2000, 1¢ American Kestrel, United States (Scott #3031A)

This stamp is part of the extensive "Flora and Fauna" definitive series, which replaced the Great Americans series. The design features an American Kestrel (Falco sparverius), the smallest and most common falcon in North America, perched on a branch. The original artwork was created by Michael Matherly. This specific issue is a 2000 re-release of the original 1991 design, distinguished specifically by the "2000" year date printed in blue in the bottom left corner. This is a genuine specimen of the 2000 definitive issue. Scott #3031A was produced by the Banknote Corporation of America (BCA) and issued as a self-adhesive stamp. It is a common issue printed in large quantities (over 500 million) to serve as a "make-up" stamp for postage rate increases. Due to its modern nature and high print volume, it holds standard collector value, serving primarily as a study of modern production varieties.

Technical Specifications:

• Catalog Number: Scott #3031A.

• Denomination: 1 Cent (1¢).

• Release Date: October 2000.

• Printer: Banknote Corporation of America (BCA).

• Printing Method: Photogravure.

• Perforation: Serpentine Die Cut 11¼.

• Color: Multicolored (with Blue "2000" date).

• Subject: American Kestrel (Sparrow Hawk).

Condition Analysis:

• Status: Used. The stamp features a partial black ink cancellation (wavy line machine cancel) visible on the top right corner over the denomination.

• Centering: Fine to Very Fine (F-VF). The design is slightly shifted downward and to the left, creating uneven margins, which is common for these self-adhesive die-cut issues.

• Reverse Side: The gum is absent (used/washed), and the back is clean white paper with no remaining adhesive residue.

• Perforations: The serpentine die cuts are intact on all four sides. The edges show slight roughness or "shagginess," which is a characteristic trait of this specific BCA paper and die-cutting process.