1967, 3¢ Francis Parkman, Lavender, United States (Scott #1297)

This stamp is part of the Prominent Americans Series, which was issued between 1965 and 1978 to replace the Liberty Series. The 3-cent denomination features a portrait of Francis Parkman, a landmark American historian and author of The Oregon Trail. This specific version is the coil variety, produced in rolls for use in high-volume mailing machines.

This is a genuine specimen of the Prominent Americans Series. Scott #1297 is the vertical coil version of the design. While the design itself is common, this specimen is notable for its excellent vertical alignment. Due to the machine cancellation, it maintains standard value for a used commercial-grade specimen of this era.

Technical Specifications:

• Catalog Number: Scott #1297.

• Denomination: 3 Cents (3¢).

• Release Date: November 4, 1967.

• Printing Method: Rotary Press.

• Perforation: 10 Vertical.

• Color: Lavender.

• Subject: Portrait of Francis Parkman based on a 19th-century engraving.

Condition Analysis:

• Status: Used. The stamp bears a standard black ink machine cancellation consisting of parallel horizontal lines. The cancel is light enough to leave the majority of the portrait details and the "American Historian" text clearly legible.

• Centering: Very Fine (VF). In the context of coil stamps, which often suffer from dramatic shifts, this specimen is exceptionally well-centered between the left and right perforated margins. The design is balanced within the horizontal frame.

• Reverse Side: The gum is absent (used). The reverse shows significant ink penetration from the cancellation, which is typical for the paper stock used in the late 1960s. No thins, creases, or mechanical damage to the paper fibers are observed.

• Perforations: The vertical perforations are clean and consistent. The top and bottom edges are straight and smooth, confirming its status as a genuine coil (#1297) rather than a trimmed sheet stamp (#1291).