Special Delivery Stamp Appraisal

United States 15 Cent Special Delivery Stamp

This is a vintage United States postage stamp, specifically a 15-cent Special Delivery stamp. The stamp features a central vignette depicting a detailed building, likely intended to represent a post office or a similar official structure. Above the building, the words "UNITED STATES POSTAGE" are inscribed, with "SPECIAL DELIVERY" prominently displayed below it. The denomination "15" is visible in circular insets in both the lower left and lower right corners of the stamp, with the words "FIFTEEN CENTS" printed across the bottom. The stamp's color appears to be a sepia tone, suggesting an aged appearance, possibly a brownish-orange or reddish-brown hue. It has perforated edges, characteristic of most postage stamps, indicating it was designed to be separated from a sheet. A prominent black ink cancellation mark, consisting of horizontal lines and partially legible text, is present across the face of the stamp. The visible text within the cancellation appears to be "MINOTON DC", suggesting cancellation in Washington D.C. The cancellation runs across the middle of the stamp, obscuring some of the central details of the vignette. The condition shows clear signs of postal use, with the cancellation mark being the primary indicator. The perforations appear intact, though minor wear might be present at the edges. The paper has likely aged, contributing to its current coloration. The style of the stamp, particularly the architectural illustration and typography, suggests an early to mid-20th-century design. This particular design with the specific wording usually dates to such periods, indicating its age and potential historical significance within philately. The craftsmanship appears to be of standard postal stamp quality for its era, with intricate engraving work visible in the building's details and the text.