U. S. Scott #979 - MH [LA01-0061-01-03]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

979

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 #979 (Unused – Single Stamp)
3¢ Carmine Rose – American Turners, 1948
(American Turners Issue – Rotary Press Printing, Perf 11×10½, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Issued on November 19, 1948, the 3¢ American Turners commemorative marks the centennial of the American Turners Society, celebrating “A Century of Health.” Designed by Charles R. Chickering and engraved by George A. L. Woytuk, it features a discus thrower encircled by the motto “Sound Mind, Sound Body,” flanked by “1848” and “1948.” Above is a torch symbolizing enlightenment, framed by oak leaves and bells. Printed by rotary press on unwatermarked paper, this example is unused, previously hinged, and retains its original gum with vivid carmine color and sharp impression typical of the issue.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is well centered with perforation holes fully clear of the design on all sides. The top margin is narrowest, followed by the right, while the left and bottom margins are slightly broader, producing mild upward compression. Margins meet the Fine/Very Fine definition under the 2009 PSE Guide, where one or two sides are narrow but none impinge on the design. Overall, the centering is visually balanced for the issue.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp is structurally sound with light production and handling marks.
Very Minor Fault: Light ink transfer on reverse.
Extremely Minor Fault: Two shorter perforations, about half normal length.
Extremely Minor Fault: Minor natural gum bend (non-breaking).
This combination equates to a Minor Fault classification under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.
Soundness Deduction: –20 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11×10½, matching the standard for this issue. All perforations are intact, with two shorter tips on the right side. Margins are slightly narrower at top and right but remain well clear of the design, consistent with Fine/Very Fine centering. No evidence of trimming or reperforation.

Cancellation Evaluation:
As an unused stamp with original gum, cancellation evaluation is not applicable.

Collector’s Note:
Scott #979 is a popular postwar commemorative appreciated for its bold engraving and symbolic theme. Hinged examples with strong color and intact gum remain desirable. This stamp’s deep impression and balanced centering make it visually appealing despite light back transfer and perf irregularities.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Color and impression are rich and even. The faint gum bend and minor ink transfer are minimal and not distracting. The overall appearance is fresh and clean, with no adjustment warranted.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 58
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 58 (Very Good)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 979
Condition: Unused, Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (Ink transfer, short perfs, minor gum bend)
Perforations: Perf 11×10½, full and original
Cancellation: Not applicable
Eye Appeal: 0 adjustment (fresh color and clear impression)
Final Grade: 58 (Very Good)

Summary:
This unused, hinged example of Scott #979 displays Fine/Very Fine centering, strong color, and intact perforations. Minor gum and perf irregularities account for its Minor Fault classification, but the design remains sharp and balanced. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, this results in a final grade of 58 (Very Good)—a sound, collectible mid-grade example with pleasing eye appeal and strong presentation.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (977)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions