1938, 50¢ William Howard Taft, Light Violet, United States (Scott #831)

This stamp is part of the famous Presidential Issue of 1938, known colloquially among philatelists as the "Prexies." This definitive series was designed to replace the standard issues of 1922 and features portraits of all U.S. Presidents up to Calvin Coolidge. This 50-cent denomination honors the 27th President, William Howard Taft, who served from 1909 to 1913. Taft is notable for being the only person in U.S. history to serve as both President and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. This is a genuine specimen of the 1938 Presidential Series. Scott #831 is a common issue with a large printing quantity. Due to the heavy cancellation and the centering, this specific copy holds standard collector value rather than premium philatelic value.

Technical Specifications:

• Catalog Number: Scott #831.

• Denomination: 50 Cents (50¢).

• Release Date: December 8, 1938.

• Printing Method: Rotary Press.

• Perforation: 11 × 10½.

• Color: Light Violet.

• Subject: Portrait of William Howard Taft, based on a bust by Augustus Saint-Gaudens.

Condition Analysis:

• Status: Used. The stamp bears a heavy black oval cancellation that significantly obscures the lower portion of the portrait and the denomination.

• Centering: Fine (F). The design is noticeably shifted to the right and slightly upwards. The left margin is significantly wider than the right. While the perforations do not cut into the design frame, the margins are unbalanced.

• Reverse Side: The gum is absent as it is a used copy. There are no obvious thins or tears visible under current lighting.

• Perforations: Generally intact; however, there is some minor wear and slightly "soft" teeth on the left edge, typical of stamps separated from sheets.