The 1938 Prexie, or Presidential series, featured denominations ranging from a half-cent to five dollars. One of these denominations, a thirty-cent value, depicted a stylized profile of an American bison, commonly called a buffalo. This design, initially utilized for a nickel in 1913, evoked a sense of American history and the West.
Issued during a period of economic recovery and growing postal needs, this particular stamp served a crucial role for higher-rate mailings within the United States, including package and registered mail services. Its higher denomination reflected the changing costs of postal services and the increasing complexity of mail distribution. This stamp’s classic design and limited production period contribute to its value and desirability among collectors today. Its existence provides a tangible link to postal history and the broader economic and cultural context of the late 1930s.
Further exploration of this specific postal issue will cover topics including design variations, production methods, usage statistics, and its current market value for collectors. Additional information on the complete 1938 Presidential series and its overall significance in philatelic history will also be provided.
Tips for Collectors of the 1938 30-Cent Presidential Issue
Careful consideration of several factors can assist collectors in acquiring and preserving items from the 1938 Presidential series, particularly the thirty-cent denomination.
Tip 1: Condition Assessment: Evaluate centering, perforations, and any flaws such as thin spots or tears. Mint condition stamps, especially never-hinged examples, command higher values.
Tip 2: Authentication: Obtain stamps from reputable dealers or auction houses specializing in philately to ensure authenticity and avoid forgeries.
Tip 3: Proper Storage: Utilize acid-free albums and mounts to protect stamps from environmental damage, including humidity, light, and temperature fluctuations.
Tip 4: Research: Consult specialized catalogs and philatelic literature to understand the different varieties and market values associated with this issue.
Tip 5: Patience: Building a valuable collection requires time and effort. Avoid impulsive purchases and focus on acquiring quality examples.
Tip 6: Networking: Joining philatelic societies or online forums provides opportunities for exchanging information and connecting with other collectors specializing in this era.
Tip 7: Professional Grading: Consider professional grading and encapsulation for valuable specimens. This provides third-party verification of authenticity and condition, enhancing their marketability.
By adhering to these guidelines, collectors can build a valuable and well-preserved collection of this historically significant issue, maximizing its long-term potential.
Further sections will delve deeper into specific aspects of this fascinating stamp and offer additional resources for the discerning collector.
1. 1938 Presidential Series
The 1938 Presidential Series provides crucial context for understanding the 30-cent stamp bearing the bison, often mistakenly referred to as the “buffalo.” This series represents a significant chapter in American philately, encompassing a range of denominations depicting early U.S. presidents. The thirty-cent value, utilizing the iconic bison design borrowed from the 1913 Buffalo Nickel, holds a unique place within this broader collection.
- Denominational Range:
The series offered a wide array of denominations, from a half-cent up to five dollars, catering to diverse postal needs. This range highlights the escalating postal rates and increasing demand for higher value stamps for parcel post and registered mail during that era. The thirty-cent stamp occupied a crucial position within this spectrum, facilitating the delivery of heavier or more valuable items.
- Design and Printing:
The series employed engraved portraits of U.S. presidents, contributing to its aesthetic appeal and historical significance. The thirty-cent denomination stands out by featuring the bison image, associating it visually with themes of American westward expansion and natural heritage. This choice distinguishes it from the other denominations within the Presidential series.
- Historical Context:
Issued during the Great Depression and the lead-up to World War II, the series reflects the economic and political climate of the late 1930s. The thirty-cent stamp’s usage patterns likely mirror the nation’s evolving economic activity and communication trends during this turbulent period.
- Collectibility:
The 1938 Presidential series remains highly collectible, with certain denominations and varieties commanding significant premiums. The thirty-cent value, particularly in well-preserved condition, holds substantial interest among philatelists due to its distinctive design and the historical context of its issuance. Its relatively lower print run compared to other denominations contributes to its desirability.
By examining the 30-cent stamp within the framework of the 1938 Presidential Series, its significance becomes more apparent. The series as a whole offers a snapshot of American history, design aesthetics, and postal practices. The unique bison image on the thirty-cent stamp, coupled with its higher denomination, adds a layer of complexity and value to both the individual stamp and the series itself.
2. Thirty-cent denomination
The thirty-cent denomination played a specific role within the 1938 Presidential stamp series, distinguishing the “30-cent buffalo stamp” from other denominations. Understanding its purpose provides insight into postal rates and practices of the era. This exploration clarifies the practical implications of this specific face value.
- First-Class Mail Rates:
In 1938, thirty cents exceeded the standard first-class mail rate. This indicates the stamp served purposes beyond single-letter correspondence, likely covering heavier items or combined postage. Analyzing postal regulations from the period illuminates precise usage cases.
- Parcel Post and Registered Mail:
Higher denominations frequently covered parcel post and registered mail services. The thirty-cent stamp likely facilitated these types of mailings, reflecting the cost of handling larger or insured items. Researching historical parcel post rates confirms this association.
- Combined Postage:
Multiple stamps sometimes combined to achieve specific postal rates. The thirty-cent stamp could have contributed to these combinations, offering flexibility for various mailing needs. Examining period postal documents illustrates such combined usage scenarios.
- Relative Scarcity:
Compared to lower denominations used for everyday mail, the thirty-cent stamp likely saw less frequent use, potentially resulting in lower production numbers and, consequently, increased relative scarcity among collectors today. Production figures and surviving examples support this hypothesis.
The thirty-cent denomination distinguishes this particular stamp within the 1938 Presidential Series. Its higher value reflects specific postal needs beyond standard letters, suggesting use for parcel post, registered mail, or combined postage scenarios. This specialization contributes to its distinct position within the series and impacts its value and desirability among collectors. Further investigation into postal records and surviving examples can reveal more specific usage patterns and quantify its relative scarcity.
3. American Bison Design
The American bison design featured on the 1938 thirty-cent Presidential series stamp links this particular postal issue to a broader American iconography. While often misidentified as a “buffalo,” the image replicates James Earle Fraser’s design for the 1913 Buffalo Nickel (also featuring a bison, not a true buffalo). This design choice carries cultural weight, connecting the stamp to themes of the American West, wildlife, and national identity. This association imbues the stamp with symbolic meaning beyond its purely postal function. Utilizing this pre-existing and recognizable image likely aided public recognition and acceptance of the new stamp.
The decision to reuse Fraser’s design demonstrates a pragmatic approach to stamp design, leveraging an existing, widely recognized image. This differs from other stamps in the Presidential series, which primarily featured presidential portraits. The choice of the bison image for the thirty-cent value may have aimed to distinguish it visually from other denominations within the series. The bison’s association with strength and resilience might have also resonated during the challenging economic climate of the late 1930s. Examples of other stamps featuring national symbols further illustrate the practice of using established imagery to convey specific cultural or historical associations.
Understanding the historical and cultural context of the bison design enhances appreciation for the thirty-cent stamp. Its association with the American West and national identity distinguishes it within the 1938 Presidential Series. The design’s prior use on the Buffalo Nickel contributes to the stamp’s recognizability and symbolic weight. While not a true depiction of a buffalo, the image’s enduring popularity reinforces its significance within American visual culture. This symbolic dimension elevates the stamp beyond its utilitarian purpose, adding layers of historical and cultural meaning for collectors and enthusiasts.
4. Postal Usage History
Examining the postal usage history of the 1938 thirty-cent Presidential stamp, often misidentified as the “30-cent buffalo stamp,” provides valuable insights into its role within the broader context of period mail practices. Understanding how this particular denomination functioned within the postal system illuminates its practical significance beyond its design and collectibility. This exploration connects the stamp to the tangible activities and communication patterns of the late 1930s.
- Registered Mail:
The thirty-cent denomination likely saw frequent use for registered mail services due to its higher value. Registered mail provided enhanced security and tracking for important documents and valuable items, requiring additional fees. The thirty-cent stamp’s cost aligned with these higher rates, making it a practical choice for such mailings. Period postal records can offer specific examples of registered mail usage involving this denomination.
- Parcel Post:
Shipping packages via parcel post often necessitated higher denominations to cover weight and distance-based fees. The thirty-cent stamp likely played a role in parcel post transactions, particularly for heavier or more distant shipments. Analyzing historical parcel post rate charts can reveal how this denomination fit within the existing pricing structure.
- Combination Usage:
Achieving specific postal rates sometimes required combining multiple stamps. The thirty-cent denomination could have served as a component in these combinations, offering flexibility for various mailing needs. Philatelic research and surviving postal covers can reveal instances where the thirty-cent stamp appeared alongside other denominations to meet precise postage requirements. This practice underscores its practical utility within a complex postal system.
- Frequency of Use:
Compared to lower denominations used for everyday correspondence, the thirty-cent stamp likely saw less frequent use due to its higher value. This potentially contributed to lower surviving quantities, impacting its relative scarcity and value among collectors today. Quantitative data on stamp production and usage can provide further insights into this aspect.
Reconstructing the postal usage history of the thirty-cent stamp reveals its practical functions within the 1938 postal landscape. Its association with registered mail, parcel post, and combination usage highlights its role in facilitating various types of communication and commerce. Understanding these historical applications enriches appreciation for the stamp’s significance, connecting it to the tangible activities and economic realities of its time. This analysis complements its numismatic value with a deeper understanding of its historical purpose and contribution to the postal system.
5. Collectibility and Rarity
The collectibility and rarity of the 1938 thirty-cent Presidential stamp, often mistakenly referred to as the “30-cent buffalo stamp,” represent crucial factors influencing its value and desirability among philatelists. Several interconnected elements contribute to this aspect, including historical context, production figures, and condition. The stamp’s higher denomination within the series suggests a lower print run compared to more commonly used values, inherently impacting its availability. Furthermore, the passage of time inevitably diminishes the number of surviving examples, particularly those in pristine condition. These factors combine to enhance its rarity and, consequently, its appeal to collectors. Understanding these dynamics provides a framework for assessing the stamp’s market value and long-term investment potential. Real-life examples of auction results and market trends illustrate the tangible impact of rarity on pricing.
