1938, 3¢ Thomas Jefferson, Bright Violet, United States (Scott #807)

This 1938, 3¢ Thomas Jefferson stamp is a definitive issue from the 1938 "Presidential Series," commonly known among collectors as the "Prexies." This series was a major overhaul of U.S. postage, replacing the Fourth Bureau Issue and featuring nearly every U.S. President from Washington to Coolidge. The 3¢ Jefferson was a widely used stamp of the era, as it paid the standard domestic letter rate for first-class mail. This is a genuine example of the 1938 standard issue. Due to its use as a primary letter-rate stamp, billions were produced, making it one of the most recognizable stamps in American philatelic history.

Technical Specifications

• Catalog Number: Scott #807.

• Denomination: 3 cents (3¢).

• Date of Issue: June 16, 1938.

• Printing Method: Rotary Press.

• Perforation: 11 x 10½.

• Color: Bright Violet.

• Mintage: Over 130 billion.

• Subject: Portrait of Thomas Jefferson. The design is based on a bust by the renowned French sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon, currently housed in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

Condition Analysis

Status: Used and Uncertified.

Sellers Grading:

Very Fine

 Postmark:

Beautiful wavy lines!

 Obverse: 

The color remains vibrant, and the ink is well-saturated. The design is clearly visible.

 Reverse: 

The paper is clean with no evidence of thinning, toning, or hidden repairs.

 Centering / Margins:

Excellent

The perforations do not touch the design.

 Other Findings:

No tears, creases, or missing perforations. The stamp appears to be a sound, postally used stamp.