1982, 2¢ Locomotive 1870s, Black, United States (Scott #1897A)

The submitted stamp is part of the extensive Transportation Coil Series, issued by the United States Postal Service between 1981 and 1995. This series was significant for being the first to utilize unique, dedicated designs for coil stamps rather than merely adapting existing sheet stamp designs.

This is a genuine example of the 1982 standard issue. The stamp is quite common, as it was printed in massive quantities to serve as a low-denomination "make-up" rate for various postal transitions and vending machine use.

Technical Specifications

• Catalog Number: Scott #1897A

• Denomination: 2 cents (2¢)

• Date of Issue: May 20, 1982

• Printing Method: Engraved (Cottrell Press)

• Perforation: 10 Vertical (Coil)

• Color: Black

• Subject: 1870s Locomotive. The design by David Stone was inspired by 19th-century lithographs from Currier and Ives, specifically works depicting the expansion of the American railroad.

Condition Analysis

• Status: Used. The stamp bears a visible circular cancellation.

• Centering: Fine (F). The design is noticeably shifted toward the left and slightly toward the top. While the perforations do not intersect the design frame, the margins are clearly unbalanced.

• Postmark: A red ink cancellation is present. While red cancels are generally less frequent than black during this era, they were commonly used by specific post offices for various administrative or registered mail purposes.

• Damage: The reverse side shows significant paper residue and hinge remnants, likely from being removed from an envelope or previously mounted in an album. No tears, thins, or missing perforations are detected on the edges.

  
  

  Note on Value: Due to the high production volume and the presence of heavy paper residue on the back, this specimen primarily holds historical and reference value rather than high commercial rarity.