Belgian King Leopold I 10 Centimes Stamp Appraisal

Used Belgian King Leopold I 10 Centimes Stamp

This item is a used postage stamp from Belgium, featuring a portrait of King Leopold I. The stamp is printed in a reddish-brown or terracotta color. It has a rectangular shape with perforations along all four edges, indicating it was separated from a sheet. The central design prominently features a profile bust of King Leopold I facing left, within a circular frame. Around the circular frame, the text "POSTES BELGIQUE" and "BELGIE POSTERIJEN" is visible, indicating the country of origin and its postal function in both French and Dutch languages. The denomination "10" is visible in circular insets in the upper left and lower right corners of the stamp, signifying 10 centimes. The stamp exhibits clear evidence of having been previously used, as indicated by a prominent black cancellation mark that obscures a significant portion of the king's portrait and extends into the surrounding text. This cancellation mark appears to be a heavily applied postmark, possibly a circular date stamp or a bar cancellation. The perforations appear relatively intact, though some might show minor wear consistent with handling. The overall condition suggests it is an older stamp, likely from the mid-to-late 19th century, given the depiction of King Leopold I (who reigned from 1831 to 1865). The paper shows some slight discoloration or toning consistent with age, but no apparent major tears or significant creasing are visible. The printing quality appears fine, with details of the king's hair and facial features still discernible despite the cancellation. The clear impression of the cancellation mark, while obscuring the design, confirms its postal usage, a key aspect for philatelic evaluation.