This postage, issued in 1995, commemorated the iconic baseball player Henry Louis Gehrig. Featuring a portrait of Gehrig in his New York Yankees uniform, it served as a tribute to his athletic achievements and his courageous battle against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), now often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease. The stamp became a popular collectible item for baseball enthusiasts and philatelists.
Its release raised awareness of ALS and honored Gehrig’s legacy both on and off the field. The stamp’s design resonated with the public, capturing the spirit of a beloved athlete while contributing to a greater understanding of a debilitating illness. It serves as a poignant reminder of Gehrig’s enduring impact on American culture and the ongoing fight against ALS.
Further exploration could delve into specific details regarding the stamp’s design, its production process, its current market value, and the broader context of commemorative postage in the United States. Examining these facets provides a deeper appreciation for this small yet significant piece of American history.
Tips for Collectors
Preserving and appreciating historical artifacts requires careful consideration. The following provides guidance for collectors of memorabilia, particularly focusing on items like commemorative postage.
Tip 1: Proper Storage: Protect the item from environmental factors such as humidity, direct sunlight, and temperature fluctuations. Archival-quality materials, like acid-free sleeves and albums, are recommended.
Tip 2: Handling: Minimize direct contact. Clean hands or cotton gloves are advisable when handling delicate items to prevent oils and fingerprints from causing damage.
Tip 3: Identification: Verify the authenticity and condition. Reputable dealers and expert resources can provide valuable insights and authentication services.
Tip 4: Valuation: Understand the factors influencing an item’s worth. Condition, rarity, and market demand play significant roles in determining value. Consulting price guides and auction records offers helpful information.
Tip 5: Display: If choosing to display the item, utilize appropriate framing and UV-protective glass to minimize light exposure and potential fading.
Tip 6: Research: Investigate the historical context surrounding the item. Understanding its significance enhances appreciation and provides a deeper connection to the past.
By following these guidelines, collectors can ensure the long-term preservation and appreciation of historical artifacts, allowing future generations to enjoy and learn from these tangible pieces of the past.
These tips highlight the importance of thoughtful preservation practices for maintaining the integrity and value of historical items.
1. Commemorative Issue
Commemorative issues represent a distinct category within philately, serving to honor individuals, events, and causes deemed significant. The 1995 stamp honoring Lou Gehrig exemplifies this practice, transforming a functional postal item into a tribute with broader cultural and historical relevance. Understanding the nature of commemorative issues provides crucial context for appreciating this specific stamp.
- Subject Matter:
Commemorative stamps typically feature prominent figures, historical milestones, or important themes. The Gehrig stamp, focusing on a beloved athlete and his connection to ALS, aligns perfectly with this practice. Other examples include stamps commemorating anniversaries, scientific discoveries, or artistic achievements. The choice of subject reflects cultural values and seeks to educate and engage the public.
- Limited Production:
Unlike regular postage stamps printed in vast quantities, commemorative issues often have limited production runs. This contributes to their collectibility and potential value over time. The Gehrig stamp’s finite production contributes to its appeal among collectors seeking unique and historically significant items.
- Historical Context:
Commemorative issues offer glimpses into the historical context surrounding their release. The Gehrig stamp reflects the growing awareness of ALS in the mid-1990s and the ongoing efforts to find a cure. Examining these stamps provides insights into the societal concerns and priorities of a particular era.
- Educational Value:
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, commemorative stamps serve as miniature historical documents. They prompt viewers to learn more about the featured subject and its significance. The Gehrig stamp encourages exploration of his baseball career, his personal struggle with ALS, and the broader impact of the disease. This educational aspect enhances their value beyond mere postage.
By understanding these core aspects of commemorative issues, the significance of the 1995 Lou Gehrig stamp becomes clearer. It transcends its functional purpose and embodies a convergence of historical remembrance, social awareness, and cultural appreciation. This stamp stands as a testament to the power of commemorative issues to capture and convey important stories within a small, yet impactful, format.
2. 1995 Release
The 1995 release date holds specific relevance for the Lou Gehrig commemorative stamp. This year marked a period of heightened public awareness surrounding ALS, partially driven by the accelerating research efforts and fundraising initiatives gaining momentum at the time. Issuing the stamp in 1995 capitalized on this heightened awareness, maximizing its potential impact in terms of both fundraising and education. The timing allowed the stamp to serve as a tangible symbol of support for those affected by ALS and a reminder of the ongoing need for research and a cure. Furthermore, the 1995 release coincided with the 50th anniversary of Gehrig’s death, adding another layer of historical significance to the stamp’s issuance. This confluence of factors contributed to the stamp’s widespread recognition and lasting impact.
