1983, 1¢ Omnibus 1880s, United States (Scott #1897)

This stamp is part of the extensive Transportation Series, a definitive set of coil stamps issued by the United States between 1981 and 1995 featuring early modes of transportation. While the series began in 1981, this specific 1-cent denomination depicting a horse-drawn omnibus was released on August 19, 1983. It is distinguished from the later 1986 re-issue by the presence of the "c" (cent) symbol next to the denomination. This is a genuine used specimen of the 1983 issue. Scott #1897 is a highly common coil stamp produced in mass quantities for bulk mail rates. Due to the heavy cancellation and centering shift, this specific copy holds standard collector value (minimum catalog value) rather than premium philatelic value.

Technical Specifications:

• Catalog Number: Scott #1897.

• Denomination: 1 Cent (1¢).

• Release Date: August 19, 1983.

• Printing Method: Engraved (Intaglio).

• Perforation: 10 Vertically (Imperforate Horizontally).

• Color: Violet.

• Subject: 1880s Horse-Drawn Omnibus.

Condition Analysis:

• Status: Used. The stamp bears a heavy black machine cancellation (wavy lines) that obscures the central design and the text at the bottom.

• Centering: Fine (F). The design is shifted noticeably to the right. The left margin is wide, while the right margin is quite narrow.

• Reverse Side: The gum is absent, consistent with a used copy. The paper shows minor signs of aging but no severe thins.

• Perforations: The vertical perforations are intact, though the left side shows rough separation edges, which is typical for coil stamps torn from a roll.