AI Appraisal Estimate

This is a single postage stamp from Spain featuring an engraving of 'San Cristóbal' (Saint Christopher) originally painted by the Spanish Baroque artist Jusepe de Ribera. The stamp has a face value of 80 céntimos (indicated as '80 CTS') and is primarily rendered in a monochromatic slate-blue or teal-green ink within the central image, framed by a beige or ochre border. The typography at the bottom clearly reads 'CORREOS ESPAÑA'. Beneath the main frame, the text identifies the artwork and the printer, 'F.N.M.T.' (Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre). From a physical standpoint, the stamp features standard comb perforations on all four sides. Notable condition issues are visible: there is significant dark staining or toning on the left edge and lower-left corner, likely from previous mounting or environmental exposure, and what appears to be a heavy cancellation mark or ink smudge across the face of the saint. Despite these flaws, the intricate engraving detail remains visible, showcasing the high-quality craftsmanship characteristic of 1960s Spanish philatelic production. The paper appears slightly aged, and the centering is reasonably balanced within the perforated frame.

I have conducted a visual examination of the 1963 Spanish postage stamp featuring Jusepe de Ribera's 'San Cristóbal.' This specimen is a common definitive/commemorative issue (Edifil #1495) with a face value of 80 céntimos. Upon inspection, I find the condition of this specific example to be poor to fair. The presence of heavy toning and significant staining on the left flank, coupled with a dense, non-circular postal cancellation that obscures the central engraving, severely impacts its philatelic grade. Modern collectors typically seek 'Superb' centering and 'Mint Never Hinged' state or light, 'socked-on-the-nose' cancellations for this series; this example suffers from environmental damage that renders it essentially a 'filler' copy. From a market perspective, this stamp was produced in high volume (approximately 20 million copies), meaning rarity is non-existent. Comparables for used examples of this quality are negligible, often sold in bulk 'kiloware' or as part of low-value packets. While the engraving by the Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre remains a testament to Spanish craftsmanship, its commercial value is minimal due to the abundance of surviving specimens in superior condition. Please note: This appraisal is based solely on digital imagery. A physical inspection would be required to verify the integrity of the gum (if any), detect hidden thins or repairs, and confirm the authenticity of the paper's watermark. Without a physical forensic examination of the paper fibers and ink fluorescence under UV light, a definitive guarantee of authenticity cannot be provided, though the low market value makes forgery unlikely.