Consider the broader context of commemorative stamp releases. The United States Postal Service meticulously plans these releases, often coordinating with anniversaries or significant events related to the honored subject. The choice of 1995 for the Gehrig stamp demonstrates a strategic approach, aligning the release with a moment of heightened public consciousness regarding ALS. This strategic timing maximized the stamp’s potential to reach a wider audience and contribute meaningfully to the ongoing dialogue surrounding the disease. Furthermore, the 25-cent denomination reflected the standard first-class postage rate in 1995, ensuring widespread usage and visibility of the stamp. This practical consideration further contributed to the stamp’s success in raising awareness and honoring Gehrig’s legacy.
In summary, the 1995 release of the Lou Gehrig stamp represents a carefully orchestrated confluence of factors. The timing aligned with increased public awareness of ALS, the 50th anniversary of Gehrig’s death, and the standard postage rate. This strategic approach maximized the stamp’s impact, transforming it from a simple postage item into a powerful symbol of remembrance, support, and hope in the fight against ALS. Understanding the historical context surrounding its release provides a richer appreciation for the stamp’s enduring significance.
3. Depicts Lou Gehrig
The portrayal of Lou Gehrig on the 25-cent stamp constitutes its central visual element, directly linking the stamp to the baseball legend and his enduring legacy. This depiction serves not only as a recognizable image but also as a conduit for conveying the stamp’s commemorative purpose. Analyzing the specifics of this portrayal provides insights into the stamp’s broader significance.
- Portrait Selection:
The chosen image presents Gehrig in his New York Yankees uniform, instantly identifying him to viewers. This reinforces the connection to his celebrated baseball career and solidifies the stamp’s association with his athletic achievements. The selection of a recognizable image ensures the stamp effectively communicates its commemorative intent.
- Symbolic Representation:
Beyond mere portraiture, the image serves a symbolic function. It represents not only Gehrig the athlete but also his courage in facing ALS. The image evokes a sense of strength and resilience, qualities associated with both his athletic prowess and his battle against the disease. This symbolic representation elevates the stamp beyond a simple portrait and transforms it into a tribute.
- Emotional Resonance:
The image’s emotional resonance contributes significantly to the stamp’s impact. For many, the depiction of Gehrig evokes feelings of nostalgia, respect, and admiration. This emotional connection enhances the stamp’s commemorative power and fosters a sense of shared remembrance. The image serves as a visual touchstone for collective memory and shared emotional responses.
- Visual Accessibility:
The clear and recognizable portrayal of Gehrig ensures the stamp’s message is easily accessible to a broad audience. The image’s clarity transcends potential language barriers, allowing viewers to immediately grasp the stamp’s commemorative purpose. This visual accessibility maximizes the stamp’s reach and impact.
In summary, the depiction of Lou Gehrig on the 25-cent stamp is more than just a visual element; it’s the core of the stamp’s communicative power. By carefully selecting a recognizable and emotionally resonant image, the stamp effectively conveys its commemorative message, honors Gehrig’s legacy, and raises awareness of ALS. The portrait’s symbolic weight, combined with its visual accessibility, ensures the stamp’s enduring impact as both a postal artifact and a tribute to an American icon.
4. Raises ALS Awareness
The 25-cent Lou Gehrig stamp serves a crucial function beyond postage: raising awareness of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This connection transforms the stamp into an instrument of advocacy and education, amplifying its impact beyond its functional role. Exploring the specific mechanisms through which the stamp achieves this awareness-raising objective provides valuable insights.
- Public Visibility:
As a circulating piece of postage, the stamp achieved widespread visibility, reaching a broad audience far beyond those already familiar with ALS. Its everyday use ensured consistent exposure, prompting conversations and increasing public consciousness regarding the disease. This widespread circulation maximized the stamp’s potential to educate and inform.
- Educational Opportunity:
The stamp’s subject matter naturally encouraged further exploration of ALS. Individuals encountering the stamp might be prompted to research the disease, learn about its symptoms and impact, and seek out further information. This educational opportunity transformed the stamp into a catalyst for learning and understanding.
