1932, 3¢ Washington (Stuart), Deep Violet, United States (Scott #720)

This stamp is part of the Regular Issue of 1932, released to meet the increase in the first-class postal rate from 2 cents to 3 cents. While issued during the Washington Bicentennial year, this is the definitive series stamp featuring the famous "Athenaeum" portrait of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart, distinguishable from the commemorative Bicentennial issue, which depicts Washington in military uniform.

This is a genuine specimen of the 1932 Regular Issue. Scott #720 is an extremely common issue, with a total printing quantity exceeding 20 billion. Due to the heavy cancellation and the rightward centering, this specific copy holds minimal philatelic value and is considered a space-filler.

Technical Specifications:

• Catalog Number: Scott #720.

• Denomination: 3 Cents (3¢).

• Release Date: June 16, 1932.

• Printing Method: Rotary Press.

• Perforation: 11 x 10½.

• Color: Deep Violet.

• Subject: George Washington (Stuart Portrait), facing left.

Condition Analysis:

• Status: Used. The stamp bears a heavy black machine cancellation (wavy lines) on the lower half, obscuring the denomination and neck area, though the face remains visible.

• Centering: Fine (F). The design is shifted noticeably to the right and slightly upward. The left margin is wide, while the right margin is quite narrow. The bottom margin is significantly larger than the top.

• Reverse Side: The gum is absent as it is a used copy. The paper shows signs of aging and toning consistent with the era, but no obvious thins or tears are visible.

• Perforations: Generally intact on all four sides, confirming this is a sheet stamp variety rather than a coil.