United States Internal Revenue Tax Paid Stamp (Wines)

This item is a vintage United States Internal Revenue tax paid stamp, specifically for 'WINES'. The stamp is roughly square in shape with perforated edges, indicating it was designed to be easily detached from a sheet. Its primary color scheme is green with white text and accents, overlaid with significant red overprinting that features numbers and possibly dates, which are partially obscured but appear to include '1959' or similar digits, suggesting its period of use. The central design features a prominent '20 CENTS' in white text on a green oval background, denoting its monetary value. Above this, the word 'WINES' is clearly printed in white capital letters. To the left, vertically oriented, the word 'SERIES' is visible. To the right, also vertically oriented, the partial text 'OF 1954' strongly suggests the series year. At the bottom, 'UNITED STATES INTERNAL REVENUE' is printed across the width of the stamp. The red overprinting, common on revenue stamps to prevent reuse, is quite heavy and obscures some of the underlying green design elements. The condition of the stamp shows wear consistent with age and use, including slight fading of colors and potential creasing, though the image clarity makes definitive assessment difficult. The perforations appear intact, but the overall impression is one of a used, rather than pristine, artifact. The intricate design and multiple layers of printing suggest a high level of craftsmanship for a government-issued document of its era.