- Fundraising Potential:
While not a direct fundraising mechanism, the stamp indirectly contributed to ALS research efforts. The heightened awareness it generated potentially spurred increased donations and support for organizations dedicated to finding a cure. The stamp served as a symbolic reminder of the ongoing need for research funding.
- Commemorative Impact:
By commemorating Lou Gehrig and linking him directly to ALS, the stamp solidified the association between the disease and a beloved public figure. This connection humanized the illness, making it more relatable and fostering greater empathy among the public. The commemorative aspect of the stamp enhanced its emotional impact and contributed to its awareness-raising potential.
In conclusion, the 25-cent Lou Gehrig stamp functions as a powerful tool for raising ALS awareness. Through public visibility, educational opportunities, indirect fundraising potential, and commemorative impact, the stamp transcends its postal function and becomes an instrument of advocacy. This multifaceted approach underscores the stamp’s significant contribution to the ongoing fight against ALS.
5. Collectible Item
The 25-cent Lou Gehrig stamp attracts significant interest as a collectible item, extending beyond its utilitarian purpose as postage. This collectibility stems from a confluence of factors, transforming the stamp into a sought-after piece of memorabilia for baseball enthusiasts, history buffs, and philatelists alike. Understanding the underlying drivers of this collectibility provides valuable context for assessing the stamp’s enduring appeal.
- Historical Significance:
The stamp’s commemorative nature, honoring a prominent athlete and raising awareness of a debilitating disease, imbues it with inherent historical value. This association with a significant historical figure and a broader social cause elevates the stamp beyond a mere postal artifact, attracting collectors interested in preserving and appreciating tangible pieces of history. Similar commemorative items, such as stamps honoring historical events or other prominent figures, also hold collectible value due to their historical context.
- Limited Availability:
While initially produced in large quantities for postal use, the stamp’s availability gradually diminishes over time as used copies are discarded and unused examples become increasingly scarce. This inherent scarcity contributes to its collectibility, as collectors seek out items with limited availability. The principle of supply and demand influences the value of collectible items, with rarer items often commanding higher prices. First-day covers and other special philatelic releases further exemplify this principle.
- Thematic Appeal:
The stamp’s connection to baseball resonates with a dedicated collector base. Baseball memorabilia, including trading cards, autographed items, and historical artifacts, constitutes a significant collecting category. The Gehrig stamp taps into this existing market, attracting collectors seeking items related to their passion for the sport. Thematic collecting, whether focused on sports, historical periods, or other specific themes, drives demand for particular collectible items.
- Condition and Rarity:
As with many collectibles, the condition of the stamp significantly impacts its value. Unused stamps in pristine condition, particularly those with original gum and without any flaws, are highly sought after by collectors. Variations, such as different plate blocks or printing errors, can further enhance rarity and desirability. The grading of collectible items, including stamps, provides a standardized system for assessing condition and rarity, influencing market value.
In summary, the 25-cent Lou Gehrig stamp’s collectibility arises from a combination of historical significance, limited availability, thematic appeal, and condition-based rarity. These factors converge to create enduring demand among diverse collector groups, ensuring the stamp’s continued relevance and value beyond its original postal function. The stamp exemplifies how seemingly ordinary objects can acquire significant cultural and historical value, transforming into sought-after collectibles that preserve and transmit stories from the past.
6. Baseball History
The 25-cent Lou Gehrig stamp occupies a unique position within baseball history, serving as a tangible link to one of the sport’s most iconic figures and a poignant reminder of his enduring legacy. This connection extends beyond mere commemoration, offering insights into broader historical trends within baseball and its cultural impact. Examining specific facets of this intersection provides a deeper appreciation for the stamp’s significance.
- The Iron Horse’s Legacy:
Gehrig’s remarkable career, marked by his incredible durability and consistency, earned him the moniker “The Iron Horse.” The stamp serves as a lasting tribute to this legacy, encapsulating his dedication to the sport and his unwavering spirit. His consecutive games played streak, a testament to his resilience, remains a legendary feat in baseball history. The stamp reinforces this image of strength and perseverance, further solidifying Gehrig’s place in the sport’s pantheon of heroes. The stamp, by depicting Gehrig in his Yankees uniform, reinforces his enduring legacy as an important baseball icon.
