1 Cent US Postage Stamp, John Paul Jones and Isaac Hull

This is a single United States postage stamp, colored in a dominant shade of green with black printing. The stamp measures approximately 2.5 cm in width and 2 cm in height, exhibiting standard perforated edges along all four sides, typical of postage stamps. The central design features two circular portraits of historical figures, positioned on the left and right sides of the stamp. The figure on the left is identified as "JONES" (referring to John Paul Jones) with "BONHOMMERICHARD" (his ship, Bonhomme Richard) inscribed below his portrait. He is depicted wearing a tricorn hat. The figure on the right is identified as "BARRY" (referring to Isaac Hull Barry) with "LEXINGTON" (his ship, Lexington) inscribed below his portrait. Between and slightly behind these portraits, a detailed illustration of sailing ships engaged in what appears to be a naval battle or engagement scenes is visible. Above the central imagery, the words "UNITED STATES POSTAGE" are printed. The denomination "1" is present in the bottom left and bottom right corners, within a small square, and the words "ONE CENT" are spelled out in the center bottom, flanked by two stars on each side. The stamp is heavily postmarked with several thick, wavy black lines running horizontally across its entire face, obscuring parts of the portraits and the central ship illustration. This postmark indicates that the stamp has been used. The paper appears to be in fair condition, with no immediate signs of significant creasing, tearing, or discoloration beyond the postmark. The printing quality seems consistent with governmental philatelic production of its era. This stamp likely belongs to an early to mid-20th-century philatelic series, potentially commemorating naval heroes or significant historical events.