AI Appraisal Estimate

This item is a 1-cent United States postage stamp featuring the profile of Benjamin Franklin, printed in a deep green ink. Based on the design, it appears to be from the Washington-Franklin issue series, likely dating between 1908 and 1922. The stamp features a central portrait of Franklin facing left, encircled by a frame with the text 'UNITED STATES POSTAGE' at the top and the denomination 'ONE CENT' with the numeral '1' at the bottom corners. The stamp is printed on paper with standard perforations along all four edges, although the perforation on the right side appears slightly irregular or jagged. A heavy black circular date stamp (CDS) or machine cancel is visible across the center of the image, indicating the stamp has been used. The centering of the design within the margins appears slightly shifted toward the bottom left. The overall condition shows signs of aging consistent with a circulated antique stamp, including slight toning of the paper and blurring of the cancellation ink. Further identification of the specific Scott catalogue number would require examination of watermarks and perforation gauge measurements.

I have virtually examined this 1-cent Benjamin Franklin green stamp from the Washington-Franklin series (1908-1922). Based on the visual evidence, the stamp is a genuine used specimen, likely a common variety such as Scott #331, #374, #405, or #498. The condition is commercial grade; the centering is 'Fine' at best, as the design is significantly shifted toward the bottom-left corner. The perforations on the right appear roughly pulled rather than cleanly cut, and the heavy black machine cancellation significantly obscures the central vignette, which generally detracts from the aesthetic appeal for high-end collectors. The market for these common varieties is highly saturated, as billions were printed. While rare coil variations or specific watermarks (Single Line vs. Double Line USPS) can command premiums, the vast majority of perforated used examples of this design hold nominal value. My valuation reflects a retail price for a single common specimen used in a beginner or intermediate collection. Limitations: A definitive identification and authentication are impossible via image alone. To provide a final Scott Catalog number and value, I would need to physically measure the perforations with a precision gauge, check the paper for watermarks using fluid, and inspect the reverse for hinge remnants, thinning, or repairs. For a stamp of this type to exceed the provided valuation, it would require a rare perforation/watermark combination or extremely high-grade centering (95-100), which this specimen lacks.