1940 James Russell Lowell 3 Cent Stamp

This stamp is part of the extensive "Famous Americans Series" issued in 1940. The series consisted of 35 stamps divided into 7 thematic groups of 5 stamps each. This specific stamp belongs to the "Poets Group" and honors James Russell Lowell (1819–1891)—a prominent American Romantic poet, critic, editor, and diplomat.

This is a genuine specimen from 1940. Scott #866 is a mass-produced issue with a print run exceeding 51 million copies. The specimen presented here is a standard used copy, holding collector interest but carrying nominal financial value due to its high availability and the condition of the cancellation.

Technical Specifications:

• Catalog Number: Scott #866.

• Denomination: 3 Cents (3¢).

• Release Date: February 20, 1940 (First Day of Issue took place in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and New York, N.Y.).

• Printing Method: Rotary Press.

• Perforation: 10 ½ x 11.

• Color: Bright Red Violet.

• Subject: Portrait of James Russell Lowell.

• Series: Famous Americans (Poets Group).

Condition Analysis:

• Status: Used. The stamp has passed through postal circulation.

• Cancellation: Heavy. The face of the stamp bears an intense black ink cancellation that obscures the lower portion of the portrait and the denomination. This type of heavy cancel reduces the aesthetic appeal compared to copies with light or "Socked on the Nose" (SON) cancellations.

• Centering: Fine to Very Fine (F-VF). The design is shifted to the right; the left margin is noticeably wider than the right. However, the perforations do not cut into the design frame. This centering is typical for mass-produced issues of this era.

• Reverse Side: No Gum. The adhesive layer is absent, which is standard for a used stamp. The paper shows slight signs of aging (toning) but lacks visible thins or severe defects. The paper structure appears uniform.

• Perforations: Generally intact. The left side exhibits some minor roughness ("shaggy" teeth), characteristic of mechanical separation from a sheet.