1938, 20¢ James A. Garfield, Bright Blue Green, United States (Scott #825)

This stamp is part of the Presidential Issue of 1938, colloquially known by philatelists as the "Prexies." This definitive series was designed to replace the Fourth Bureau Issue and features portraits of the first 29 U.S. Presidents. The 20-cent denomination honors the 20th President, James A. Garfield.

This is a genuine specimen of the 1938 Presidential Series. While Scott #825 is a common issue with a large printing run, this specific copy features a "CHS" perfin (Perforated Initials). Perfins were used by corporations and organizations to discourage the theft of postage by employees. Due to the off-center alignment and the standard nature of the issue, this copy holds standard collector value, though the perfin makes it a person of interest for specialized perfin collectors.

Technical Specifications:

• Catalog Number: Scott #825.

• Denomination: 20 Cents (20¢).

• Release Date: November 10, 1938.

• Printing Method: Rotary Press.

• Perforation: 11×10½.

• Color: Bright Blue Green.

• Subject: Portrait of James A. Garfield, based on a bust by Augustus Saint-Gaudens.

Condition Analysis:

• Status: Used. The stamp bears a black ink cancellation (likely a machine wavy line cancel) that partially obscures the right side of the portrait and the "U" in "United States."

• Centering: Fine (F). The design is significantly shifted to the right and slightly toward the top. The left and bottom margins are considerably wider than the right and top margins.

• Reverse Side: The gum is absent as it is a used copy. A clearly defined "CHS" perfin is visible. According to the Catalog of United States Perfins, "CHS" is commonly associated with the Chicago Historical Society or the Connecticut Historical Society.

• Perforations: Generally intact; however, there is minor wear and "shaggy" teeth on the left edge, which is typical for stamps separated from sheets in a post office environment.