Minuteman Stamp Appraisal

United States 10 Cents Savings Stamp (Minuteman)

This item is a United States 10 Cents Savings Stamp, featuring a central vignette of the 'Minuteman' statue by Daniel Chester French. The stamp is a rectangular piece of paper with perforated edges, indicative of a typical postage or revenue stamp. The primary color is a faded rose or reddish-pink hue, with the central design printed in a slightly darker shade, creating a monochromatic effect. The design features a male figure, the iconic Minuteman, standing with a long rifle over his shoulder, looking to his right. Text 'UNITED STATES' runs vertically along the left border, and 'SAVINGS STAMP' runs vertically along the right border. The denomination '10' is visible in an oval frame in both the lower-left and lower-right corners. Below the central figure, the word 'CENTS' is clearly legible. The top corners feature decorative elements, likely representing shields or organizational emblems. The stamp appears to be in poor condition, as indicated by the context, with visible signs of fading in the color and potential staining or discoloration, particularly noticeable in the lighter areas of the stamp. The perforations around the edges appear somewhat uneven or worn. Given the historical context of savings stamps, this likely dates from the early to mid-20th century, possibly around World War I or II, when such stamps were issued to encourage public savings to support government efforts. The craftsmanship suggests a standard offset or intaglio printing process typical for government-issued stamps of that era.