1967, 3¢ Francis Parkman, Purple, United States (Scott #1281)

This stamp is part of the "Prominent Americans Series," issued in the United States between 1965 and 1978. This definitive series was designed to replace the Liberty Issue and features portraits of notable American figures. The 3-cent denomination honors Francis Parkman, a distinguished 19th-century American historian renowned for his works on the colonial history of North America and The Oregon Trail. This is a genuine specimen of the 1967 issue. Scott #1281 is a common issue produced in mass quantities; therefore, the value of this specific copy is primarily historical rather than premium philatelic. In its current state, it serves as a standard collector's item.

Technical Specifications:

• Catalog Number: Scott #1281.

• Denomination: 3 Cents (3¢).

• Release Date: September 16, 1967.

• Printing Method: Rotary Press.

• Perforation: 11 × 10½.

• Color: Purple.

• Subject: Portrait of Francis Parkman, based on an engraving from the book Books in Stone.

Condition Analysis:

• Status: Used. The stamp features a heavy machine cancellation (wavy lines) that obscures a portion of the text and the portrait.

• Centering: Average/Fine. The design is noticeably shifted to the left. The left margin is very narrow, with perforations nearly touching the design frame, while the right margin is disproportionately wide. This is a typical centering offset for mass-market definitive issues of this era.

• Reverse Side: The gum is absent (washed off), which is standard for a used copy. The paper appears clean with no visible thins or hinge marks under current lighting.

• Perforations: The perforations are generally intact, though there is some "softness" or slight wear to the teeth edges, indicative of normal handling.