U. S. Scott #967 - MH [LA01-0061-01-02]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

967

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 #967 (Unused, Hinged – Single Stamp)
3¢ Carmine – Clara Barton, Founder of the American Red Cross, 1948
(Commemorative Issue – Rotary Press Printing, Perf 11, No Watermark)

Design Overview:
Scott #967 was issued September 7, 1948, to honor Clara Barton (1821–1912), humanitarian and founder of the American Red Cross. Designed by Charles R. Chickering and engraved by Charles A. Brooks, the stamp portrays Barton in an oval medallion at left with the Red Cross emblem at right, surrounded by inscriptions reading “FOUNDER OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS” and “UNITED STATES POSTAGE.” Its bold carmine hue and strong symmetry make it one of the most recognizable commemoratives of the 1940s. The submitted example is unused with original gum and shows evidence of previous hinging.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is balanced though slightly right and low. The right margin is the narrowest, followed by the bottom; the left and top are wider. Perforations remain clear of the design on all sides, consistent with PSE’s Fine/Very Fine standard, which allows one or two narrow sides while maintaining full visibility of the frame.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp is structurally sound with no tears, thins, or repairs but shows the following minor issues:
Minor Fault: Several perf creases, most visible from the reverse along right and lower edges
Extremely Minor Fault: Slight natural gum bend near center, not affecting appearance
Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, these combine to a Minor Fault classification, corresponding to a –20 deduction from the centering grade.

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11 on all sides. The perforations are intact but slightly uneven, with short or flattened tips visible on the right edge. Margins are full though uneven, narrowest on the right and bottom. The design remains fully within the frame lines. No evidence of trimming, reperforation, or handling damage is present.

Cancellation Evaluation:
Not applicable. The stamp is unused, has original gum, and bears no cancellation or postmark.

Collector’s Note:
The Clara Barton commemorative is widely appreciated for its symbolic design and humanitarian theme. While minor perf creasing affects soundness, this example retains vivid carmine color and balanced framing, making it a solid mid-grade collectible.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Color is bright and even, showing strong carmine saturation with no discoloration or toning. Impression remains crisp and paper is clean. The minor gum bend and faint perf creases are visible only under magnification and do not detract from presentation. Overall appearance is typical of mid-Fine/Very Fine hinged examples and merits a small +2 adjustment for freshness and clarity.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 58
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +2 (fresh color and clean impression)
Final Grade: 60 (Very Good/Fine – VG-F)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 967
Condition: Unused, Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (perf creases, gum bend)
Perforations: Perf 11, intact, slightly uneven right edge
Cancellation: None (unused)
Eye Appeal: +2 (fresh color, crisp impression)
Final Grade: 60 (Very Good/Fine – VG-F)

Summary:
This unused 3¢ Clara Barton commemorative (Scott #967) exhibits Fine/Very Fine centering and bright, clean color. Minor perf creasing and a light gum bend reduce the technical score but do not detract significantly from visual quality. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide and numeric grading scale, the final grade of 60 (Very Good/Fine) represents a collectible hinged example with sound paper, strong design clarity, and appealing presentation.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (902)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions