Stamp Collecting Japan Appraisal

Used 20 Sen Japan Stamp, Dragon Series

This item is a Japanese postage stamp from the Dragon Series, denominated at 20 Sen. The stamp features a central circular design, likely depicting a dragon or a stylized imperial emblem, set against an orange-red background with intricate patterns and possibly a geometric border. The color appears to be a muted orange-red, consistent with earlier stamp issues. The stamp is characterized by its perforations, which are visible along the top and bottom edges, indicating it was separated from a sheet. A significant feature is the heavy black postmark, which covers a large portion of the central design, making it difficult to fully discern the artistic details beneath. This postmark is crucial as it signifies the stamp's use, rendering it "used" rather than "mint." The postmark appears to be a circular or oval mark with illegible characters, likely Japanese kanji, and some lines extending from it. The numerical value "20" is clearly visible in the bottom-left corner of the stamp, and possibly "SN" in the bottom-right, which could denote "Sen." In the top-right corner, there is a small square element with an obscure design. The overall condition shows signs of age and wear consistent with a used postal item. The heavy cancellation mark, while obscuring the design, also confirms its authenticity as a used stamp. The visible edges show some slight discoloration or paper aging, and the perforations appear intact but may have minor inconsistencies. The quality of the paper and print suggests a standard postal issue of its era, likely late 19th or early 20th century, a period known for classic Japanese stamp designs.