A United States postage stamp issued in 1926 featured a portrait of President Woodrow Wilson and bore a face value equivalent to seventeen cents. This specific denomination reflects the postal rates of the era. An example would be its usage for first-class mail exceeding a certain weight limit. These stamps were printed using the intaglio process, a technique employing engraved plates resulting in a detailed, raised image.
This philatelic item offers a glimpse into American history, showcasing a prominent figure of the early 20th century alongside a representation of contemporary postal practices. Its value lies not only in its former function as payment for postal services but also as a collectible item. Factors such as condition, rarity, and historical significance contribute to its desirability among stamp enthusiasts. The stamp serves as a tangible link to a specific period, offering insights into the political landscape and communication methods of the time.
Further exploration of this topic could involve detailed analysis of design variations, printing methods, and the stamp’s usage within the broader context of postal history. The impact of President Wilson’s policies and his legacy within the philatelic world are also potential avenues for deeper investigation.
Tips for Collectors of the 1926 Woodrow Wilson Stamp
Acquiring and preserving philatelic items requires careful consideration. These tips offer guidance for collectors interested in the 1926 seventeen-cent Woodrow Wilson stamp.
Tip 1: Condition is Paramount: Assess the stamp’s condition meticulously. Look for tears, creases, thin spots, or fading. Well-preserved examples command higher values.
Tip 2: Authentication Matters: Seek expert authentication for potentially valuable specimens. Certificates of authenticity provide assurance and enhance market value.
Tip 3: Proper Storage is Essential: Store stamps in acid-free albums or mounts, away from direct sunlight, humidity, and temperature fluctuations.
Tip 4: Research Thoroughly: Investigate the stamp’s various printings and variations. Understanding these nuances informs purchasing decisions.
Tip 5: Network with Experts: Engage with philatelic societies, dealers, and online forums. These resources offer valuable insights and networking opportunities.
Tip 6: Patience is Key: Building a valuable collection takes time. Avoid impulsive purchases and focus on acquiring quality items.
By adhering to these guidelines, collectors can enhance their understanding and enjoyment of this historically significant philatelic item. Proper care and research contribute to preserving these pieces of history for future generations.
This information provides a solid foundation for building a collection focused on the 1926 Wilson stamp. Further research and engagement with the philatelic community will deepen one’s appreciation for this and other historical artifacts.
1. Woodrow Wilson Portrait
The portrait of Woodrow Wilson on the 1926 seventeen-cent stamp serves as its central design element. This image directly links the stamp to the 28th President of the United States, imbuing it with historical significance beyond its postal function. The choice of Wilson’s likeness reflects his prominence and legacy at the time of the stamp’s issuance, approximately four years after his death. This portrait, based on a photograph, contributes to the stamp’s aesthetic appeal and collectibility. The specific pose and expression captured in the portrait convey a sense of dignity and authority, further enhancing its value for collectors.
The engraved portrait, a hallmark of the intaglio printing process, adds a tactile and visual depth to the stamp’s design. This intricate detail contributes to its perceived quality and distinguishes it from stamps produced using simpler printing methods. The portrait’s presence on the stamp solidifies its connection to Wilson’s historical legacy. For instance, collectors specializing in presidential memorabilia or stamps related to specific historical periods often seek this stamp due to its prominent depiction of Wilson. The portrait transforms the stamp from a simple piece of postal ephemera into a tangible piece of historical documentation.
The association with a prominent historical figure like Woodrow Wilson significantly impacts the seventeen-cent stamp’s value and desirability among collectors. The portrait’s quality and fidelity contribute to the stamp’s overall aesthetic appeal. Understanding this connection provides collectors with insights into the stamp’s historical context and its significance within philately. The portrait acts as a visual anchor, immediately identifying the stamp with a specific era and a significant political figure. Preserving these stamps, therefore, contributes to maintaining a tangible link to American history.
2. 1926 Issuance
The year 1926 holds specific relevance for the seventeen-cent Woodrow Wilson stamp. Its issuance date situates the stamp within a particular historical context, influencing its design, usage, and subsequent value. 1926 marks a point approximately four years after Wilson’s death, suggesting a commemorative element in the stamp’s creation. This timing also places the stamp within a specific period of American postal history, reflecting the prevailing postal rates and printing technologies of the era. Understanding the 1926 issuance date provides crucial context for collectors and historians alike.
The postal rates of 1926 directly influenced the seventeen-cent denomination. This face value corresponded to specific mailing costs for certain weights and classes of mail. Examining postal records from 1926 can reveal the practical applications of this particular denomination, offering insights into the stamp’s intended usage. For example, it might have been used for heavier first-class letters or specific types of packages. This contextual understanding enhances the stamp’s historical significance, connecting it to the everyday communication practices of the period. The 1926 issuance also coincides with a specific phase in the development of stamp printing technologies, further refining the stamp’s characteristics and collectibility.
