AI Appraisal Estimate

This is a used 1889 Italian postage stamp with a face value of 5 centesimi, featuring a deep turquoise-green ink on off-white or cream-toned paper. The design showcases the coat of arms of the House of Savoy, consisting of a central white cross on a shaded shield, topped with a regal crown and surrounded by a collar or decorative border. The central oval is inscribed with 'POSTE ITALIANE' and 'CENTESIMI CINQUE' in white serif lettering. Four circular corner spandrels contain the numeral '5'. The stamp is rectangular with distinct perforations reaching around all four sides. It bears a visible black circular date stamp (CDS) cancel, which is typical for postally used specimens of this period. The physical condition shows signs of age consistent with a late 19th-century philatelic item, including minor perforation wear and typical ink oxidation. The centering appears slightly shifted toward the upper-left, a common occurrence for printing techniques of the 1880s. The stamp is currently mounted within a printed philatelic album page marked with the year 1889, indicating its chronological placement within the Kingdom of Italy's postal history.

I have examined the digital representation of the 1889 Italy 5 Centesimi Green stamp featuring the House of Savoy coat of arms. My visual assessment confirms this is the 1889 re-issue (Scott #59 / Sassone #45), distinguished by the 'CENTESIMI CINQUE' inscription. The stamp is in 'Fine' condition for the era; the centering is shifted toward the upper-left, which is characteristic of the perforation machines used at the Officina Carte Valori in Turin. The turquoise-green ink remains vibrant, though typical minor oxidation is present on the cream-toned paper. The circular date stamp (CDS) cancel is authentic to the period, providing tactile historical context without obscuring the central design. From a market perspective, this is a common definitive issue. While an essential representative piece for any collection of the Kingdom of Italy, it was printed in vast quantities to meet the postal demands of the Umberto I era. Comparables for used specimens in this condition consistently realize between $1 and $5 in retail philatelic circles. The value is significantly higher for Mint Never Hinged (MNH) examples, but used copies are abundant. Limitations: This appraisal is based solely on high-resolution imagery. A physical inspection is required to verify the integrity of the paper (checking for thinned areas or small tears), the presence of original gum (if unused), and to rule out modern fiscal or forged cancels. While the iconography and printing style appear consistent with late 19th-century lithography/typography, a microscopic analysis of the ink 'bite' and paper fibers would be necessary for a definitive certificate of authenticity.