Scott Catalog Stamp Appraisal

1-cent Gilbert Charles Stuart U.S. Postage Stamp

This is a United States postage stamp featuring the portrait of Gilbert Charles Stuart, the celebrated American painter. The stamp is a 1-cent denomination, indicated by the '1' mark in the lower left corner. The primary colors of the stamp appear to be a faded teal or blue-green for the central portrait and text, against an off-white or yellowish paper. The portrait of Gilbert Stuart is depicted in an oval frame, adorned with a wreath-like motif around its perimeter. Above the portrait, the text 'UNITED STATES POSTAGE' is prominently displayed in a rectangular block. Below the portrait, within a banner, reads 'GILBERT CHARLES STUART'. The stamp exhibits a perforated edge, typical of postage stamps, indicating it was separated from a sheet. A clear cancellation mark, consisting of several horizontal black lines, is visible across the face of the stamp, obscuring parts of the portrait and text. This cancellation suggests the stamp has been used. The paper appears slightly discolored or aged, consistent with an older stamp. The overall condition, besides the cancellation, seems to be relatively good with no immediately obvious tears or significant creases, though the image quality makes precise assessment challenging. The style suggests it belongs to an earlier series of U.S. postage stamps, likely from the early to mid-20th century, given its relatively simple design and use of a prominent historical figure.