1940, 2¢ Dr. Crawford W. Long, Rose Carmine, United States (Scott #875)

This stamp is part of the "Famous Americans" series of 1940, a comprehensive set of 35 stamps issued in seven groups of five, honoring prominent figures in American culture and science. Dr. Crawford W. Long is featured in the Scientists group, recognized for his pioneering role as the first physician to use sulfuric ether as an anesthetic during surgery in 1842.

This is a genuine specimen of the 1940 Famous Americans Series. Scott #875 is a common issue with a total printing quantity of approximately 55 million. Given the heavy postal cancellation and the off-center alignment, this specific copy holds standard collector value rather than premium philatelic value.

Technical Specifications:

• Catalog Number: Scott #875.

• Denomination: 2 Cents (2¢).

• Release Date: April 8, 1940.

• Printing Method: Flat Plate.

• Perforation: 11.

• Color: Rose Carmine.

• Subject: Portrait of Dr. Crawford W. Long.

Condition Analysis:

• Status: Used. The stamp bears a visible black ink postal cancellation. The date "MAY 6 1941" is legible, indicating the stamp was used approximately one year after its initial release. The cancel partially obscures the portrait and the lower frame.

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

• Reverse Side: The gum is absent as it is a used copy. The reverse shows natural paper aging and slight remnants of paper fibers, likely from being removed from an envelope, with no visible thins or tears.

• Perforations: Generally intact; however, there is some minor wear and "shaggy" edges on the top and right sides, which is typical for stamps separated manually from sheets.