Propaganda Fide Stamp Appraisal

1923 Italy 30 Centesimi Propaganda Fide Tercentenary Postage Stamp

This is a horizontal rectangular postage stamp from Italy, issued in 1923 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the founding of the 'Propaganda Fide' (Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples). The stamp is printed in a distinct lake or reddish-brown ink on paper with comb perforations. The central vignette depicts Jesus Christ preaching to a diverse group of followers. Above the scene is a banner reading 'III CENTENARIO DI PROPAGANDA FIDE.' The lower margin features the text 'POSTE ITALIANE' and the denomination 'CENT. 30.' Notable iconography includes two circular portraits at the upper corners: Pope Gregory XV (on the left) and Pope Pius XI (on the right). The bottom corners display the Savoia coat of arms and a religious crest. Small-print manufacturing credits at the very bottom edge identify 'GINTI DIS.', 'A. BLASI INCIS.', and 'PETITI IMP. ROMA', crediting the designer, engraver, and printer respectively. The stamp is mounted in a dark protective hinge-less mount on a white album page labeled 'ITALY / ITALIE / ITALIA'. The perforation teeth appear intact and consistent, and the ink remains vibrant with no visible foxing or fading, suggesting a well-preserved collector's specimen from the early 20th-century philatelic period.