U. S. Scott #889 - MNH - Graded VF

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

889

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Mint (NH)

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

80 (VF)

Year of Issue

1940

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #889 (Unused, Original Gum – Single Stamp)
Eli Whitney – 1¢ Green, 1940 (Famous Americans Series – Inventors Group)

?️ Design Overview
This 1¢ commemorative stamp is part of the Inventors Group from the 1940 Famous Americans Series. It honors Eli Whitney, best known for inventing the cotton gin and pioneering interchangeable parts in manufacturing. The design features a portrait of Whitney with a bold green background. To the left of the portrait is a square panel with his name, denomination, and an emblem symbolizing industrial innovation.

? Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: Fine/Very Fine (79)
The image is clearly off-center to the right and slightly low, though all margins remain clear of the design and within the Fine/Very Fine standard. The spacing on the left side is generous, while the right is slightly narrow but not touching the design.
? Assigned Centering Grade: 79

? Soundness Evaluation
Gum: Original gum, never hinged ✅
Identified Faults: None. Despite a strong mirrored design from the front visible on the back, it does not constitute a fault under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.
? Soundness Deduction: 0
? Adjusted Base Grade: 79

✂️ Perforations & Margins
Perforations: Fully intact, no short, bent, or pulled perforations.
Margins: Narrower on the right and bottom sides, but still clear of the design. Margins fit within the Fine/Very Fine criteria.

?️ Eye Appeal Evaluation
Aspect Assessment
Color Deep green tone, well-inked ✅
Impression Strong, detailed engraving ✅
Freshness Bright gum, crisp appearance ✅
Balance Noticeable rightward shift ⚠️
Visible Faults None seen from the front ✅
? Eye Appeal Adjustment: +1
The overall appearance is visually satisfying. Despite slight imbalance, the clarity, color depth, and clean gum support a +1 bonus.

? Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Component Score
Centering Grade 79
Soundness Deduction -0
Subtotal 79
Eye Appeal Bonus +1 ✅
Final Grade 80 ✅

? Final Summary
Attribute Details
Scott Number 889
Format Single Stamp
Condition Unused, Never Hinged
Gum Original Gum
Centering Fine/Very Fine (79)
Soundness Faultless – no deductions ✅
Eye Appeal +1 – strong impression and color
Final Grade 80 (Fine/Very Fine) ✅

? Final Verdict
This Scott #889 – Eli Whitney 1¢ green stamp is a fine example from the Inventors Group of the Famous Americans Series. While its centering is slightly right-shifted, it maintains clean margins, faultless gum, and vibrant color. With no soundness issues and solid visual presentation, this stamp earns a respectable Fine/Very Fine 80 — a collectible representation of American ingenuity.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (557)

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