60 Heller Stamp Appraisal

1908 Austria Emperor's Jubilee 60 Heller Postage Stamp

This is a rectangular postage stamp from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, issued in 1908 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Emperor Franz Joseph I's reign. The stamp is printed in a deep blue ink on cream-colored paper and features the imperial coat of arms, the double-headed eagle, centrally located within an ornate oval cartouche. Above the eagle sits the Imperial Crown of Austria. The text 'KAISERLICHE KOENIGLICHE OESTERREICHISCHE POST' (Imperial-Royal Austrian Post) curves around the central image. The denomination '60 HELLER' is prominently displayed in a bold, sans-serif font at the bottom center. The design is framed by intricate scrolling decorative motifs, characteristic of the Art Nouveau period influence. Regarding condition, the stamp shows evidence of biological toning or 'foxing' with yellowish-brown spots visible across the upper margin and perforations. There is a visible horizontal line across the center which appears to be part of a light circular cancellation mark, indicating it was likely used. The perforations are present on all four sides but show slight irregularity and wear, particularly on the left vertical edge. The printing shows excellent detail for the era, with clear hatching and cross-hatching providing depth to the heraldic imagery.