Archival Motif Stamp Appraisal

Liberia 2 Cents Postage Stamp (Architectural Motif)

This item is a postage stamp from Liberia, featuring a central architectural motif, likely a government building or significant structure, rendered in an engraved style. The stamp is predominantly white with a red outline and red numerical and textual elements, while the central architectural image is depicted in a muted brown or grey tone. The overall design includes a decorative red frame around the central image. 'LIBERIA' is printed at the top in red, and 'POSTAGE TWO CENTS' is printed at the bottom, also in red. Thedenomination '2' is visible in both the lower-left and lower-right corners, framed by decorative foliage. The stamp has standard perforations along all four edges, indicating it was intended to be separated from a sheet. A prominent black circular postmark partially obscures the lower-center of the stamp, covering parts of the building and the 'POSTAGE TWO CENTS' inscription, as well as a portion of the lower-right '2'. The postmark appears to be 'O S' or 'O 5' and seems to have additional indecipherable markings below 'POSTAGE'. The presence of this postmark indicates the stamp has been used. The paper appears to be in relatively good condition with no immediate visible tears or significant creases, though the specific quality of the paper is hard to ascertain from the image alone. The black cancellation ink is clear and strong, suggesting it was applied effectively. The details of the building are discernible, showing multiple windows and possibly a veranda or pillared entrance on the lower level, with a palm tree visible behind the structure on the left side. The architectural style suggests an established, perhaps colonial or post-colonial, period. Given the two-cent denomination, this would likely have been a common postage rate stamp for its time.