U. S. Scott #989 - Used [LA01-0062-02-02]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

989

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1950

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #989 (Used – Single Stamp)
3¢ Deep Ultramarine – National Capital Sesquicentennial, 1950
(National Capital Issue – Rotary Press Printing, Perf 11×10½, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Issued March 16, 1950, the 3¢ National Capital Sesquicentennial commemorative marks 150 years since Washington, D.C. became the nation’s capital. Designed by Charles R. Chickering, it depicts the bronze Statue of Freedom from atop the U.S. Capitol dome, with radiant background lines symbolizing liberty and enlightenment. The inscription “National Capital Sesquicentennial – 1800 Washington 1950” appears below within an ornamental frame. This example is a used single, previously hinged, and has no original gum. The impression is strong, with deep ultramarine ink typical of rotary press production of the early 1950s.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
Perforations are clear of the design on all sides. The right margin is the narrowest, followed by the bottom, while the left and top are slightly wider. The alignment is within Fine/Very Fine range under the 2009 PSE Guide, where one or two margins are narrow but design remains intact. The image is slightly low and right, yet still balanced.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp is structurally intact with small perforation faults.
Minor Fault: Two very short or nibbed perforations at the top edge.
Extremely Minor Fault: One shorter perf about half normal length.
These constitute a Fault classification under PSE criteria (two or more minor faults, or a combination of minor and very minor faults).
Soundness Deduction: –30 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11×10½, consistent with the issue. All perforations are original and evenly spaced, with no signs of trimming or reperforation. Two nibbed tips slightly affect the top edge. Margins are compressed right and bottom but remain within Fine/Very Fine standards.

Cancellation Evaluation:
A bold machine cancel of black parallel bars crosses the Statue of Freedom, obscuring the upper half of the figure but leaving the inscription legible. Under PSE standards, this is a Heavy Cancel, moderately reducing eye appeal.
Cancellation Classification: Heavy Cancel (–10 points)

Collector’s Note:
Scott #989 is a notable mid-century commemorative valued for its symbolic design and historical subject. While used copies are plentiful, examples with good centering and intact perforations remain desirable. Despite its minor edge wear, this copy retains rich color and solid overall presentation.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The color is strong and fresh with bright paper. The cancel is bold but not obliterating, and there are no tone spots or discolorations. Eye appeal remains average for the issue.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –30 (Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 46
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 (Heavy cancel)
Final Grade: 36 (Good)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 989
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Fault (Two nibbed perfs, one shorter perf)
Perforations: Perf 11×10½, full and original
Cancellation: Heavy machine cancel (–10 adjustment)
Eye Appeal: –10 (Bold cancel, otherwise clean color)
Final Grade: 36 (Good)

Summary:
This used, hinged example of Scott #989 shows Fine/Very Fine centering, crisp detail, and deep ultramarine color. Minor perforation faults and a heavy cancel reduce the grade but not overall clarity. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, the combined effect of Fault soundness and Fine/Very Fine centering produces a final grade of 36 (Good)—a stable, collectible example of the Capitol’s Statue of Freedom issue with strong color and balanced presentation.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (893)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions