1940, 3¢ Victor Herbert, Bright Red Violet, United States (Scott #881)

This stamp is part of the Famous Americans Issue of 1940, a comprehensive commemorative series honoring thirty-five prominent figures in American culture across seven categories. This specific stamp belongs to the "Composers" group. The 3-cent denomination features Victor Herbert, an influential Irish-American composer and cellist, best known for his contribution to the American operetta and for co-founding the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP).

This is a genuine specimen of the 1940 Famous Americans series. Scott #881 is a widely circulated issue with a total printing of approximately 56 million. Due to the standard machine cancellation and the noticeable rightward centering, this particular copy represents a typical collector specimen rather than a high-premium philatelic rarity.

Technical Specifications:

• Catalog Number: Scott #881.

• Denomination: 3 Cents (3¢).

• Release Date: May 13, 1940.

• Printing Method: Rotary Press.

• Perforation: 10½×11.

• Color: Bright Red Violet.

• Subject: Portrait of Victor Herbert, based on a photograph.

Condition Analysis:

• Status: Used. The stamp features a black ink machine cancellation (wavy line cancel) that horizontally traverses the portrait, which is characteristic of 1940s postal usage.

• Centering: Fine (F). The design is distinctly shifted toward the right margin. The left margin is noticeably wider than the right. While the design remains clear of the perforations, the alignment is unbalanced.

• Reverse Side: The gum is absent as this is a used specimen. The paper appears clean with no significant thins or staining, showing only minor natural aging.

• Perforations: Generally intact and well-defined; some minor "shagginess" is visible on the left edge, common for stamps separated manually from sheets.