Confederate Five Cents Appraisal

Confederate States Five Cents Postage Stamp (Jefferson Davis)

This item is a vintage postage stamp issued by the Confederate States of America, depicting the likeness of Jefferson Davis, its president. The stamp is primarily colored in shades of faded blue-grey and off-white. The central image is a circular portrait of Jefferson Davis, shown in profile facing right, featuring a beard and wavy hair, characteristic of mid-19th century styles. Surrounding the circular portrait is a decorative border with what appear to be small, six-pointed star-like motifs or rosettes in each corner of the inner frame. The top border of the stamp prominently displays the text 'CONFEDERATE STATES' in sans-serif capital letters, while the bottom border reads 'FIVE CENTS', also in sans-serif capital letters. The overall design suggests a formal and governmental aesthetic. The stamp itself appears to be cut, not perforated, on at least the left side, indicating it might be a 'straight edge' or cut from a sheet before perforations became standard, though the right edge shows vestiges of perforations. The paper appears to be aged, with a consistent, somewhat dulled color, suggesting general wear and age rather than specific damage. There are no immediate visible tears, creases, or major discoloration beyond what would be expected from a stamp of its estimated age from the Civil War era. The print quality is consistent, showing clear lines in the portrait and text, indicating good craftsmanship for its time. The stamp is likely mounted within a collection, given the visible 'frame' or border outside the stamp itself on the left and bottom.