1940, 1¢ Statue of Liberty, Bright Blue Green, United States (Scott #899)

This stamp is part of the National Defense Issue of 1940, a three-stamp set released to bolster public support for the nation's defense efforts as World War II intensified in Europe. The 1-cent denomination features the Statue of Liberty, symbolizing the defense of liberty through "Industry" and "Agriculture." This series was personally overseen and championed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, a renowned philatelist himself.

This is a genuine specimen of the 1940 National Defense Series. Scott #899 is an extremely common issue, with a total printing quantity exceeding 6.3 billion. This specific copy features a distinct "BOND" slogan cancellation, which was part of a widespread postal campaign to encourage the purchase of U.S. Defense Savings Bonds. Due to the high production volume and common centering, this specimen holds standard collector value.

Technical Specifications:

• Catalog Number: Scott #899.

• Denomination: 1 Cent (1¢).

• Release Date: October 16, 1940.

• Printing Method: Rotary Press.

• Perforation: 11×10½.

• Color: Bright Blue Green.

• Subject: Statue of Liberty, inscribed "Industry-Agriculture" and "For Defense."

Condition Analysis:

• Status: Used. The stamp features a clear, black ink slogan cancellation. The word "BOND" is centered horizontally across the design, originating from the "BUY U.S. SAVINGS BONDS" machine cancel used during the early 1940s.

• Centering: Fine (F). The design is noticeably shifted to the right, creating a very wide left margin and a narrow right margin. The perforations do not clear the design frame on the right side, which is common for rotary press stamps of this era.

• Reverse Side: As a used copy, the original gum is absent. The paper shows natural aging and light vertical marks consistent with postal transit, but no significant thins, tears, or creases are present.

• Perforations: Generally intact across all four sides. The teeth exhibit the "shaggy" or fuzzy appearance typical of stamps separated from sheets in high-volume postal environments.