Connecting the 1926 issuance date with the seventeen-cent Woodrow Wilson stamp provides valuable insights into its historical and philatelic significance. This date establishes a framework for understanding the stamp’s purpose, value, and place within broader historical narratives. Challenges in researching this connection might include limited surviving postal records or variations in printing and distribution practices. However, the 1926 issuance remains a crucial element in understanding the stamp’s full story, offering a tangible link to a specific moment in American history. This understanding enriches the experience of collectors and historians, allowing them to appreciate the stamp not merely as an artifact but as a window into the past.
3. Seventeen-cent denomination
The seventeen-cent denomination of the 1926 Woodrow Wilson stamp provides crucial insight into postal rates and practices of the era. This specific face value reflects the cost of particular mail services at the time of issuance. Understanding this denomination helps contextualize the stamp’s usage and provides a basis for comparing it with other stamps of the period.
- Postal Rates in 1926
Seventeen cents represented a specific postal rate in 1926, likely corresponding to a particular weight or class of mail. Researching historical postal records can reveal the precise services associated with this denomination. For example, it might have covered the cost of sending a slightly heavier first-class letter or a small package within a certain distance. This connection grounds the stamp’s denomination in the practical realities of historical postal operations.
- Comparison with Other Denominations
Comparing the seventeen-cent Wilson stamp with other contemporary denominations reveals the tiered structure of postal rates. Analyzing stamps issued in 1926 with different face values illustrates the varying costs for different mail services. This comparison highlights the seventeen-cent stamp’s specific role within the broader postal system.
- Impact on Collectibility
The seventeen-cent denomination influences the stamp’s rarity and, consequently, its value among collectors. Less common denominations often command higher prices due to their scarcity. Market analysis can reveal the relative value of the seventeen-cent Wilson stamp compared to other stamps of the same period, reflecting its desirability within the philatelic market. The denomination’s relative scarcity or abundance directly contributes to its collectible value.
- Printing and Production
The number of seventeen-cent Wilson stamps printed likely reflects the anticipated demand for that specific denomination. Production quantities can influence a stamp’s rarity and collectibility. Researching printing records can offer insights into the stamp’s production volume, further contextualizing its current availability and market value.
Analyzing the seventeen-cent denomination provides a multi-faceted understanding of the 1926 Woodrow Wilson stamp. This seemingly minor detail offers insights into historical postal rates, printing practices, and market values within philately. By considering the denomination’s various implications, one gains a deeper appreciation for the stamp’s historical context and significance as a collectible item. Further research into contemporary postal records and market trends can provide additional perspectives on this topic.
4. Intaglio printing
Intaglio printing played a crucial role in producing the 17-cent Woodrow Wilson stamp, contributing significantly to its distinctive appearance and longevity. This printing method, renowned for its detail and security features, involves transferring ink from recessed areas of a metal plate to the paper. Understanding the intaglio process provides valuable insights into the stamp’s production, its visual characteristics, and its enduring appeal among collectors.
- Engraved Detail
Intaglio printing, specifically the engraving process used for the Wilson stamp, allows for intricate detail and fine lines in the portrait and other design elements. This level of precision contributes to the stamp’s aesthetic appeal and enhances its perceived value. The engraved lines create a tactile as well as visual depth, distinguishing it from stamps produced using simpler printing methods.
- Security Features
The complexity of intaglio engraving makes it difficult to counterfeit, offering a degree of security against fraudulent reproductions. This characteristic was particularly important for postage stamps to prevent unauthorized usage. The raised ink and intricate details serve as inherent security features, enhancing the stamp’s authenticity and value for collectors.
- Durability and Longevity
The intaglio process, with its recessed ink reservoirs, allows for a thicker application of ink compared to surface printing methods. This results in a more durable image that resists wear and fading, contributing to the long-term preservation of the stamp. The robust ink layer enhances the stamp’s resilience against handling and environmental factors, making it more likely to survive in good condition over time.
- Tactile Quality
Intaglio printing creates a slightly raised, embossed effect on the stamp’s surface due to the ink held within the engraved recesses. This tactile quality adds another dimension to the stamp’s appeal, making it more engaging for collectors and distinguishing it from stamps produced by flatter printing methods. The tactile element enhances the overall aesthetic and sensory experience of handling and appreciating the stamp.
The intaglio printing method employed for the 17-cent Woodrow Wilson stamp significantly contributes to its distinctive characteristics and enduring value. The engraved detail, security features, durability, and tactile quality resulting from this process enhance the stamp’s aesthetic appeal, historical significance, and collectibility. Examining the stamp under magnification reveals the intricate detail made possible by intaglio printing, further highlighting its craftsmanship and value within philately. This understanding deepens the appreciation for the stamp as both a historical artifact and a work of art.
