AI Appraisal Estimate

This is a rectangular, commemorative United States postage stamp issued in 1958 to mark the bicentennial of the capture of Fort Duquesne. The stamp features a monochromatic blue engraving on white paper stock. The central imagery depicts a detailed historical scene of General John Forbes' expedition arriving at the site of the fort, showing soldiers, travelers, and horses. Text elements include "FORT DUQUESNE" at the top, dates "1758" on the left and "1958" on the right, and "U.S. POSTAGE 4c" along the bottom. The stamp's physical condition is 'used,' as evidenced by a wavy-line black ink cancellation mark running horizontally across the center. The perforations appear standard (gauge 11), showing some slight irregularities consistent with separation from a sheet. There are no significant signs of tearing or thinning visible in the scan, though some light aging or yellowing of the paper is standard for its nearly 70-year age. This particular issue, Scott #1123, was printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing using a rotary press. It represents a classic example of mid-20th-century philatelic design, characterized by fine line work and historical narrative illustration.

I have conducted a visual examination of the 1958 Fort Duquesne Bicentennial 4-cent stamp via high-resolution imagery. Based on the Scott Catalogue (Scott #1123), this is a common issue with a massive original printing of over 120 million units. The specimen is in 'used' condition, featuring a standard wavy-line machine cancellation. The centering appears moderately balanced, and the perforations (gauge 11) show expected wear for a circulated issue. No major defects like creases or toning were observed. The market for this specific stamp is heavily saturated. Because it was widely saved by the public and used for postage, circular-cancelled copies hold minimal value, often trading at the minimum 'gap-filler' price or as part of a bulk lot. Rarer versions exist only in specialized plate blocks or mint-never-hinged condition, which this is not. Authenticity is presumed based on the engraving styles used by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, though digital images cannot verify paper thickness or chemical reactions to ink. For definitive authentication, a physical examination would be required to rule out expertly repaired perforations or hidden thins, though the low market value typically makes expert certification (like PF or PSE) cost-prohibitive for this item. Historically, this stamp remains a beautiful example of mid-century line engraving, but its value is sentimental rather than financial.