1927, 3¢ Abraham Lincoln, Violet, United States (Scott #635)

This stamp is part of the Series of 1922–1925, also known to philatelists as the "Fourth Bureau Issue." This definitive series was significant for reintroducing varied portraits of U.S. Presidents and American landmarks, replacing the long-running "Washington-Franklin" issues. The 3-cent denomination features a portrait of Abraham Lincoln, engraved based on a famous photograph taken in Washington, D.C. in 1864 by Mathew Brady.

This is a genuine specimen of the 1927 rotary press printing. While the design was first introduced in 1923, the visual characteristics of this specific copy—particularly the paper texture and perforation type—identify it as the Scott #635 issue. This is the most common variety of this design. It holds historical collector value as a classic representation of early 20th-century U.S. postage, though it is not a rare variety.

Technical Specifications:

• Catalog Number: Scott #635.

• Denomination: 3 Cents (3¢).

• Release Date: February 3, 1927.

• Printing Method: Rotary Press.

• Perforation: 11 × 10½.

• Color: Violet.

• Subject: Portrait of Abraham Lincoln (based on a photo by Mathew Brady).

Condition Analysis:

• Status: Used. The stamp bears a heavy black cork or machine cancellation that obscures the majority of the portrait and the right side of the design.

• Centering: Fine (F). The image is noticeably shifted to the right and slightly upward. The left margin is significantly wider than the right margin, creating an unbalanced appearance typical of mass-produced rotary press stamps of this era.

• Reverse Side: The original gum is absent (washed), consistent with postally used stamps. The paper appears sound with no obvious thins or repairs visible.

• Perforations: The perforations are generally intact, though the left edge exhibits some roughness and uneven teeth, which is common for stamps separated from rotary press sheets.