Italy year 1879 stamp – 25c King Umberto I MH

The 1879 25 Centesimi (25c) King Umberto I stamp marks the beginning of a new definitive series after the death of his father, Victor Emmanuel II.

Here are the details and key factors determining its value:

👑 The 1879 25c King Umberto I Issue

Monarch: King Umberto I (Re Umberto I), who reigned from 1878 to 1900.
Year of Issue: 1879.
Design: Features the profile of King Umberto I, facing left. This is the first definitive series to bear his effigy.
Denomination: 25 Centesimi (25c).
Colour: Blue or Azure (Azzurro in Italian).
Catalogue Number: Sassone #40 / Scott #34 / Stanley Gibbons #34.
Watermark: Crown (Corona).

💰 Value and Condition

The 25c Blue is generally a collectible stamp but its value is highly variable, ranging from inexpensive to a significant rarity, depending entirely on its condition and whether it’s used or unused.

Condition	Sassone Catalogue Value (CV)	Estimated Market Price
Used (Canceled)	€6 – €10.50	$3 – $10 (Common and easily found)
Mint Hinged (MH)	€500 – €700	$50 – $150 (Often found with hinge marks)
Mint Never Hinged (MNH)	€4,500 – €13,750+	$1,000 – $4,000+ (Requires superb centering/condition)