1982, 2¢ Igor Stravinsky, Brown Black, United States (Scott #1845)

This stamp is part of the Great Americans Series, a definitive series issued by the United States Postal Service between 1980 and 1999 to honor individuals who made significant contributions to American history and culture. Issued to commemorate the centennial of his birth, this 2-cent denomination features Igor Stravinsky, the world-renowned Russian-born composer who became a U.S. citizen in 1945. Notably, Stravinsky was the first composer to be featured on a United States definitive stamp.

This is a genuine specimen of the 1982 Great Americans Series. Scott #1845 is a very common definitive issue with high printing volumes. Due to the heavy machine cancellation and standard centering, this specific copy holds historical and thematic interest for music-related collections rather than high financial value.

Technical Specifications:

• Catalog Number: Scott #1845.

• Denomination: 2 Cents (2¢).

• Release Date: November 18, 1982.

• Printing Method: Engraved (Intaglio).

• Perforation: 11×10½.

• Color: Brown Black.

• Subject: Portrait of Igor Stravinsky, based on a photograph and rendered in a fine-line engraved style.

Condition Analysis:

• Status: Used. The stamp features a heavy black ink machine cancellation (wavy line cancel) that runs horizontally across the portrait and the denomination, common for mail processed during the 1980s.

• Centering: Fine/Very Fine (F/VF). The design is relatively well-balanced within the margins, though there is a slight shift toward the bottom right. The perforations are well clear of the design frame on all sides.

• Reverse Side: The gum is absent, as is standard for a used copy. The paper shows natural signs of postal handling and aging, with some minor discoloration typical of stamps removed from envelopes, but no visible thins or tears.

• Perforations: Fully intact. The teeth are well-defined, with some minor "shaggy" edges on the bottom margin, typical of the separation process for this specific gauge of perforation.