1940, 1¢ Henry W. Longfellow, Bright Blue Green, United States (Scott #864)

This stamp is part of the Famous Americans Series of 1940, one of the most comprehensive and celebrated commemorative sets in U.S. postal history. The series was divided into seven groups of five, honoring authors, poets, educators, scientists, composers, artists, and inventors. This 1-cent denomination belongs to the "Poets" group and honors Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, the 19th-century literary giant known for The Song of Hiawatha.

This is a genuine specimen of the 1940 Famous Americans Issue. Scott #864 is a common and widely collected issue, with a total printing quantity of approximately 55 million. The presence of a heavy circular cancellation and handwritten dealer markings ("134b") on the face indicates it is a used copy from a previous collection or philatelic stock, possessing standard collector value.

Technical Specifications:

• Catalog Number: Scott #864.

• Denomination: 1 Cent (1¢).

• Release Date: February 16, 1940.

• Printing Method: Rotary Press.

• Perforation: 10½×11.

• Color: Bright Blue Green.

• Subject: Portrait of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, with the Pegasus symbol (representing Poetry) in the lower-left corner.

Condition Analysis:

• Status: Used. The stamp features a dark, circular ink cancellation that partially obscures the portrait, confirming its postally used status.

• Centering: Very Good (VG). The design is noticeably shifted toward the top and right edges. The bottom and left margins are significantly wider than the top and right margins, which is common for rotary press stamps of this era.

• Face Markings: There are distinct pencil markings at the bottom right ("134b" and "5"). These are likely catalog references or price notations added by a philatelic dealer or previous owner.

• Reverse Side: The gum is absent (typical for a used copy). The paper shows natural aging and a slight yellowish tint, but no significant "thins," tears, or creases are visible.

• Perforations: Generally intact; however, there is some "shaggy" appearance on the bottom and right edges, characteristic of manual separation from the sheet.