Inverted Portrait Stamp Appraisal

Vintage Moroccan Postage Stamp, 2 Mills, with Inverted Portrait and Cancelation Mark

This item is a vintage Moroccan postage stamp, characterized by its distinctive salmon-pink and orange coloration. The stamp features a portrait of a figure, likely a monarch or dignitary, wearing a traditional red fez. Notably, the portrait appears to be inverted or oriented upside down relative to the stamp's denomination and text, suggesting a possible printing error, which can significantly increase a stamp's rarity and value. The denomination '2 Mills' is clearly visible in the upper left quadrant, with 'Mills' in a smaller font below the number '2'. Along the top edge, Arabic script is present, likely indicating the issuing authority, "الدولة المغربية" (The Moroccan State). At the bottom, partially obscured, is the text "POSTES D'E...", which likely stands for 'Postes du Maroc' or 'Postes d'État', indicating postal service. The stamp exhibits perforation along its left and top edges, typical of postage stamps, though the right edge is partially cut off in the image. A prominent, heavily inked black cancelation mark, possibly circular or oval in shape but only partly visible, covers the right side of the stamp, obscuring some of the portrait and any potential corner designs. The cancelation mark includes numerical and possibly textual elements, such as '19[' visible at the top, suggesting a date or postal code. The overall condition appears used, as indicated by the cancelation mark, but without significant creasing or tears visible in the provided image. The paper exhibits some minor discoloration consistent with age. The stamp is a prime example of early-to-mid 20th-century philately from Morocco, given the 'Mills' denomination used in British protectorates or mandates, and could be estimated to be from the mid-20th century.