)
Eye Appeal: +3 (fresh color, clear image)
Final Grade: 61 (Very Good/Fine – VG-F)

Summary:
This unused 3¢ Palomar Mountain Observatory commemorative (Scott #966) shows Fine/Very Fine centering and vivid deep-blue color. Minor faults—ragged perfs, light ink offset, and a small gum bend—reduce the numerical grade but not its aesthetic quality. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide and numeric grading scale, the final grade of 61 (Very Good/Fine) reflects a collectible hinged example with sound paper, bright presentation, and pleasing overall balance.

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