- New York Yankees Dynasty:
Gehrig’s career coincided with a period of dominance for the New York Yankees, a team that became synonymous with success and excellence. The stamp, by featuring Gehrig in his Yankees uniform, implicitly acknowledges this historical context, linking him to the broader narrative of the team’s rise to prominence. The Yankees’ success during Gehrig’s era solidified their place as one of baseball’s most celebrated franchises. The stamp subtly reinforces this historical connection, associating Gehrig with a period of unparalleled achievement in baseball history. The stamp is also a reminder of many New York Yankees legends.
- ALS Awareness and Advocacy:
The stamp’s connection to ALS transcends baseball history, extending into the realm of medical and social advocacy. Gehrig’s battle with the disease, which ultimately claimed his life, brought ALS into the public consciousness. The stamp serves as a poignant reminder of this struggle and the ongoing need for research and support. The stamp’s issuance contributed to raising awareness and galvanizing support for ALS research, marking a significant moment in the history of both baseball and medical advocacy. Even before the Ice Bucket Challenge, the 25 cent Lou Gehrig stamp is already raising awareness for ALS.
- Commemorative Culture in Sports:
The stamp’s issuance reflects a broader trend within sports culture: the commemoration of significant figures and events through tangible artifacts. Baseball cards, autographed memorabilia, and commemorative stamps all contribute to this practice, allowing fans to connect with the history of the sport in tangible ways. The Gehrig stamp exemplifies this trend, providing a readily accessible and widely circulated piece of baseball history. Other commemorative items, such as statues, plaques, and retired jersey numbers, further illustrate the importance of remembrance and celebration within the sporting world. Similar to how stamps commemorating important historical events are reminders of the past, the Lou Gehrig stamp serves the same purpose.
In conclusion, the 25-cent Lou Gehrig stamp transcends its function as mere postage, serving as a significant artifact within baseball history. By commemorating Gehrig’s legacy, acknowledging his connection to the Yankees dynasty, raising awareness of ALS, and reflecting broader commemorative practices within sports culture, the stamp encapsulates a rich tapestry of historical and social significance. Its enduring presence in collections and conversations underscores the power of small objects to embody and transmit important stories from the past. The stamp’s multi-faceted significance cements its place as a valuable piece of baseball history, offering insights into the sport’s evolution, its cultural impact, and its enduring power to inspire.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries regarding the 25-cent Lou Gehrig commemorative postage stamp.
Question 1: When was the stamp issued?
The United States Postal Service issued the stamp in 1995.
Question 2: Why was Lou Gehrig chosen as the subject?
The stamp commemorates Gehrig’s baseball career and raises awareness of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the disease that bears his name.
Question 3: What is the stamp’s denomination?
The stamp’s denomination is 25 cents, representing the standard first-class postage rate at its time of issue.
Question 4: Is the stamp considered collectible?
Yes, the stamp is a popular collectible item among baseball enthusiasts and philatelists.
Question 5: Where can one acquire this stamp?
The stamp can be found through various channels, including stamp dealers, online marketplaces, and auction platforms specializing in philatelic materials.
Question 6: How can one determine the stamp’s value?
Several factors influence a stamp’s value, including condition, rarity, and market demand. Consulting reputable stamp catalogs, price guides, and expert appraisers provides reliable valuation information.
Understanding these key aspects contributes to a more comprehensive appreciation of the 25-cent Lou Gehrig commemorative stamp. Further research into specific areas of interest, such as stamp collecting, baseball history, or ALS research, can provide additional insights.
The subsequent section will delve into more specialized aspects of the stamp’s production and design.
Conclusion
Exploration of the 1995 25-cent commemorative postage stamp honoring Lou Gehrig reveals its multifaceted significance. Serving as both a functional postal item and a commemorative artifact, the stamp successfully combines visual appeal with historical and social relevance. Its widespread circulation ensured broad public exposure, contributing to increased awareness of ALS and honoring Gehrig’s enduring legacy. Furthermore, the stamp’s collectibility reflects its enduring appeal among diverse groups, solidifying its position within both baseball history and the broader field of philately. Analysis of its design, release context, and enduring impact underscores its significance as a small yet powerful symbol of remembrance, awareness, and hope.
The stamp’s continued presence in collections and conversations serves as a lasting testament to the power of commemorative objects to encapsulate and transmit complex narratives. Its existence prompts reflection on the intersection of sports, history, and social advocacy, offering valuable insights into the cultural impact of seemingly ordinary objects. Further exploration of related topics, including commemorative postage practices, the history of ALS awareness campaigns, and the enduring legacy of Lou Gehrig, provides avenues for deeper understanding and continued engagement with this significant historical artifact.
