U. S. Scott #984 - Used [LA01-0061-04-01]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

984

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1949

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #984 (Used – Single Stamp)
3¢ Light Blue – Annapolis Tercentenary, 1949
(Annapolis Issue – Rotary Press Printing, Perf 11×10½, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Issued March 23, 1949, the 3¢ Annapolis Tercentenary commemorative honors the 300th anniversary of the founding of Annapolis, Maryland. Designed by Charles R. Chickering, the stamp shows a map of the Severn River and Chesapeake Bay region, with a colonial ship at right, the state seal of Maryland at left, and a compass rose above. The legend “Annapolis Tercentenary – 1649–1949” appears below. Printed by rotary press on unwatermarked paper and perforated 11×10½, this example is used, previously hinged, and without original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is balanced, with perforations clear of the printed design on all sides. The bottom margin is the narrowest, followed by the left, while the right and top are wider. The alignment falls within the Fine/Very Fine range per the 2009 PSE Guide, where one or two sides are slightly narrow but all design elements remain clear. The overall presentation is symmetrical for this issue.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp remains intact but shows minor perf stress.
Minor Fault: Several perf creases along top and bottom edges, non-breaking.
According to the 2009 PSE Table of Soundness, this constitutes a Minor Fault, resulting in a 20-point deduction.
Soundness Deduction: –20 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11×10½, standard for the issue. All perforations are original, with several lightly creased tips but no missing or re-cut holes. Margins are balanced horizontally and slightly compressed vertically, consistent with Fine/Very Fine centering. No trimming or reperforation is evident.

Cancellation Evaluation:
A machine cancel reading “BOLT STREET STA.” appears in brown-black ink across the design. The strike is strong and covers much of the center but leaves major design details visible. Under PSE criteria, this qualifies as a Heavy Cancel, affecting visual balance and clarity.
Cancellation Classification: Heavy Cancel (–10 points)

Collector’s Note:
Scott #984 is a popular postwar commemorative, admired for its historical theme and detailed engraving. Used examples are common, yet those with well-balanced margins and full perforations are preferred. Despite minor perf creases, this copy shows appealing color and clean presentation.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The paper remains fresh with a consistent blue tone and sharp detail. The cancel is bold but not obliterating. Overall visual impact is solid though slightly reduced by the cancel’s coverage.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 59
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 (Heavy cancel)
Final Grade: 49 (Good–Very Good)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 984
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (Perf creases)
Perforations: Perf 11×10½, intact and original
Cancellation: Heavy machine cancel (–10 adjustment)
Eye Appeal: –10 (Strong but non-obliterating strike)
Final Grade: 49 (Good–Very Good)

Summary:
This used, hinged example of Scott #984 shows Fine/Very Fine centering with intact perforations and bright color. Minor perf creasing and a heavy cancel lower the grade but not the stamp’s integrity or legibility. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, these factors yield a final grade of 49 (Good–Very Good)—a sound, collectible example with clear design and balanced presentation.

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