Postage Appraisal

United States 3 Cents Postage Cancellation Mark

The item is a circular cancellation mark, likely applied to a postage stamp or an envelope, from the United States Postal Service. Its primary colors are dark navy blue or black for the imprint against a lighter, possibly off-white or cream-colored, background material. The mark features a prominent central silhouette of a person's head facing left, rendered in a solid dark color with horizontal lines running across the lighter facial area, suggesting a stylized or abstract representation. This central design is encircled by text that reads "UNITED STATES POSTAGE" at the top, following the curve of the circle. At the bottom, also following the curve, are the words "CENTS". Flanking the central silhouette, at approximately the 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock positions, are duplicated numerals "3", indicating a value of three cents. The entire circular design is framed by a thin outer border. Around the circular mark and extending beyond its edges are several parallel horizontal lines, which are characteristic of a roller cancellation or machine cancellation mark used to deface postage stamps and prevent re-use. The visible condition suggests some slight blurring or unevenness in the ink application, which is common for postal cancellations and is not necessarily indicative of damage but rather the nature of its original application. The style of the mark, with its clear textual elements and numerical denomination, points to it being a functional postal cancellation from the early to mid-20th century, a period when such designs were prevalent for standard postal services. The craftsmanship is utilitarian, designed for clarity and efficiency in mail processing rather than artistic detail.