U. S. Scott #853 - MNH - Graded Fine

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

853

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 #853 (Unused, Original Gum – Single Stamp)
New York World’s Fair – 3¢ Blue & White, 1939

?️ Design Overview
This 3¢ commemorative stamp from 1939 honors the New York World’s Fair, showcasing the streamlined modernism of the event's theme through its clean, geometric depiction of the Trylon and Perisphere. The design exemplifies the Art Deco style, using bold blue ink, sharp white shapes, and dynamic circular lines that symbolize innovation and progress.

? Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: Fine/Very Fine (78)
The design is slightly off-center, particularly to the right.
All four margins are clearly visible and free of perforation encroachment.
Right margin is tightest, while left, top, and bottom are more generous.
Visually balanced and consistent with Fine/Very Fine standards.
? Assigned Centering Grade: 78

? Soundness Evaluation
Gum: Original gum, never hinged ✅
Identified Faults:
Very Minor Fault: Light ink transfer is visible on the back of the stamp.
This is a cosmetic issue and not visible from the front, but still qualifies as a soundness defect per the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.
? Soundness Deduction: -6
? Adjusted Base Grade: 72

✂️ Perforations & Margins
Perforations: Fully intact and evenly punched with no pulled or damaged teeth.
Margins: Slight imbalance right to left, but design remains well framed. White space is preserved on all sides.

?️ Eye Appeal Evaluation
Aspect Assessment
Color Deep, saturated blue ink is vibrant ✅
Impression Fine detail with clean architectural lines ✅
Freshness Bright gum, paper shows no tone or dullness ✅
Balance Slight rightward lean, but still harmonious ✅
Overall Strong visual impression and clean front ✅
? Eye Appeal Adjustment: +1 (for excellent color and freshness)

? Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Component Score
Centering Grade 78
Soundness Deduction -6
Subtotal 72
Eye Appeal Bonus +1
Final Grade 73 ✅

? Final Summary
Attribute Details
Scott Number 853
Format Single Stamp
Condition Unused, Never Hinged
Gum Original Gum
Centering Fine/Very Fine (78)
Soundness Very Minor Fault (Light ink transfer on back)
Eye Appeal Excellent contrast and brightness (+1)
Final Grade 73 (Fine) ✅

? Final Verdict
This Scott #853 – New York World’s Fair 3¢ stamp offers excellent visual presentation with vibrant color, strong contrast, and balanced framing. A very minor ink transfer on the reverse reduces the grade slightly, but the front is pristine. With a final grade of 73, this stamp sits squarely in the Fine category—a quality collectible with great shelf appeal and historical significance.

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