Used Great Britain Penny Red Postage Stamp with Cancelation

This item is a single, used postage stamp, originating from Great Britain, specifically a Penny Red stamp. The stamp is predominantly red in color, a common characteristic of stamps from this era. It features a portrait of Queen Victoria in profile, facing left, encircled by an ornate frame. Above the portrait, the word 'POSTAGE' and 'REVENUE' are faintly visible, indicating its dual purpose. Below the portrait, the denomination 'ONE PENNY' is printed. The stamp is perforated along its edges, though the details of the perforations are partially obscured by the adjacent stamp on the left. A prominent feature of this particular stamp is the heavy black circular date and postmark cancelation. The cancelation covers a significant portion of the stamp's central design, effectively indicating it has been used. Visible within the cancelation are letters and numbers, including 'NTS', 'SP', 'WC', '30' or '3d', and 'AUG'. The legibility of the full date and location is impaired due to the dark ink and placement. The paper appears slightly aged, with minor discoloration consistent with its age. The overall condition, while used, appears to be relatively good with no immediately obvious tears or significant creases, though the heavy cancelation is a key aspect of its current state. The design style is typical of Victorian-era British stamps, suggesting an estimated age from the mid to late 19th century.

I have examined the provided image of the Used Great Britain Penny Red Postage Stamp with Cancelation. This is a classic Victorian-era stamp, and its authenticity is not in question based purely on visual style and known characteristics of the Penny Red series. However, definitive authentication would require in-person inspection to verify paper type, watermark, and print details. The stamp's condition is fair to good for a used example of its age. The heavy circular date and postmark cancelation is a significant feature. While it confirms usage and is a legitimate cancelation for the period, its heaviness obscures a substantial portion of the Queen Victoria portrait and denomination. This heavily applied cancelation, combined with the illegibility of the full date and location within the cancel, generally detracts from its aesthetic appeal compared to examples with lighter, more legible cancels. Penny Red stamps are not inherently rare, as millions were issued. Their value is highly dependent on condition, shade, plate number, perforations, and the clarity and type of cancelation. The partially obscured design due to the heavy cancelation, and the lack of a clearly identifiable plate number, limit its appeal to advanced collectors. The market for common Penny Reds with heavy cancels is stable but not particularly strong. Therefore, considering the heavy, partially illegible cancelation and the lack of other distinguishing features or exceptional condition, I would place the appraisal value between $50 and $100. This range reflects the commonality of the Penny Red and the condition limitations due to the heavy cancel. A physical examination would be crucial to inspect the watermark, precise perforation gauge, gum (if present, though unlikely on a used stamp), and any hidden faults not visible in the image.