10 Centavos Appraisal

General José de San Martín 10 Centavos postage stamp

This item is a vintage postage stamp from Argentina, featuring a portrait of General José de San Martín. The stamp is rectangular, likely made of paper, and is primarily depicted in shades of grey and black, suggesting a monochrome or gravure printing process, though the original paper color might be an off-white or cream. Perforations are visible along all four edges of the stamp, indicating it was intended to be separated from a sheet. The top margin of the stamp prominently displays 'REPUBLICA ARGENTINA' in capital letters, signifying its country of origin. The central image is a bust portrait of General José de San Martín, facing slightly to the left. He appears to be wearing a military uniform adorned with ornate epaulets and collar detailing. Below the portrait, the denomination '10' is visible in a white box on both the left and right sides. Between these '10's, 'CENTAVOS' is printed, with 'Gral. José de San Martín' (General José de San Martín) appearing in smaller text above it. The stamp shows signs of age and use, including some discoloration and a visible postmark or cancellation mark, characterized by dark, irregular lines across the face of the portrait, particularly on the right side. The condition appears to be used, given the cancellation, and the edges of the perforations suggest some wear. There are no clear manufacturer's marks or specific dates visible, but the style of the portrait and typography suggests it originates from the early to mid-20th century. The intricate details of the uniform and the clear portrait indicate a reasonable level of craftsmanship for a postal stamp of its era.