Pr85 Stamp Appraisal

United States 10 Cents Parcel Post Official Stamp, Type PR85

This item is a 10-cent United States Parcel Post official stamp. The stamp features a blue-green color with the words 'UNITED STATES POSTAGE' across the top. Below this, 'PARCEL POST' is visible, although somewhat obscured. The central design depicts a rural postal carrier riding a horse-drawn sleigh, which is characteristic of the parcel post series. The denomination '10 CENTS' is printed at the bottom, with large '10' numerals in the bottom left and right corners. Though difficult to discern precise details due to the image quality, the carrier appears to be wearing a winter coat and hat, indicative of delivering mail in cold conditions. The background shows hints of a winter landscape with trees or snow-covered terrain. The stamp has a generally rectangular shape with perforations along all edges, suggesting it was part of a sheet. The overall condition appears to be used, as indicated by a prominent circular cancellation mark that runs diagonally across the item, passing through the 'UNITED STATES POSTAGE' text and the central design. This cancellation mark suggests it was processed through the postal system. The colors appear somewhat faded or muted, which could be due to age, exposure, or the image quality itself. There are no clear visible tears, heavy creases, or major damage, though minor wear consistent with its age and use may be present. The printing appears relatively sharp for its age, suggesting a good level of craftsmanship in its original production. The style strongly indicates an early 20th-century U.S. postal issue, likely from the 1910s when such parcel post stamps were introduced.