1940, 3¢ Augustus Saint-Gaudens, Bright Red Violet, United States (Scott #886)

This stamp is part of the Famous Americans Series of 1940, one of the most beloved commemorative sets in U.S. philately. The series honored 35 prominent figures across seven categories; Saint-Gaudens was the first individual featured in the "Artists" group. Augustus Saint-Gaudens was a premiere American sculptor of the Beaux-Arts generation, famous for works like the "Double Eagle" $20 gold piece.

This is a genuine specimen of the 1940 commemorative issue. Scott #886 was printed in a quantity of approximately 55 million. Because of the heavy machine cancellation and the unbalanced centering, this specific copy is considered a standard collector's example rather than a high-premium investment piece.

Technical Specifications:

• Catalog Number: Scott #886.

• Denomination: 3 Cents (3¢).

• Release Date: September 16, 1940.

• Printing Method: Rotary Press.

• Perforation: 10½×11.

• Color: Bright Red Violet.

• Subject: Portrait of Augustus Saint-Gaudens, flanked by a painter's palette/brushes on the left and a sculptor's mallet/chisel on the right.

Condition Analysis:

• Status: Used. The stamp features a heavy black ink machine cancellation (wavy line cancel) that intersects the portrait and the central design.

• Centering: Fine (F). The design is noticeably shifted toward the right side of the paper. The left margin is significantly wider than the right, though the perforations remain clear of the design frame.

• Reverse Side: As a used copy, the original gum is absent. The reverse shows some "bleeding" of the cancellation ink through the paper fibers, which is common for this issue. No significant thinning or tears are observed.

• Perforations: Mostly intact across all sides. There is minor "shagginess" or paper fiber protrusion on the top and left edges, typical of the rotary press separation process of that era.