James Fenimore Cooper 2 Cents US Postage Stamp

This item is a United States postage stamp, featuring a portrait of James Fenimore Cooper. The stamp is predominantly reddish-brown or magenta in color, indicating it is likely part of a series printed with this specific color scheme. It has perforated edges, which are typical for postage stamps, suggesting it was once part of a larger sheet and separated as intended. The central design is an oval-framed portrait of James Fenimore Cooper, with his name, 'JAMES FENIMORE COOPER', inscribed horizontally below the portrait within the frame. Above the portrait, across the top edge of the stamp, 'UNITED STATES POSTAGE' is clearly visible. To the bottom right of the portrait, a decorative shield-like element contains the denomination '2 CENTS', indicating the stamp's postal value. The overall design appears to be engraved, characterized by fine lines and detail in the portrait and surrounding text, a common printing method for stamps of this era, providing a high level of detail and security. The visible condition shows some slight discoloration or toning consistent with age, and the perforations appear largely intact, though minor wear might be present at the very tips. The stamp's appearance suggests it is uncancelled, although further inspection of the back or clearer imaging would be needed to confirm this definitively. The stamp's style, including the portrait and textual elements, points to an early to mid-20th-century issuance, likely from a series commemorating notable American figures, such as the Famous Americans Series from 1940. This particular stamp, with the portrait of James Fenimore Cooper and the 2 CENTS denomination, specifically corresponds to the 1940 Famous Americans Writers Series.