Stamp Collecting Liberia Appraisal

Liberia 10 Cents Registered Stamp, Harper Issue

This item is a triangular postal stamp from Liberia, specifically a registered mail stamp from the Harper issue, denominated at Ten Cents. The stamp features a dark green ink printed on what appears to be off-white or cream-colored paper. The central vignette depicts a steamboat navigating rough seas under a cloudy sky, with 'HARPER' subtly printed above the water between the boat and the clouds. The design is framed by a decorative border that forms the triangular shape of the stamp. Along the left side of the triangle, 'LIBERIA' is printed in an arch, while 'REGISTERED' arches along the right side. The bottom edge boldly displays '10 TEN CENTS 10', with the numeral '10' on either side of the text. The stamp exhibits perforation, characteristic of postal stamps for separation from a sheet. Visible condition issues include a handwritten '1.00' or similar notation in brown ink on the upper left blank margin of the stamp, which could indicate a previous valuation or catalog number. There are slight signs of discoloration or age on the paper itself, consistent with older paper items. The printing appears sharp and clear, suggesting a good quality impression. The overall aesthetic points to an early to mid-20th-century philatelic item, possibly from a colonial or post-colonial period given the 'Liberia' and 'Harper' inscriptions, which likely refer to Harper, a city in Liberia. The triangular shape is less common among stamps, making it a distinctive feature that could impact its collectibility.