1929, 2¢ Edison's First Lamp, Carmine Rose, United States (Scott #654)

This stamp was issued to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first practical incandescent electric lamp, invented by Thomas Alva Edison in 1879. Known as the "Electric Light's Golden Jubilee" issue, the design features Edison's original lamp with a carbon filament. The issuance of this stamp was part of a nationwide celebration of technological progress in the United States.

This is a genuine specimen of the 1929 commemorative issue. While the design was also released in coil and imperforate formats, the presence of perforations on all four sides confirms this as Scott #654. With a total printing quantity of approximately 516 million, it is a common and well-documented issue in U.S. philately. Due to the heavy machine cancellation and the off-center alignment, this specific copy holds standard archival value rather than premium investment value.

Technical Specifications:

• Catalog Number: Scott #654.

• Denomination: 2 Cents (2¢).

• Release Date: June 5, 1929.

• Printing Method: Rotary Press.

• Perforation: 11×101/2.

• Color: Carmine Rose.

• Subject: Edison’s first incandescent lamp, commemorating the Golden Jubilee of Electric Light.

Condition Analysis:

• Status: Used. The stamp features a black ink machine cancellation consisting of wavy lines, which was the standard postal cancellation of the late 1920s. The cancel moderately obscures the central design and the top-right corner.

• Centering: About Fine (AF). The design is noticeably shifted toward the top and right margins. The bottom and left margins are significantly wider, though the perforations do not clear the design frame on the tighter sides.

• Reverse Side: The original gum (OG) is absent, consistent with its used status. The paper shows natural aging and slight toning, but no significant thins or structural defects are present.

• Perforations: Most teeth are intact; however, the bottom edge displays "shaggy" perforations and a slight unevenness, likely caused by a dull perforation wheel or improper separation from the pane at the post office.