U. S. Scott #852 - MNH - Graded Fine

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

852

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Mint (NH)

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

70 (Fine)

Year of Issue

1939

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #852 (Unused, Original Gum – Single Stamp)
Golden Gate International Exposition – 3¢ Purple, 1939

?️ Design Overview
Issued in 1939, this 3¢ purple commemorative stamp honors the Golden Gate International Exposition, held on Treasure Island in San Francisco Bay. The central feature is the Tower of the Sun, depicted with symmetrical vertical lines and framed by decorative palms and a reflecting pool. The stamp exemplifies clean Art Deco styling and represents one of the most visually impressive issues of the era.

? Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: Fine/Very Fine (77)
The design is modestly off-center, slightly down and to the left.
Margins are fully clear of the design on all four sides.
Top and left margins are narrower than bottom and right, yet still retain enough margin space to meet the Fine/Very Fine classification.
Visually balanced with adequate spacing around the ornate central design.
? Assigned Centering Grade: 77

? Soundness Evaluation
Gum: Original gum, never hinged ✅
Identified Faults:
Very Minor Fault: Light ink transfer visible on the back.
This does not affect the front appearance but requires a grading deduction per PSE guidelines.
? Soundness Deduction: -5
? Adjusted Base Grade: 72

✂️ Perforations & Margins
Perforations: Evenly punched and fully intact on all four sides.
Margins: Tightest at the top left, loosest at the bottom right. Clear separation between design and perforations all around.

?️ Eye Appeal Evaluation
Aspect Assessment
Color Deep, saturated violet hue ✅
Impression Strong vertical detail and architectural clarity ✅
Freshness Paper and gum show good brightness ✅
Balance Slight down-left shift, but remains attractive ✅
Overall Appealing appearance with vibrant presence ✅
? Eye Appeal Adjustment: +1 (for vivid color and fresh presentation)

? Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Component Score
Centering Grade 77
Soundness Deduction -5
Subtotal 72
Eye Appeal Bonus +1
Final Grade 73 ✅

? Final Summary
Attribute Details
Scott Number 852
Format Single Stamp
Condition Unused, Never Hinged
Gum Original Gum
Centering Fine/Very Fine (77)
Soundness Very Minor Fault (Light ink transfer on back)
Eye Appeal Rich color, clean margins (+1)
Final Grade 73 (Fine) ✅

? Final Verdict
This Scott #852 – Golden Gate International Exposition 3¢ commemorative stamp presents well with vibrant purple color, crisp engraving, and faultless gum. Though slightly off-center and exhibiting a very minor fault (light ink transfer on the back), its overall visual presentation remains highly collectible. With a final grade of 73, it falls into the Fine category—a sound and visually pleasing example for collectors of classic U.S. exposition issues.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (552)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions