1987, 2¢ Mary Lyon, Bright Blue, United States (Scott #2169)

This stamp is part of the Great Americans Series (1980–1999), a definitive set that honors individuals who made significant contributions to American culture and history. The 2-cent denomination features Mary Lyon, a pioneer in women's higher education and the founder of Mount Holyoke Female Seminary. The design is based on a mid-19th-century daguerreotype, rendered in the crisp, engraved style characteristic of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing during this era.

This is a genuine specimen of the 1987 definitive issue. Scott #2169 is a common stamp with a high production volume, often used as "make-up" postage. While this specific copy exhibits excellent centering, the presence of the heavy machine cancellation and minor aging on the reverse indicates it holds standard collector value rather than premium philatelic value.

Technical Specifications

• Catalog Number: Scott #2169.

• Denomination: 2 Cents (2¢).

• Release Date: February 28, 1987.

• Printing Method: Engraved (Intaglio).

• Perforation: 11.

• Color: Bright Blue.

• Subject: Portrait of Mary Lyon.

Condition Analysis

• Status: Used. The stamp bears a black ink "wavy line" machine cancellation, which was standard for mail processed in the late 1980s. The cancel obscures a portion of the portrait and the "Mary Lyon" nameplate.

• Centering: Very Fine (VF). The design is remarkably well-balanced within the margins, with nearly equal spacing on all four sides—a high grade for a definitive issue of this period.

• Reverse Side: The gum is absent as this is a used copy. There is minor environmental toning/foxing visible near the top edge on the reverse, but the paper remains structurally sound with no visible thins or tears.

• Perforations: Generally intact and well-defined; however, the bottom edge shows slight "shagginess" typical of stamps separated manually from a pane at the post office.