1986 Hugo L. Black 5-Cent Definitive Postage Stamp

This is a United States definitive postage stamp from the Great Americans series, originally issued in 1986. The stamp features a portrait of Hugo L. Black, an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. It is printed in olive green or dark brownish-green ink on off-white or cream-colored paper. The design depicts a right-facing portrait of Black with his name 'Hugo L. Black' printed vertically on the left side and the denomination '5 USA' at the bottom. The stamp exhibits standard perforation on all four sides. Physically, the stamp shows evidence of being used or previously handled; there appears to be a faint circular reddish-pink ink mark on the forehead area of the portrait, which is likely a partial postal cancellation mark. The perforations appear largely intact, though there is slight darkening around the edges consistent with age. The stamp is presented inside a protective glassine or plastic sleeve, which has significant creasing and folding. This specific issue was designed by Christopher Calle and printed via the intaglio process by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. While a common philatelic item, its value in an appraisal context is determined by its condition, centering, and the clarity of its cancellation mark.

I have conducted a visual examination of this 1986 Hugo L. Black 5-cent definitive stamp from the Great Americans series. The stamp appears authentic, exhibiting the characteristic intaglio printing and olive green coloration associated with the Bureau of Engraving and Printing’s production (Scott #2172). Physically, the specimen is in used/post-consumer condition. I observe a faint magenta-colored cancellation mark on the portrait, which confirms its status as a used specimen. The perforations are intact but show slight toning, and the centering is average (Fine-Very Fine), with slightly wider margins on the right side. From a market perspective, this is a very common utility stamp with a massive production run. Unlike rare errors or plate blocks, single used copies of this issue hold negligible philatelic premium. The current market value is essentially the minimum trade value for common used definitives. Rarity is non-existent for this specific issue, as millions remain in circulation and collections. Factors limiting value include the commonality of the 5-cent denomination and the lack of a 'socked-on-the-nose' high-quality cancellation. My assessment is limited by the digital format; I cannot verify paper thickness, gum type (if any remains), or the absence of microscopic repairs/thinning without a physical inspection. A definitive authentication would require a manual gauge for perforation precision and a long-wave UV light test to inspect for hidden repairs or paper fluorescent qualities. For items of this low market value, formal certification from the Philatelic Foundation is generally not cost-effective.