AI Appraisal Estimate

This item is a used postage stamp issued by the U.S. Post Office in 1936 to commemorate the Rhode Island Tercentenary. The stamp features a central illustration of Roger Williams, standing in period attire, holding what appears to be a book or scripture in his left hand. Below his feet, his name 'ROGER WILLIAMS' is clearly visible. The color of the stamp is a muted purple or lilac hue. At the top, 'U.S. POSTAGE' is printed, flanked by the years '1636' and '1936', marking the span of the tercentenary celebration. In the lower left corner, there is a small crest featuring an anchor with the word 'HOPE' above it, likely representing the Rhode Island state motto. To the lower right, the denomination '3' is encircled. The bottom border of the stamp reads 'RHODE ISLAND TERCENTENARY'. The stamp is rectangular with perforated edges, typical of postage stamps. Its condition shows clear evidence of use, indicated by multiple horizontal black cancellation lines across the face of the stamp, obscuring parts of the central figure and text. There are no immediate signs of tears or major creases from the visible image, but the cancellation marks are quite prominent. The paper appears to be discolored slightly at the edges, consistent with age. Despite the cancellation, the details of the design are still largely discernible, attesting to the quality of the engraving.

I have examined the provided image of a used Rhode Island Tercentenary Postage Stamp (1936). Based on this visual inspection, I can confidently identify it as Scott Catalogue #788, U.S. 3-cent Rhode Island Tercentenary commemorative. The design elements, including Roger Williams' depiction, the '1636-1936' dates, and the '3c' denomination, align perfectly with known examples of this issue. Regarding condition, the stamp is clearly used, as evidenced by the prominent horizontal black cancellation lines across its face. While the design details remain largely discernible, the heavy cancellation significantly detracts from its aesthetic appeal and, consequently, its value. The slight discoloration at the edges is consistent with age and typical for used stamps of this era. There are no visible tears or major creases from the image, but a physical inspection would be necessary to confirm the absence of subtle faults like thinning, pinpoint holes, or hidden creases. From a market perspective, the 1936 Rhode Island Tercentenary issue is widely available and not considered rare. It was issued in substantial quantities, and numerous examples exist in both unused and used condition. Used copies, particularly those with heavy cancellations such as this one, typically command very modest prices. Collectors generally prefer either uncancelled mint examples or lightly cancelled used examples where the design is minimally obscured. The demand for heavily cancelled common commemoratives like this is very low, primarily limited to those seeking to fill basic albums or beginner collectors. Given its common nature and the heavily cancelled condition, the appraisal value reflects its status as a widely available philatelic item in a less desirable state. Without physical access, I cannot definitively verify gum condition, precise color shade variations for identification of possible errors or varieties (though highly unlikely for this issue), or paper characteristics. However, for this specific stamp, such factors would be unlikely to dramatically alter the appraisal given its ubiquitous nature. Full authentication of gum and potential hidden faults would require an in-person examination and possibly UV light testing.