Manuel Belgrano Appraisal

Argentine Republic Postage Stamp (Manuel Belgrano)

This item is a postage stamp from the "Republica Argentina" (Argentine Republic), featuring a portrait of what appears to be a historical figure, likely Manuel Belgrano, given the typical iconography on Argentine stamps of this period. The stamp is predominantly reddish-pink in color, printed on what seems to be white or off-white paper, exhibiting some discoloration consistent with age. It measures approximately 2.5 cm by 3.5 cm, with a rectangular shape and a perforated edge, indicating it was separated from a larger sheet. The design includes a central oval portrait of a man, possibly in a formal collar and cravat, looking slightly to the viewer's right. Above the portrait, the inscription "REPUBLICA ARGENTINA" is visible, though partially obscured by blurriness. To the lower right of the portrait, there is a numerical value, possibly "10", indicating the denomination of the stamp, and another faint, possibly hand-stamped or overprinted marking, "SEP 19" or similar, which could indicate a date of cancellation or issue. The overall condition appears to be fair to good, with some signs of wear and age, including slight fading or uneven ink distribution. The perforations seem mostly intact, but the image quality makes it difficult to assess fine details of the paper's texture or any potential watermarks. The style suggests a late 19th to early 20th-century vintage, adhering to the classical portraiture common in philately of that era. There are no obvious tears or significant creasing, but the image is somewhat out of focus, hindering a precise assessment of minute details or any potential printing errors or variations that could impact its value. The quality of printing seems adequate for the period, with a somewhat coarse dot pattern visible upon close inspection, particularly around the portrait and text.