Czechoslovakian Philately Appraisal

Czechoslovakian 20 Halero Postage Stamp

This item is a historical Czechoslovakian postage stamp with a denomination of 20 Halero. The stamp is predominantly red in coloration, featuring an intricate design centered around a national coat of arms. The top border of the stamp clearly shows the word 'CESKOSLOVENSKO' (Czechoslovakia) in white capital letters on a red background. The central motif is a shield, divided into several quadrants. Prominently visible in the upper left quadrant is a double-barred cross, typically associated with Slovakia. The upper right segment appears to depict an eagle or similar heraldic bird, likely representing Bohemia. The lower portion of the shield contains more complex heraldic elements that are less distinct due to the image resolution and color, but suggest multiple regional symbols. The borders of the stamp feature decorative scrollwork or floral patterns in a slightly darker shade of red, adding to its ornate appearance. At the bottom of the stamp, the numerical value '20' is visible on both the left and right sides, flanking the word 'HALERO' (Halers), all in white font against the red background. The stamp appears to be perforated along its edges, a standard feature for postage stamps, suggesting it was once part of a larger sheet. The physical condition shows evidence of a postmark, with dark, horizontal lines obscuring parts of the central design and the 'HALERO' text. This indicates the stamp has been used for postal service. The overall impression is one of a well-preserved, though used, philatelic item, likely dating from the period when Czechoslovakia existed, which terminated in 1993. The craftsmanship appears to be of standard governmental printing quality for its era, with clear lines and consistent color application, aside from the cancellation mark.