U. S. Scott #970 - MH [LA01-0060-02-03]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

970

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Unused

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

70 (Fine)

Year of Issue

1948

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #970 (Unused, Hinged – Single Stamp)
3¢ Purple – Fort Kearny Centennial, 1948
(Commemorative Issue – Rotary Press Printing, Perf 11, No Watermark)

Design Overview:
Scott #970 was issued June 1, 1948, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Fort Kearny, Nebraska—an important U.S. Army outpost established along the Oregon Trail. Designed by Charles R. Chickering and engraved by Charles A. Brooks, the design shows a line of ox-drawn covered wagons passing in front of the fort with a detailed frontier settlement below. The inscription reads “FORT KEARNY 1848–NEBRASKA–1948” and “GUARDIAN OF THE PIONEER,” emphasizing the fort’s role in westward expansion. This example is unused with original gum and has been previously hinged.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is evenly balanced overall but slightly low and right. The bottom margin is narrowest, followed by the right, while the top and left margins are wider. The perforations remain fully clear of the design, consistent with PSE’s definition of Fine/Very Fine centering—ample white space visible on all sides, though with one or two margins closer than ideal.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp is structurally sound, with no tears, thins, or creases, but shows minor natural irregularities:
Extremely Minor Fault: Slight natural gum bend near the center of the reverse
Extremely Minor Fault: One fuzzy or ragged perforation along the right edge
Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, the combination of two extremely minor faults qualifies as a Very Minor Fault, corresponding to a –6 deduction from the centering grade.

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11 on all sides, matching Bureau of Engraving and Printing production standards. All perforations are intact, though one tip along the right edge appears slightly fuzzy. Margins are full, with the bottom edge most narrow. The design remains fully within the frame, and there are no signs of trimming, reperforation, or handling damage.

Cancellation Evaluation:
Not applicable. The stamp is unused, retains original gum, and shows no sign of cancellation or postal wear.

Collector’s Note:
The Fort Kearny commemorative is admired for its historical theme and fine engraving detail, depicting both settlement and exploration in a single image. This example, though lightly hinged and showing two extremely minor faults, retains strong visual appeal and solid structure, making it a pleasing collectible for its issue.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The color is rich and even in a deep violet-purple shade, characteristic of well-preserved examples. The paper is bright, and the impression is sharp. The faint gum bend and small fuzzy perf are not visible from the face. Overall visual impact is fresh and balanced, meriting a +2 adjustment for slightly above-average appearance.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –6 (Very Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 72
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +2 (strong color and clean impression)
Final Grade: 74 (Fine/Very Fine – F-VF)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 970
Condition: Unused, Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Very Minor Fault (fuzzy perf, light gum bend)
Perforations: Perf 11, intact, slightly irregular right edge
Cancellation: None (unused)
Eye Appeal: +2 (bright color, strong detail)
Final Grade: 74 (Fine/Very Fine – F-VF)

Summary:
This unused 3¢ Fort Kearny Centennial (Scott #970) displays Fine/Very Fine centering with full margins, intact perforations, and bright color. The combination of a light gum bend and a single fuzzy perforation qualifies as a Very Minor Fault, reducing the technical score only slightly. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide and numeric scale, the final grade of 74 (Fine/Very Fine) reflects a well-centered and attractive hinged example of this 1948 commemorative issue.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (899)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions