Used 1 Annas India Postage & Revenue Stamp (Victoria)

This item is a used postage and revenue stamp from India, featuring the portrait of Queen Victoria. The stamp is predominantly reddish-pink in color, with a central circular vignette displaying a profile of Queen Victoria, facing to the left. The denomination '1 ANNA' is visible at the bottom of the stamp, with 'ONE ANNA' also inscribed below the central portrait. The top of the stamp clearly shows 'POSTAGE & REVENUE'. The stamp exhibits a perforated edge, indicating it was separated from a sheet. Several heavy black postmarks are present, obscuring significant portions of the design. One prominent postmark is a circular date stamp, with partial legibility suggesting 'MAY 19'. Another heavy, dark, elongated postmark extends diagonally across the upper right side of the stamp. The perforations appear largely intact, though there might be some minor damage or wear along the edges, consistent with a used stamp. The overall condition is good for a used item of this age, despite the heavy postmarks. The paper appears to be of standard stamp paper quality from the era. The heavy cancellation suggests it fulfilled its postal duty. Given the 'POSTAGE & REVENUE' inscription and the portrait of Queen Victoria, it can be dated to the British Raj period in India, likely late 19th or early 20th century.

After a thorough visual examination of the provided image, I assess this Used 1 Annas India Postage & Revenue Stamp (Victoria) to be authentic. The design elements, including the portrait of Queen Victoria, '1 ANNA' denomination, and 'POSTAGE & REVENUE' inscription, align with known examples of this issue from the British Raj period. The perforated edges are consistent with stamps of this era. The condition, however, significantly impacts its value. While the perforations appear largely intact, the heavy black postmarks extensively obscure the design. This heavy cancellation, especially the diagonal elongated mark and the partially legible circular date stamp ('MAY 19'), detracts significantly from its aesthetic appeal and collectibility. In the stamp collecting market, heavily canceled stamps generally command lower prices than lightly canceled or uncancelled examples, even for common issues. Market conditions for common, heavily used Queen Victoria 1 Annas stamps from India are generally modest. They are not considered rare, and there is a steady but not exceptionally high demand. Comparables for heavily canceled examples typically range in the single digits. Factors significantly impacting this stamp's value are primarily the heavy cancellation, which reduces its visual appeal and detail. While the 'POSTAGE & REVENUE' inscription is interesting, it does not elevate the value significantly given the condition. It is important to note that this appraisal is based solely on the provided image. While authenticity appears likely, an in-person examination would be necessary to confirm paper type, watermarks (if any), gum condition (though unlikely with a used stamp), and exact shades, which can sometimes influence value. Without physical inspection, definitive authentication of every minute detail is limited.