Canal Zone Philately Appraisal

3 Cents Canal Zone Postage Stamp featuring Goethals

This item is a 3 Cents postage stamp from the Canal Zone, featuring a portrait of a man identified as 'GOETHALS' printed vertically along the right side of the portrait. The stamp is predominantly in shades of dark purple or maroon, with the portrait appearing in a lighter, almost sepia-toned hue, providing a stark contrast against the dark background. The stamp displays a standard rectangular shape with perforated edges, indicating it was part of a larger sheet of stamps. The denomination '3 CENTS POSTAGE' and 'CANAL ZONE' are clearly printed at the bottom of the stamp. The overall condition appears fair, given the slight blurriness in the image, suggesting some age or possible handling wear, though specific damage is not clearly discernible. The perforations seem intact, and the printing is legible, suggesting a decent quality of production for its time. Stamps from the Canal Zone often depict figures or themes related to the Panama Canal's construction and administration, and George Washington Goethals was a prominent figure in the construction of the Panama Canal. This stamp likely dates from the early to mid-20th century, specifically the period when the Canal Zone operated as a U.S. territory.