The United States Postal Service issued a postage stamp honoring the Oglala Lakota warrior Crazy Horse in 1982. With a denomination of thirteen cents, this stamp featured a simple, iconic profile portrait based on a photograph taken by John A. Anderson. This image became a widely recognized representation of Crazy Horse, furthering his legacy.
This commemorative stamp holds historical significance as a tribute to a prominent Native American figure who resisted the encroachment of the U.S. government on Lakota lands. It served not only as a practical postal item but also as a miniature work of art and a vehicle for education and remembrance. The stamps release sparked both positive recognition and controversy, reflecting the complex historical narrative surrounding westward expansion and the treatment of Indigenous peoples. The relatively low denomination made the stamp accessible to a broad public, contributing to its widespread circulation and impact.
Further exploration reveals insights into the design process, public reception, and enduring legacy of this philatelic tribute. Topics to consider include the selection of Crazy Horse as the subject, the artistic choices made in the stamp’s design, and the broader context of Native American representation in U.S. postage.
Tips for Collectors of the 1982 Crazy Horse Stamp
Serious philatelists understand the value inherent in acquiring and preserving historically significant stamps. The following tips provide guidance for those interested in the 1982 thirteen-cent Crazy Horse stamp.
Tip 1: Condition is Key: Like any collectible, condition significantly impacts value. Seek stamps with vibrant colors, sharp corners, and minimal imperfections. Avoid stamps with creases, tears, or heavy cancellations.
Tip 2: Understand Variations: Be aware of potential variations, such as plate blocks, different printing methods, or subtle color shifts. These variations can add to a stamp’s rarity and desirability.
Tip 3: Research Pricing: Consult reputable stamp catalogs and online resources to understand current market values. Prices can fluctuate based on condition, rarity, and demand.
Tip 4: Proper Storage is Crucial: Protect stamps from humidity, light, and pests. Utilize acid-free albums and mounts to maintain their condition over time.
Tip 5: Authentication Matters: For high-value stamps or those with potential variations, consider seeking expert authentication to verify their genuineness and assess their quality.
Tip 6: Explore Related Items: Consider expanding a collection to include related items such as first day covers, postal stationery featuring the stamp, or other Crazy Horse memorabilia.
By focusing on condition, researching thoroughly, and employing proper storage techniques, collectors can build a valuable and historically significant collection centered around this iconic stamp.
This focus on preservation and informed collecting practices ensures that future generations can appreciate the artistic and historical significance of this tribute to Crazy Horse.
1. Issuance Year (1982)
1982 marks the official release date of the Crazy Horse stamp, contextualizing its creation within a specific historical and cultural period. Understanding the significance of this year provides valuable insight into the stamp’s meaning and reception.
- Postal Rates and Usage:
1982 postal rates influenced the stamp’s 13-cent denomination. This relatively low cost ensured accessibility and widespread use for everyday mail. Examining postal rate history around 1982 illuminates the stamp’s practical function within the then-current postal system.
- Social and Political Climate:
The sociopolitical landscape of 1982 played a role in the stamp’s creation and reception. The burgeoning recognition of Native American rights and history during this era provides crucial context for understanding the stamp’s significance as a tribute to Crazy Horse. Analyzing the social climate surrounding Native American representation in 1982 deepens our understanding of the stamp’s impact.
- Stamp Production and Design:
Printing technologies and design trends of 1982 influenced the stamp’s visual appearance. Researching printing methods and stylistic choices common in stamp production during this period offers insights into the stamp’s aesthetic qualities.
- Commemorative Context:
Examining other commemorative stamps issued in 1982 provides a broader perspective on the philatelic landscape of the time. Comparing the Crazy Horse stamp to other commemoratives released that year reveals prevailing themes and priorities within the U.S. Postal Service’s commemorative program.
Considering the historical context of 1982 enriches our understanding of the Crazy Horse stamp’s creation, purpose, and lasting impact. This contextualization underscores the stamp’s significance as more than just a postal artifact; it represents a convergence of historical, social, and artistic influences.
2. Denomination (13 cents)
The thirteen-cent denomination of the 1982 Crazy Horse stamp played a crucial role in its widespread circulation and accessibility. This specific face value reflected the standard first-class postage rate for a one-ounce letter at the time of its issuance. Consequently, the stamp served a practical, everyday function for millions of postal customers, increasing public exposure to the image of Crazy Horse and potentially sparking curiosity about his historical significance. This widespread usage contrasts with higher denomination commemorative stamps often purchased primarily by collectors. The affordability inherent in the thirteen-cent price point ensured broader reach and impact, transforming the stamp into a miniature, circulating piece of history.
