Ireland Stamp Appraisal

Eire (Ireland) 1/- One Shilling Stamp featuring Tara Brooch design

This item is an Irish postage stamp, denominated at '1/-' (one shilling), printed in a dark teal or blue-green ink on what appears to be off-white or cream-colored paper. The stamp features a central illustration of what is unmistakably the Tara Brooch, a famous Irish artifact. The brooch design is highly detailed, showing its intricate circular form with a prominent central pin and fine filigree work. Surrounding the central Tara Brooch motif, and forming the border design of the stamp, is a complex pattern of Celtic knotwork, characteristic of traditional Irish art. The top of the stamp clearly displays the country name 'EIRE' in capital letters. The denomination '1/-' is presented in the bottom left and bottom right corners, with the word 'scillins' (shillings in Irish) spelled out across the bottom center. The stamp exhibits perforation along all four edges, indicating it was part of a larger sheet. The overall condition appears to be good for its age, though slight discoloration on the paper, possibly due to aging or minor handling, can be observed. The corners and edges of the stamp appear relatively sharp and intact. The printing quality seems consistent, with clear lines and good registration of the design elements. The style of the stamp, particularly its design motifs and the use of the 'Eire' designation, places it squarely within 20th-century Irish philately, specifically from the period when 'scillins' was a currency unit in Ireland. The aesthetic reflects a deliberate embrace of national heritage and iconic Irish artifacts.