1923 Italian Postage Stamp - King Victor Emmanuel III (Lira 1.25)

This is a fine example of a definitive series Italian postage stamp featuring the portrait of King Victor Emmanuel III. The stamp is printed in a deep blue ink on off-white paper and carries a denomination of 1.25 Lire. The design features a central medallion with the King's profile, framed by ornate floral and scrolling leaf motifs characteristic of the era's neo-classical influence. The top inscription reads 'POSTE ITALIANE' and the bottom provides the value 'LIRE 1.25'. The stamp displays machine-cut perforations on all four sides, though some edges show slight irregularity from separation. A horizontal black line across the center indicates a light postal cancellation, suggesting it was used in mail circulation. The portrait is executed with fine line engraving, showing high-quality craftsmanship in the rendering of facial features and military uniform. The paper exhibits a slight aged patina, which is consistent with its origin date in the early 1920s. There are no major tears or thinning visible from the front view, and the centering is slightly shifted to the upper left. This stamp belongs to the 'Floreale' or floral design series, which remains a staple for collectors of the Kingdom of Italy philatelic history.

I have carefully examined the 1923 Victor Emmanuel III 1.25 Lire 'Floreale' stamp through high-resolution photography. This definitive issue represents a classic period of the Kingdom of Italy. The specimen exhibits a genuine, light postal cancellation which, while obscuring a portion of the portrait, demonstrates historical usage. The deep blue pigmentation remains vibrant, though the paper shows characteristic oxidation and a yellowish patina consistent with its century-old age. The centering is slightly shifted to the upper-left, and the perforation tips show some minor fraying, which is typical for the era's machine-cut quality. From a market perspective, the 1.25 Lira 'Floreale' is a common definitive issue. Unlike the high-value 5.00 or 10.00 Lire denominations of this series, the 1.25 Lira value was printed in significant quantities for standard postal needs. As of the current philatelic market, demand is steady but supply remains high. Comparable examples in used condition typically trade within the $5 to $12 range, depending on the clarity of the cancellation and the cleanliness of the reverse side. Limitations of Image-based Assessment: This valuation assumes the stamp is free of 'hidden' defects such as paper thinning, reperforation, or a removed hinge. To provide a definitive certification of authenticity, a physical inspection is required to verify the watermark (Crown of Italy) and ensure the paper weight is correct. Scientific testing via UV light would be necessary to confirm the ink is original and has not been chemically cleaned or altered. Possession of a certificate from an organization like the Bolaffi or Raybaudi would be required for the high end of the valuation range.