AI Appraisal Estimate

This item is a 1-cent commemorative postage stamp from the United States, likely issued in honor of notable figures and historical landmarks. The stamp primarily features a dark green color on a lighter green background, with white areas within the portraits and building. The overall shape is rectangular with perforated edges, indicating it was intended to be torn from a sheet. The design includes two oval portraits: one depicting George Washington, labeled 'WASHINGTON' beneath, and the other depicting Nathanael Greene, labeled 'GREENE' beneath. Between these two portraits, and occupying the central lower portion of the stamp, is an illustration of 'MOUNT VERNON,' George Washington’s historic estate. Above this illustration, the text 'UNITED STATES POSTAGE' is visible. The denomination '1' appears in both the bottom left and bottom right corners, with 'ONE CENT' written horizontally across the bottom border. The stamp has been used, as evidenced by a prominent black ink postal cancellation mark that obscures parts of the central image and the portraits. The cancellation includes what appears to be a date 'MAY' and '1941' (the '19' is partially visible on the bottom part of the 'M' in 'MAY') and possibly a 'Z' or 'N' and 'V' in a circular or wavy pattern, though it's heavily marked. The perforations around the edges appear largely intact, though some are slightly less defined due to handling or age. There are some minor specks of black ink on the stamp's surface beyond the main cancellation mark, suggesting some wear or imperfect handling. The quality of the engraving for the portraits and the building is fine, characteristic of early 20th-century U.S. postal issues, giving it a classic and somewhat formal aesthetic.

I have carefully examined the provided image of the United States 1 Cent Commemorative Stamp, featuring Washington, Greene, and Mount Vernon. This stamp, with Scott Catalogue number 898 (1-cent Washington-Greene, Mount Vernon, Session of Congress), was issued on May 19, 1941, as part of the 1938 Presidential series, intended to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the first session of the First Congress. Starting with condition, the most significant factor impacting its value is the heavy postal cancellation mark. While typical for a used stamp, this particular cancellation significantly obscures the central 'MOUNT VERNON' illustration and parts of both the Washington and Greene portraits. This heavy obliteration detracts considerably from the aesthetic appeal and collectibility. The perforations appear largely intact, but some minor specks of black ink outside the main cancel suggest general handling and age. The design quality, typical for its era, is well-rendered, but its beauty is compromised by the cancellation. In terms of authenticity, based solely on the image, the general design, color, and perforation style are consistent with known examples of Scott 898. However, definitive authentication requires in-person examination to verify paper type, watermark (if any, though unlikely for this issue), and absence of repairs or alterations. Provenance, though not typically critical for such a common issue, could confirm its history. Regarding market conditions and demand, this particular stamp is very common; millions were issued. Used examples, especially with heavy cancels like this one, are readily available and do not command significant premiums. Unused and well-centered examples might fetch slightly more, but still remain on the lower end of the value spectrum due to their ubiquity. There is generally moderate demand from general collectors filling albums, but very little demand from specialist collectors for heavily canceled examples. Rarity is not a factor here. Given the common nature of this stamp and the condition issues, particularly the heavy cancellation, I place its appraisal value in the range of $0.50 to $1.50.