Taft Stamp Appraisal

4 Cents William Howard Taft US Postage Stamp

The item is a vintage United States postage stamp, specifically a 4 Cents stamp featuring a portrait of William Howard Taft. The stamp is predominantly brown or sepia-toned, with a darker brown outer border and intricate detailing. The central vignette showcases a bust of William Howard Taft, identifiable by his distinctive mustache and formal attire, enclosed within a circular frame. Around the circular frame, in an outer ring, the words "UNITED STATES POSTAGE" are inscribed in capital letters. The denomination "4" is prominently displayed in both the lower left and lower right corners, within circular designs. Below the portrait, the word "TAFT" is visible, with "CENTS" written underneath it. The stamp exhibits classic perforation marks along all four edges, indicating it was intended to be separated from a sheet. The overall condition appears to be relatively good, with the perforations seemingly intact and the central image clear. There are no obvious major tears or creases visible, although a slight softening of the corners or edges might be present due to age. The stamp is mounted or adhered to a light-colored surface, possibly an album page. The style suggests it belongs to the early 20th century, likely around the time Taft was president or shortly thereafter, reflecting the common commemorative practices of the era for depicting national figures on postage. The printing appears to be a form of engraving, providing fine lines and a nuanced depth to the portrait and lettering. The craftsmanship is typical of government-issued philatelic items from its period.