St Vincent Philately Appraisal

St. Vincent 1971 Birds Definitive Series 30c Royal Tern Postage Stamp

This is a rectangular postage stamp issued by St. Vincent, featuring the Royal Tern (Thalasseus maximus). The central illustration depicts the bird in mid-flight with its wingspan broadly displayed, showcasing a monochromatic color palette of white, grey, and black plumage accented by a sharp red beak. The background illustrates a coastal scene with two smaller birds in silhouette and a faint mountain peak. Textual markings include 'Royal Tern' at the top, the scientific name 'Thalasseus maximus' vertically on the left, and the denomination '30c' alongside 'St. VINCENT' at the bottom. In the upper right corner, the Royal Cypher of Queen Elizabeth II (EIIR) is prominently displayed beneath a crown, indicating its status as a British Commonwealth issue. The stamp features standard line perforations around all four edges and is printed using a high-quality lithographic or photogravure process typical of the early 1970s. As part of a definitive series, the craftsmanship shows fine detail in the feather textures and typography. Based on the provided context, the item is in excellent condition with no visible damage, creases, or staining, and retains its original serrated edges without tearing.