Water Buffalo Stamp Appraisal

Liberia 25 Cents Republic Postage Stamp with Water Buffalo

This item is a vintage Liberian postage stamp with a face value of 25 Cents. The stamp features a central vignette of a water buffalo or a similar bovine animal, depicted in a rich brown hue against a lighter, possibly muted green or tan background, suggesting a natural habitat. The overall color scheme of the stamp is dominated by shades of brown and off-white/beige, giving it an antique appearance. The top border reads "REPUBLIC" with "25" in a small square box to its left. The left vertical border states "POSTAGE", and the right vertical border reads "CENTS", also with "25" in small square boxes at the top right and bottom right corners. The bottom border includes partially obscured text, likely indicating the country of origin, which based on the additional context, is 'LIBERIA'. The stamp exhibits a perforated edge, indicating it was likely torn from a sheet. A prominent circular cancellation mark in dark blue or black ink overlays a significant portion of the stamp, obscuring some of the central image and the text at the bottom. This cancellation appears to read "ROBERTSPORT" and "LIBERIA," with a date that is difficult to discern but appears to be either partially visible or smudged. The cancellation mark serves as evidence of mail usage, and while it adds historical authenticity, it also affects the stamp's potential collectibility as it covers key design elements. The paper appears to be in fair condition with some minor discoloration consistent with age. The impression of the print is clear and legible where not covered by the cancellation. The style suggests an early to mid-20th-century design. The craftsmanship seems standard for postal stamps of its era, with a focus on clear imagery and functional text. The specific animal depicted, a water buffalo, is often symbolic and could represent aspects of Liberian wildlife or national character.