Spanish Revenue Stamp, 1.50 Pesetas 8th Class Civil Code Issue

This item is a Spanish fiscal or revenue stamp representing a 1.50 Pesetas (PTAS.) denomination for an 8th class (8a CLASE) administrative fee. The stamp features an allegorical engraving of a draped figure, likely representing Justice or Law, holding a pointed sword and a scroll labeled 'CODIGO CIVIL'. To the bottom left, the Spanish coat of arms is prominently displayed, and the figure rests their feet upon bundles representing authority or legal volumes. The stamp is printed in a muted blue-grey or slate ink on off-white, slightly aged paper. It features a unique black serial number 'F6738478' printed along the bottom edge. Physically, the stamp exhibits standard vertical rectangular dimensions and perforation on all four sides. The perforations appear relatively intact, though some unevenness and minor rounding are visible at the corners. The overall condition shows signs of age-related toning and light handling, but there are no major tears or significant creasing observed in the central image. This style of stamp was typically used during the mid-20th century in Spain to pay for government services or legal documentation, reflecting the bureaucratic requirements of the era.

I have carefully examined the provided high-resolution image of the Spanish 1.50 Pesetas 8th Class Civil Code revenue stamp. The specimen features the classic allegorical representation of Justice leaning on the 'Codigo Civil,' a common motif for mid-20th-century Spanish fiscal issues. Visually, the stamp appears authentic; the typography, engraving depth, and the specific typeface of the serial number (F6738478) are consistent with the state-issued fiscal printings of the Francoist era. The condition is 'Fine'; the perforations are mostly intact, though there is evident rounding at the upper right corner and natural toning of the paper consistent with age. From a market perspective, Spanish revenue stamps of this period were produced in vast quantities for legal documentation. Unlike rare postal issues, these are widely available to collectors. Recent sales of similar '8a CLASE' Civil Code stamps suggest a modest value. The blue-grey color remains crisp, which helps maintain its place at the top end of its common range, but it lacks the rarity factors (such as rare plate errors or specific provincial overprints) that drive significant premiums. Limitations: This appraisal is based strictly on visual inspection of a digital image. I cannot verify the presence of a watermark, which is crucial for certain specific catalog variations, nor can I inspect the gum for hinging or 'mint never hinged' status. A physical examination under UV light would be required to detect any hidden repairs or paper thinning. Provenance documentation, such as the original document it was affixed to, could provide contextual value but is absent here.