One can draw parallels with other historical stamps issued with common denominations. For example, the frequently used definitive stamps depicting U.S. presidents or national symbols similarly reached a broad audience due to their everyday postal application. The Crazy Horse stamp, while commemorative, achieved similar reach due to its alignment with the standard letter rate. This accessibility facilitated greater public engagement with the subject matter, contributing to a broader understanding of Crazy Horse and his legacy. Had the stamp been issued with a higher denomination primarily for collectors, its impact on public awareness would likely have been significantly diminished.
Understanding the significance of the thirteen-cent denomination provides crucial insight into the stamp’s impact. It emphasizes the deliberate choice to make this commemorative stamp accessible to a wide audience, thereby maximizing its potential to educate and inform. The affordability of the stamp broadened its reach beyond the philatelic community, transforming it into a powerful tool for disseminating historical awareness and prompting reflection on the legacy of Crazy Horse within the broader context of American history.
3. Honoree (Crazy Horse)
Crazy Horse’s status as the subject of the 1982 thirteen-cent stamp directly connects the Lakota warrior’s historical legacy to a widely circulated artifact. The choice of Crazy Horse, a prominent figure of resistance against U.S. westward expansion, imbues the stamp with significant cultural and historical meaning. This decision elevated an often-marginalized narrative within the national consciousness. By featuring Crazy Horse, the stamp functions not only as a postal item but also as a symbol of remembrance and a prompt for reflection on the complexities of Native American history.
The selection of Crazy Horse as the honoree carries significant weight. Unlike other commemorative stamps featuring readily recognizable figures from American history, the choice of a Native American leader known for his resistance challenged conventional narratives. This decision likely sparked both positive and negative reactions. For some, the stamp represented a step towards acknowledging the historical contributions and struggles of Indigenous peoples. For others, it may have evoked contentious historical events. Regardless of perspective, the choice of Crazy Horse as the honoree inevitably generated dialogue and spurred public engagement with a complex historical narrative.
Understanding the link between Crazy Horse and the thirteen-cent stamp provides crucial insight into the stamp’s broader significance. The stamp serves as a tangible representation of Crazy Horse’s enduring legacy, sparking conversations about Native American history and the complexities of westward expansion. Furthermore, the stamp’s widespread circulation due to its low denomination ensured that this historical figure reached a broad audience, transcending the typical reach of commemorative items primarily sought by collectors. The stamp effectively transformed a historical figure into a widely recognized icon, furthering Crazy Horses place within the American historical narrative.
4. Purpose (Commemorative)
The commemorative purpose of the 1982 thirteen-cent Crazy Horse stamp distinguishes it from definitive stamps issued for everyday postal use. Commemorative stamps serve a distinct function: to honor individuals, events, or themes of historical, cultural, or social significance. Unlike definitive stamps intended for ongoing use, commemoratives are often issued for a limited time and hold special value for collectors. This designation as a commemorative issue underscores the intent to honor Crazy Horse and acknowledge his place within American history.
The commemorative status contributes to the stamp’s perceived value and historical significance. While fulfilling a practical postal function due to its denomination, the stamp also serves as a miniature work of art and a historical artifact. Other examples of commemorative stamps include those honoring historical anniversaries, significant figures, or important achievements. Like these examples, the Crazy Horse stamp transcends its utilitarian purpose and becomes a symbolic representation of its subject. This dualitypractical postal item and commemorative objectenhances its appeal to both everyday users and collectors.
Understanding the commemorative purpose of the Crazy Horse stamp provides critical context for interpreting its significance. This designation highlights the intention to honor a specific historical figure and acknowledge his contributions and legacy. Furthermore, the commemorative status positions the stamp within a larger tradition of philatelic tributes, underscoring its value beyond mere postal utility. This understanding adds depth to the appreciation of the stamp as a historical artifact and a symbolic representation of Crazy Horses place within the broader tapestry of American history.
