Coronado Expedition Appraisal

1940 Coronado Expedition 3-Cent Commemorative Stamp

This item is a United States postage stamp, specifically a three-cent commemorative issue from 1940, celebrating the 400th anniversary (Quadricentennial) of the Coronado Expedition. The stamp is predominantly purple or violet in color and features a semicircular central design. The design depicts a scene from the Coronado Expedition, with several figures, including conquistadors and possibly native individuals or animals, engaged in a dynamic composition. A prominent element in the center appears to be a religious symbol, perhaps a cross, indicating the religious aspect of the expedition. The overall artistic style is reminiscent of early 20th-century historical commemorative art, with a somewhat stylized and detailed representation of the event. "U.S. POSTAGE" is printed along the top left edge and "THREE CENTS" along the top right. The denomination "3’" is clearly visible in the upper left corner within a decorative border. The bottom of the stamp features the inscription "1540 CORONADO QJADRICENTENNIAL 1940," which is somewhat obscured but decipherable. The edges of the stamp show perforations, indicating it was part of a larger sheet. The physical condition appears consistent with an aged paper item, possibly exhibiting some natural discoloration or slight fading of the ink due to age, although specific damage or wear cannot be definitively assessed from the provided image due to its resolution. There are no clear maker's marks or signatures visible beyond the standard postal inscriptions. The quality of printing appears to be typical for a government-issued postage stamp of that era.