1938, 30¢ Theodore Roosevelt, Deep Ultramarine, United States (Scott #830)

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 U.S. Presidents. The 30-cent denomination honors the 26th President, Theodore Roosevelt. The dates "1901–1909" inscribed below the name refer to his years in office, not the year of the stamp's production.

This is a genuine specimen of the 1938 Presidential Series. Scott #830 is a relatively common issue with a high print quantity. However, this specific copy has sustained critical damage. Due to the severe horizontal break affecting the paper's integrity, this stamp has virtually no monetary philatelic value and is considered a "spacefiller" (a copy kept only until a better one can be found).

Technical Specifications:

• Catalog Number: Scott #830.

• Denomination: 30 Cents (30¢).

• Release Date: December 8, 1938.

• Printing Method: Rotary Press.

• Perforation: 11 × 10½.

• Color: Deep Ultramarine.

• Subject: Portrait of Theodore Roosevelt, based on a bust by James Earle Fraser.

Condition Analysis:

• Status: Used.

• Integrity: Severely Compromised. Both the front and reverse images reveal a distinct horizontal tear or heavy fracture extending across the center of the stamp. This is a major fault that categorizes the stamp as damaged.

• Centering: Fine (F). The design is shifted to the right, creating a wide left margin and a narrow right margin.

• Cancellation: Heavy black smudge cancellation (likely cork or oval) obscuring the left side of the portrait.

• Reverse Side: The gum is absent. The back of the stamp confirms the horizontal break in the paper fibers mentioned above.