U. S. Scott #978 - MH [LA01-0061-02-02]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

978

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 #978 (Used – Single Stamp)
3¢ Deep Blue – Abraham Lincoln, 1948
(Lincoln Memorial Issue – Rotary Press Printing, Perf 11×10½, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Issued on November 19, 1948, the 3¢ Lincoln “Gettysburg Address” commemorative honors Abraham Lincoln and his immortal words, “that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” Designed by Charles R. Chickering and engraved by Charles A. Brooks, the stamp features a left-facing bust of Lincoln beside an inset of the quotation and a torch representing freedom and democracy. This example is a used single, previously hinged with no original gum. The color remains strong, typical of rotary press impressions of the late 1940s.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is balanced, with perforation holes clearly clear of the design on all sides. The right margin is narrowest, followed by the top, while the left and bottom are broader, producing a mild left-bottom bias. Margins meet PSE’s Fine/Very Fine definition, where one or two are narrow but none touch the design. Overall centering is solid and symmetrical for this issue.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp is generally sound with light handling evidence.
Very Minor Fault: Perf tip crease (upper right corner, non-breaking).
Extremely Minor Fault: Two shorter perforations, each about half normal length.
Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, this combination constitutes a Very Minor Fault classification.
Soundness Classification: Very Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –20 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11×10½, standard for this issue. All perforations are intact and original, showing no trimming or reperforation. The shorter perfs are isolated and non-distracting. Margins are slightly narrow vertically and broader horizontally, consistent with the Fine/Very Fine centering grade.

Cancellation Evaluation:
No visible postmark appears on the face or reverse. For a used stamp, this qualifies as a light or nearly invisible cancel—the most favorable classification under PSE guidelines and a premium trait for eye appeal.
Cancellation Classification: Light Cancel (+5 points)

Collector’s Note:
Scott #978 remains a popular Lincoln commemorative admired for its strong color and patriotic theme. Used examples that retain freshness and design clarity are more desirable than heavily canceled copies. This example’s clean face and balanced layout make it visually pleasing despite minor perf irregularities.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Color and impression are strong, with a rich, even blue and fresh paper tone. The absence of a heavy cancel and the overall visual balance justify a positive adjustment.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +5 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Very Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 59
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +5 (Light cancel, strong color)
Final Grade: 64 (Very Good–Fine)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 978
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Very Minor Fault (Perf tip crease, two short perfs)
Perforations: Perf 11×10½, full and original
Cancellation: Light or nearly invisible (+5 adjustment)
Eye Appeal: +5 (Fresh color, clean paper)
Final Grade: 64 (Very Good–Fine)

Summary:
This used, hinged example of Scott #978 shows Fine/Very Fine centering, fresh color, and a notably clean appearance. The small perf tip crease and two short perfs are minor and not visually obtrusive. With its light cancel and balanced design, it earns a final grade of 64 (Very Good–Fine) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide. Despite light imperfections, it remains a collectible Lincoln commemorative with strong presentation and pleasing visual appeal.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (913)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions