Manuel Belgrano 1/2 Centavo Postage Stamp

This is a vintage postage stamp from Argentina, featuring a portrait of Manuel Belgrano. The stamp is predominantly purple or a rich violet-brown color, printed on what appears to be off-white or cream-colored paper. It is rectangular with perforated edges, indicating it was part of a sheet of stamps. The central design is a detailed bust portrait of Manuel Belgrano, presented within an arched frame. He is depicted in a formal, possibly military-style, coat and ruffled cravat, with a serious expression. His hair appears to be styled relatively short, consistent with early 19th-century fashion. The top of the stamp prominently displays "REPUBLICA ARGENTINA" in a sans-serif or block-letter font, encased within a decorative rectangular border. Below the portrait, the name "MANUEL BELGRANO" is clearly visible in a smaller, more refined script. In the bottom right corner, the denomination "1/2 C" is enclosed in a small square, indicating a value of half a centavo. The overall design incorporates intricate scrollwork and floral or leafy motifs on the sides of the portrait frame, adding to its classic aesthetic. The stamp shows signs of age and handling, with some visible creasing or disturbance on Belgrano's face and possibly some light smudging or dirt adhered to the surface. The perforations appear largely intact, though the paper might show some light toning consistent with its age. The printing quality appears good, suggesting a standard government issue. The stamp's style and the prominent figure suggest it likely dates from the late 19th or early 20th century, a period when national heroes were frequently honored on currency and postage.