5. Postal Usage History
Postal usage history offers valuable context for understanding the 17-cent Woodrow Wilson stamp. Examining how this specific stamp was used provides insights into period postal rates, mail volume, and geographic distribution. This historical context enriches the stamp’s significance beyond its face value, transforming it from a simple artifact into a tangible piece of communication history.
- Period Postal Rates
The 17-cent denomination reflects specific postal rates in 1926. Researching these rates reveals the types of mail services this stamp likely covered. Determining whether it was used for first-class letters, packages, or other mail classes clarifies its role within the postal system. This knowledge contextualizes the stamp’s purpose and its relationship to contemporary communication practices.
- Geographic Distribution
Examining postmarks on surviving examples of the 17-cent Wilson stamp reveals its geographic distribution. Identifying postmark locations provides insights into where the stamp was commonly used and potentially reveals patterns of mail flow during that period. This geographic data adds a spatial dimension to the stamp’s history, connecting it to specific communities and regions.
- Mail Volume and Frequency
Estimating the volume of mail using the 17-cent Wilson stamp provides a glimpse into communication patterns during the 1920s. While precise figures may be elusive, analyzing surviving examples and postal records can offer insights into the stamp’s frequency of use. This information contributes to a broader understanding of postal activity and communication trends during this era.
- Philatelic Insights
Postal usage history informs philatelic research, offering insights into the stamp’s rarity and value. Stamps with clear postal markings or those used for unusual mail services can hold greater interest for collectors. Understanding usage patterns can also help identify counterfeit or altered stamps. This knowledge adds another layer of complexity to the stamp’s value and its place within philatelic collections.
Connecting postal usage history to the 17-cent Woodrow Wilson stamp enriches our understanding of both the stamp itself and the broader historical context of communication practices in the 1920s. This research approach transforms the stamp from a static object into a dynamic representation of historical communication networks. Further investigation into postal archives and contemporary documents could reveal additional insights into the stamp’s usage and its significance within postal history.
6. Collectible Value
Collectible value, a crucial aspect of the 17-cent Woodrow Wilson stamp, represents its worth beyond its original postal function. This value, driven by factors like rarity, condition, and historical significance, positions the stamp as a desirable item within philately. Understanding the components of collectible value provides insights into market dynamics and collecting practices surrounding this specific stamp.
- Rarity
Rarity significantly influences a stamp’s collectible value. Factors contributing to rarity include limited print runs, specific printing errors, or unique usage patterns. A scarcer 17-cent Wilson stamp, such as one with an inverted center or a rare postmark, commands a higher premium in the market due to its limited availability. Rarity drives demand, directly impacting price.
- Condition
Condition plays a pivotal role in determining a stamp’s value. A well-preserved stamp, free from tears, creases, fading, or gum damage, holds significantly higher value than a damaged example. Collectors prioritize stamps in excellent condition, increasing demand and price for pristine specimens. Grading systems provide standardized assessments of condition, further influencing market value.
- Historical Significance
The historical context surrounding the 17-cent Wilson stamp contributes to its collectible value. Wilson’s presidency, the era of its issuance, and its connection to specific postal rates add layers of significance for collectors. Association with a prominent historical figure enhances desirability and market value. Commemorative aspects further amplify the stamp’s appeal within specific collecting niches.
- Market Demand
Market demand, driven by collector interest and market trends, fluctuates over time. Increased demand elevates prices, while decreased interest can lead to lower valuations. Factors such as economic conditions, current collecting trends, and new discoveries of rare varieties influence market demand and, consequently, the stamp’s collectible value. Monitoring market trends informs collectors about potential investment opportunities and valuation fluctuations.
The collectible value of the 17-cent Woodrow Wilson stamp represents a confluence of rarity, condition, historical context, and market dynamics. These factors interact to determine the stamp’s worth within the philatelic market. Understanding these elements provides collectors with a framework for assessing value and making informed decisions about acquisition and potential investment. Further research into specific market trends and historical context can enhance one’s understanding of this stamp’s collectible value and its position within philately.
7. Condition and Rarity
Condition and rarity represent crucial factors influencing the value and desirability of the 17-cent Woodrow Wilson stamp within philately. These interconnected attributes determine a stamp’s market value and its significance within specialized collections. Understanding the interplay between condition and rarity provides essential context for collectors and enthusiasts seeking to acquire and appreciate this particular philatelic item.
- Grading Standards
Established grading standards provide a framework for assessing stamp condition. These standards consider factors like centering, color vibrancy, gum condition, and the presence of flaws such as tears or creases. A higher grade signifies better condition, directly impacting a stamp’s market value. For the 17-cent Wilson stamp, a well-centered, vividly colored example with intact gum and no visible flaws achieves a higher grade and commands a greater price than a poorly centered, faded stamp with damaged gum.
