Michigan Centenary Stamp Appraisal

1935 Michigan Centenary 3-Cent US Postage Stamp

This item is a 3-cent United States postage stamp commemorating the Michigan Centenary, issued in 1935. The stamp is predominantly purple or violet in color and features a central circular motif of the State Seal of Michigan. The seal depicts two deer, one on each side, supporting a shield with 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' above it, and a sun rising over a body of water in the background. The words 'STATE SEAL OF MICHIGAN' are visible around the perimeter of the seal. Flanking the central seal are two flags; on the left, the American flag is shown, and on the right, what appears to be another banner or flag. In the foreground, below the flags, there are evergreen trees or a forest scene. The top border of the stamp features the inscription '1835 MICHIGAN CENTENARY 1935'. The denomination '3¢' is prominently displayed in the bottom left and bottom right corners. The words 'U.S. POSTAGE' are printed across the bottom center. The stamp shows clear signs of having been used, evidenced by multiple heavy black ink cancellations crisscrossing the design. These cancellation marks obscure some of the finer details of the central seal and the right flag. The overall condition appears used, with the cancellations being the most dominant characteristic affecting its visual appeal and potentially its collectible value. The stamp's edges appear perforated, typical of philatelic items of this era. The paper quality seems standard for postage stamps of the early 20th century.