5. Design (Profile portrait)
The profile portrait design of the 1982 thirteen-cent Crazy Horse stamp significantly impacted its reception and enduring legacy. Based on a photograph by John A. Anderson, this simple yet powerful image became an iconic visual representation of the Lakota warrior. The choice of a profile portrait, as opposed to a full-body image or action scene, emphasizes Crazy Horse’s individual strength and dignity. This design choice contributed to the stamp’s aesthetic appeal and facilitated its widespread recognition. The profile portrait lent itself well to the small format of a postage stamp, ensuring clarity and impact even at a reduced scale. This directness and simplicity further enhanced the stamp’s memorability.
The profile portrait design invites comparison with other commemorative stamps. Stamps featuring portraits of historical figures often employ similar stylistic conventions, emphasizing facial features and expressions to convey character and importance. The Crazy Horse stamp, however, diverges from traditional depictions of American historical figures, often portrayed in formal attire or poses of authority. By presenting Crazy Horse in a simple profile, the stamp arguably subverts traditional iconography, offering a more intimate and humanizing portrayal. This departure from conventional representation likely contributed to both the stamp’s appeal and the controversies it generated.
The selection of a profile portrait for the Crazy Horse stamp had lasting implications for how the Lakota leader is visually remembered. The stamp’s widespread circulation ensured broad public exposure to this particular image, solidifying its association with Crazy Horse in the popular imagination. This visual representation played a crucial role in shaping public perception of Crazy Horse, contributing to his status as an iconic figure in American history. Understanding the design choices and their impact provides essential context for interpreting the stamp’s significance and its enduring legacy. The simple yet powerful profile portrait transcended its utilitarian function as a postage stamp and became a potent symbol of Crazy Horse’s enduring presence in the national consciousness.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries regarding the 1982 thirteen-cent Crazy Horse stamp, providing concise and informative responses.
Question 1: Why was Crazy Horse chosen as the subject of a U.S. postage stamp?
The decision to honor Crazy Horse with a commemorative stamp reflects a growing recognition of his historical importance and the broader narrative of Native American history within the United States. His role as a prominent leader in the resistance against westward expansion made him a significant figure worthy of commemoration.
Question 2: How was the design for the stamp chosen?
The stamp’s design, a profile portrait, is based on a photograph by John A. Anderson. This image was selected for its simplicity, clarity, and ability to convey Crazy Horse’s strength and dignity within the limited space of a postage stamp.
Question 3: What is the significance of the thirteen-cent denomination?
The thirteen-cent denomination corresponded to the standard first-class postage rate in 1982. This ensured widespread use and accessibility, exposing a broader audience to the image of Crazy Horse and prompting greater awareness of his legacy.
Question 4: What is the value of the stamp today?
The current value of the stamp varies depending on condition, potential printing variations, and market demand. Consulting reputable stamp catalogs or online resources provides up-to-date pricing information.
Question 5: How should one store the stamp to maintain its value?
Proper storage is crucial for preservation. Storing the stamp in an acid-free album or mount, away from direct sunlight, humidity, and extreme temperatures, helps maintain its condition and value over time.
Question 6: What other Crazy Horse memorabilia might collectors find interesting?
Collectors may find first day covers, postal stationery featuring the stamp, or other related philatelic items appealing. Further exploration into Crazy Horse’s life and legacy can reveal a rich array of historical artifacts and resources.
Understanding these key aspects of the 1982 thirteen-cent Crazy Horse stamp provides a deeper appreciation for its historical, cultural, and philatelic significance.
Further research into the historical context of 1982, Crazy Horse’s life, and the intricacies of stamp collecting offers a more comprehensive understanding of this fascinating piece of American history.
13 cent crazy horse stamp
Exploration of the 1982 thirteen-cent Crazy Horse stamp reveals a convergence of historical, cultural, and artistic influences. Its status as a commemorative item honoring a key figure in Native American resistance distinguishes it within the broader context of U.S. postage. Analysis of its denomination, design, and the sociopolitical climate of its release provides deeper understanding of its significance. The stamp’s widespread circulation due to its affordable price point ensured broad public exposure to Crazy Horse’s image, contributing to a wider recognition of his legacy.
The stamp serves as a tangible reminder of the complexities of westward expansion and the enduring legacy of Native American resistance. Continued examination of this seemingly small artifact offers valuable insights into broader historical narratives and encourages ongoing dialogue regarding representation, remembrance, and reconciliation. Further research and reflection on the stamps impact contribute to a more nuanced understanding of its place within American history and its ongoing relevance in contemporary society.