- Rarity Factors
Rarity encompasses factors like limited print runs, unique printing errors, and unusual usage patterns. Specific varieties of the 17-cent Wilson stamp, such as those with inverted centers, double prints, or rare postmarks, are inherently scarcer. This scarcity elevates their desirability and value among collectors. A stamp with a documented rarity commands a higher price due to its limited availability.
- Synergistic Impact
Condition and rarity interact synergistically to determine a stamp’s overall value. A rare stamp in poor condition may be less valuable than a common stamp in pristine condition. Conversely, a rare stamp in exceptional condition represents a highly sought-after combination, achieving the highest market values. For the 17-cent Wilson stamp, a rare variety, such as one with an inverted center, combined with excellent condition represents the pinnacle of collectibility and commands the highest prices.
- Market Implications
Condition and rarity significantly influence market dynamics for the 17-cent Wilson stamp. Auction records and dealer catalogs reflect the impact of these factors on pricing. Collectors actively seek rare varieties in excellent condition, driving demand and influencing market trends. Understanding the interplay of condition and rarity allows collectors to make informed decisions regarding acquisition and potential investment. These factors represent key considerations for anyone seeking to acquire and appreciate this historically significant philatelic item.
The relationship between condition and rarity is fundamental to understanding the collectible value and historical significance of the 17-cent Woodrow Wilson stamp. These combined attributes influence market dynamics, collecting practices, and the stamp’s overall appreciation within philately. Analyzing these factors enhances understanding and appreciation for this specific stamp within the broader context of stamp collecting.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries regarding the 1926 seventeen-cent Woodrow Wilson postage stamp. The information provided aims to clarify potential areas of confusion and offer further insight for collectors and enthusiasts.
Question 1: What distinguishes the 17-cent Wilson stamp from other stamps issued in 1926?
The unique combination of its denomination, the portrait of Woodrow Wilson, and the intaglio printing method distinguishes this stamp from other 1926 issues. These combined features contribute to its specific historical context and collectibility.
Question 2: How is the value of a 17-cent Wilson stamp determined?
Several factors influence value, including condition, rarity, and market demand. Stamps in pristine condition with no flaws command higher prices. Rare varieties, such as those with printing errors, are generally more valuable due to scarcity. Market trends and collector interest also impact valuation.
Question 3: Where can one acquire a 17-cent Wilson stamp?
Reputable stamp dealers, online marketplaces specializing in philately, and auctions represent potential sources for acquiring this stamp. Due diligence is recommended to ensure authenticity and accurate condition assessments before purchase.
Question 4: How should a 17-cent Wilson stamp be stored to preserve its condition?
Storage in acid-free albums or mounts within a stable environment protects against damage. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, humidity, and temperature fluctuations to prevent fading, discoloration, and gum deterioration. Proper storage safeguards the stamp’s condition and maintains its value.
Question 5: Are there different varieties of the 17-cent Wilson stamp?
Variations can exist due to different printings, plate flaws, or postmark types. Specialized philatelic literature and expert consultation can help identify and understand these variations, which often influence a stamp’s rarity and value.
Question 6: How does the 17-cent Wilson stamp reflect the historical context of 1926?
The stamp’s denomination reflects postal rates of the period. Its issuance a few years after Wilson’s death suggests a commemorative aspect. The intaglio printing method represents the prevalent technology of the time. These elements combine to offer a glimpse into the historical context of 1926.
This FAQ section offers essential information for understanding and appreciating the 17-cent Woodrow Wilson stamp. Further research into specific areas of interest can enhance one’s knowledge and enjoyment of this philatelic item.
Further exploration might involve examining historical postal records, consulting specialized philatelic literature, or engaging with experienced collectors within the philatelic community.
17 Cent Wilson Stamp
Exploration of the 17-cent Woodrow Wilson stamp reveals a convergence of historical context, printing techniques, and collectible value. Analysis of its 1926 issuance date, the chosen denomination, the intaglio printing method, and the depicted presidential portrait provides insights into its significance within philately. Furthermore, understanding factors influencing condition and rarity offers a framework for assessing market value and appreciating the stamp’s enduring appeal among collectors. The interplay of these elements positions this particular stamp as a tangible artifact reflecting both postal history and the legacy of Woodrow Wilson.
The 17-cent Wilson stamp serves as a reminder of the rich historical narratives embedded within philately. Continued research and exploration within this field offer opportunities to uncover further insights into communication history, printing technologies, and the enduring legacy of historical figures. Preservation and study of such philatelic items contribute to a deeper understanding of the past and its connection to the present. Further investigation promises to reveal additional layers of meaning and significance surrounding this and other historically relevant stamps.
