Japan stamps year 1874 30 Sen Scott No. 39 Used

Japan stamps year 1874 30 Sen Scott No. 39 Used

📬 Japan Scott #39 – 1874 Cherry Blossom, 30 Sen Gray-Black

• Country: Japan
• Issue Year: 1874 (Meiji era)
• Denomination: 30 sen
• Scott Catalog Number: 39 — this is the number assigned in the Scott Catalogue (the standard reference used by many collectors, especially in the U.S.) for this specific classic issue.

🏵️ Design & Series

• Known as the “Cherry Blossom” issue — a series of stamps produced in the early Meiji period (1872–1876) that feature a stylized design including a chrysanthemum crest and decorative scrolls with cherry blossom motifs.
• The 30 sen value was the highest denomination in that 1874 issue and usually appears in a gray-black color.

📜 Printing Details

• These stamps were intaglio (engraved) printed from hand-engraved plates.
• The 1874 printings were often on foreign wove paper (as opposed to the rarer native laid paper) — which is the typical variety listed as Scott #39.

💰 Scarcity & Value

• This is considered a classic and collectible stamp — the 30 sen denomination is scarcer than the lower values from the same series.
• Scott catalog values vary widely depending on condition (mint vs used, presence and type of gum, centering, perforation condition), but auction records show significant realized prices for high-quality or unusual usages (e.g., on cover or large multiples).
• Typical 30 sen examples (used) can often be found at modest prices in dealer or online listings, while fine mint and rare specialized usages can be quite expensive.