AI Appraisal Estimate

This item is a postage stamp from the Republic of China, likely part of the First Peking Issue, featuring a dominant orange-brown or sepia tone. The stamp is perforated along all four edges, indicating it was separated from a sheet. Its dimensions appear to be standard for a historical postage stamp, likely around 20-30mm square, although precise measurements are not available from the image. The central design features a stylized profile, possibly of a figure like Sun Yat-sen or General Chiang Kai-shek, encircled by a laurel wreath. Above this central motif, a sun emblem, representing the Kuomintang (KMT) or the national emblem of the Republic of China, is prominently displayed. The corners of the stamp contain numerical and textual denominations. In the bottom left and right corners, the number '1' is visible within a rectangular box, indicating a one-cent (分, fen) denomination. The upper left corner shows the character '分' (fen), and the upper right corner likely shows '壹' (yi), which is the formal character for 'one.' At the bottom center, there are vertical Chinese characters '中華民國郵政' (Zhōnghuá Mínguó Yóuzhèng), which translates to 'Republic of China Post.' The stamp shows clear signs of use, including a prominent circular postmark with visible cancellations over the central profile, obscuring some of the finer details of the portrait. There are also smaller, irregularly shaped dark marks which could be additional cancellation remnants or minor staining. The paper exhibits some discoloration consistent with age, and minor scuffing or handling wear is apparent. The overall condition suggests it is a used, circulated stamp, likely from the early to mid-20th century, probably dating from the 1910s to 1930s based on the design and context of Chinese philately.

I have examined the provided image of the Republic of China First Peking Issue 1 Cent postage stamp. Based on visual assessment, this appears to be a genuine stamp from the early Republic of China period. The design elements, including the central profile, sun emblem, Chinese characters for 'Republic of China Post,' and the denomination '1 fen,' are consistent with known examples of the First Peking Issue. The orange-brown coloration also aligns with typical examples of this denomination. Its perforated edges confirm it was separated from a sheet. The condition of the stamp is key to its valuation. This particular example shows clear signs of being used, evidenced by a prominent circular postmark that heavily cancels the central vignette, obscuring details of the profile. There are also additional smaller dark marks, which could be further cancellations or staining, and noticeable age-related discoloration and general handling wear. While these stamps are historically significant, many were produced, and circulated examples in this condition are relatively common. In terms of market conditions, the First Peking Issue is a popular series among collectors of Chinese philately, but common denominations in used, cancelled condition are not rare. Demand exists, but the extensive cancellation significantly impacts its eye appeal and, consequently, its value. Stamps with lighter cancellations or those in unused (mint) condition command much higher prices. For this stamp, condition is the primary factor limiting a higher valuation. My appraisal value of $5-$15 reflects its status as a common, heavily cancelled example of a readily available historical stamp. This assessment is based solely on the provided image. For full authentication and a definitive valuation, I would require a physical in-person examination to assess paper type, watermark (if any), precise perforations, and the exact nature of the cancellation ink and any staining. Additionally, provenance documentation, if available, would provide further context but is not critical for basic identification of such a common issue.