United States 10 Cents John Tyler Postage Stamp

This item is a used United States postage stamp, predominantly reddish-brown or carmine in color, featuring a portrait of John Tyler, the tenth U.S. President. The stamp is rectangular with perforated edges, typical of postage stamps. Key inscriptions include "UNITED STATES POSTAGE" at the top, "JOHN TYLER" below the portrait (though obscured), and "CENTS 10" at the bottom. The portrait depicts John Tyler in profile, facing left. The stamp appears to be canceled, indicated by black ink markings partially obscuring the design, particularly across the upper right portion of the stamp and extending slightly onto the bottom left. The cancellation mark appears to include elements of a postmark, with visible letters 'AY P' and numbers '952', suggesting a date or postal code fragment, possibly 'MAY P 1952'. The perforations are visible but somewhat irregular or damaged in places, particularly at the bottom edge. The overall condition suggests a used stamp with noticeable wear and a heavy cancellation, which might impact its philatelic value depending on the clarity and significance of the postmark. The stamp is currently housed under a clear plastic covering, implying a collector's item.

I have examined the provided image of the United States 10 Cents John Tyler Postage Stamp. This appears to be Scott #214, part of the 1887-1888 Regular Issue. The stamp is clearly canceled, with black ink obscuring parts of the design, particularly the top right. The visible 'AY P' and '952' fragments from the postmark are insufficient to determine a precise date or location, as typical full cancellations would show more detail. The reddish-brown/carmine color and portrait match known examples of this issue. In terms of condition, the heavy cancellation significantly detracts from its aesthetic appeal and collector desirability. While perforations are present, they seem somewhat irregular or damaged along the bottom edge, further impacting value. This stamp is very common in used condition. Market conditions for common used US stamps from this era are generally low, with high supply and moderate demand from general collectors. Rarity is not a factor here; this is a widely available stamp. Factors significantly impacting value are the heavy cancellation and wear, which place it firmly at the lower end of the market for this specific issue. Without a clear, desirable postmark (e.g., a perfect town cancel or unusual date), the cancellation reduces value. Limitation: Authenticity can largely be determined from the image, specifically identifying it as Scott #214. However, to confirm no hidden faults, repairs, or re-perforations, an in-person examination would be required. This would involve checking paper quality, gum (if any residual), and the exact nature of the printing, which is impossible from an image alone. No scientific testing is typically needed for such a common stamp unless a rare variety was suspected (which is not the case here).