Imperial Royal Stamp Appraisal

Austrian "Imperial Royal" 60 Heller Postage Stamp (1916 Jubilee Issue)

This item is a used, perforated postage stamp from Austria, likely issued around 1916 as part of a jubilee series related to Emperor Franz Joseph I. The stamp features a design with a central image, possibly a stylized depiction of the Emperor or a symbolic motif, obscured by a prominent circular postmark. The primary color of the stamp's design is a muted red or reddish-brown, printed on what appears to be light-colored paper, possibly off-white or light gray. The stamp is rectangular with intact perforations along all four edges, suggesting it was once part of a larger sheet. Across the top, the words "KAISERLICHE KÖNIGLICHE" (Imperial Royal) are clearly legible in a decorative serif font. Below the central image, the text "ÖSTERREICHISCHE POST" (Austrian Post) is visible, also in a similar font. The denomination "60 HELLER" is prominently displayed at the bottom, flanked by the number "60" on both the left and right sides. A distinctive circular postmark in black ink heavily overlaps the central design, making detailed identification of the central motif challenging. The postmark appears to read "* WIEN 10.", indicating it was canceled in Vienna, likely district 10. The condition of the stamp shows clear signs of use, with the postmark covering a significant portion of its face. The colors appear somewhat faded or muted, consistent with age. Despite the heavy cancellation, the perforations appear mostly intact, although the image quality does not allow for precise assessment of each tooth. There are no obvious tears or significant creases visible from the provided images, but general wear related to circulation is implied by the cancellation. The quality of printing suggests a standard governmental issue of the era, focusing on functionality rather than elaborate artistic flourishes for a common postal item. The design elements are characteristic of early 20th-century European philately.