1958, 3¢ Brussels Exhibition, Deep Claret, United States (Scott #1104)

This stamp was issued to commemorate the Universal and International Exhibition held in Brussels, Belgium, in 1958 (commonly known as Expo 58). The design features the United States Pavilion, a circular building designed by architect Edward Durell Stone, which was a centerpiece of the American presence at the first major world's fair held after World War II.

This is a genuine specimen of the 1958 Brussels Exhibition commemorative issue. With a total printing of over 113 million copies, Scott #1104 is a widely available issue. Due to the standard machine cancellation and typical centering, this specific copy holds nominal collector value but serves as a fine representative example of mid-century U.S. commemorative philately.

Technical Specifications:

• Catalog Number: Scott #1104.

• Denomination: 3 Cents (3¢).

• Release Date: April 17, 1958.

• Printing Method: Rotary Press.

• Perforation: 11 x 10 1/2.

• Color: Deep Claret.

• Subject: The U.S. Pavilion at the Brussels Universal and International Exhibition.

Condition Analysis:

• Status: Used. The stamp features a black ink machine cancellation consisting of wavy lines that partially obscure the central image and the "U.S. POSTAGE" text.

• Centering: Fine-Very Fine (F-VF). The design is slightly shifted toward the bottom and left margins. All four margins are present, and the perforations do not clear the design frame.

• Reverse Side: The gum is absent, as is standard for a used specimen. The paper appears healthy with no evidence of thins, creases, or significant staining.

• Perforations: Generally sound and intact. There is minor "shagginess" or paper fiber protrusion on the top and left edges, which is typical for stamps separated along perforation lines during the period.