Condition plays a pivotal role in determining the value of surviving examples. Stamps exhibiting minimal wear, intact perforations, and vibrant colors command higher prices. Factors like centering and gum condition (for unused examples) further influence desirability and market value. Professional grading services offer standardized assessments of condition, providing collectors with objective metrics for evaluating potential acquisitions. The intersection of rarity and condition significantly impacts pricing, with well-preserved examples often achieving substantial premiums. Comparing the prices of graded versus ungraded examples demonstrates this principle in practice. The finite supply and increasing demand for high-grade examples contribute to the stamp’s long-term appreciation potential.
The confluence of historical significance, distinctive design, and relative scarcity positions the thirty-cent stamp as a desirable item within the 1938 Presidential Series. Its higher face value, reflecting its specific postal usage, contributes to its lower survival rate compared to other denominations. The ongoing demand from collectors, coupled with the diminishing supply of well-preserved examples, reinforces its collectibility and drives market value. Recognizing these interconnected factors provides collectors with a foundation for informed decision-making regarding acquisition and valuation. The stamp’s rarity and the importance of condition underscore its appeal as both a historical artifact and a potential investment vehicle within the broader field of philately. Further research into specific varieties and market trends enhances understanding and facilitates informed collecting practices.
6. Condition and Value
Condition significantly impacts the value of the 1938 thirty-cent Presidential stamp, often referred to as the “30-cent buffalo stamp.” Assessing condition requires careful evaluation of several factors, each contributing to the stamp’s overall desirability and market price. Understanding these nuances allows collectors to make informed decisions and appreciate the interplay between condition and value within philately.
- Centering:
Centering refers to the stamp’s position relative to its perforations. Ideally, the design should appear balanced within the perforated frame. Off-center examples, where the design drifts closer to one or more edges, generally command lower prices than well-centered counterparts. The degree of misalignment directly correlates with the price reduction. A slightly off-center stamp might experience a minor devaluation, while severely off-center examples can see substantial reductions in value. This principle applies universally across philately, impacting the thirty-cent Presidential stamp alongside other issues.
- Perforations:
Perforations, the small holes surrounding the stamp, facilitate separation from the sheet. Intact, well-defined perforations are essential for achieving higher grades and values. Faults such as missing or damaged perforations detract from the stamp’s desirability and negatively impact its price. The extent of the damage influences the degree of devaluation. Minor imperfections might have a limited effect, while significant perforation damage can drastically reduce a stamp’s market value. This holds true for the thirty-cent Presidential issue, where perforation quality plays a key role in determining condition.
- Gum Condition (Unused Stamps):
For unused stamps, the condition of the original gum (adhesive) significantly influences value. Original gum refers to the undisturbed adhesive on the back of a mint, never-hinged stamp. Hinged stamps, exhibiting remnants of previous mounting hinges, generally hold less value than their never-hinged counterparts. The presence of original gum, particularly if undisturbed and free from imperfections, enhances a stamp’s desirability and price. The thirty-cent Presidential stamp, like other issues, benefits from the presence of pristine original gum.
- Overall Appearance:
The overall appearance encompasses aspects like color vibrancy, paper quality, and the absence of flaws such as thin spots, tears, or creases. Stamps exhibiting bright, unfaded colors and clean, undamaged paper command higher prices. Conversely, flaws detract from visual appeal and negatively impact value. The severity of the flaws directly correlates with the price reduction. Minor imperfections might have minimal impact, while significant flaws can dramatically reduce a stamps value. This applies universally across philately, including the thirty-cent Presidential stamp, highlighting the importance of careful visual inspection.
For the “30-cent buffalo stamp,” condition plays a pivotal role in determining its market value. Collectors prioritize well-centered examples with intact perforations, especially those retaining original gum. The absence of flaws, combined with vibrant colors and clean paper, maximizes desirability and price. Understanding these factors enables collectors to discern nuances in condition and make informed decisions based on individual collecting goals and investment strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries regarding the 1938 thirty-cent Presidential stamp, often misidentified as the “30-cent buffalo stamp.”
Question 1: Is the “30-cent buffalo stamp” a genuine buffalo nickel design?
No. The stamp features a bison, not a buffalo. The design replicates James Earle Fraser’s artwork for the 1913 Buffalo Nickel, which also depicts a bison. The term “buffalo nickel” is a colloquialism.
Question 2: Why does the stamp have a bison design when the rest of the series features presidents?
The specific rationale remains unclear. Theories include visual differentiation within the series and leveraging the existing, recognizable bison image from the popular nickel. Further research into the U.S. Postal Service’s design choices during this period might provide additional insights.
Question 3: What postal needs did the thirty-cent denomination serve in 1938?
Thirty cents exceeded the standard first-class letter rate. This suggests its intended use for services like registered mail, parcel post, or a combination of postal fees. Consulting period postal regulations can clarify specific usage cases.
Question 4: How does one determine the value of a thirty-cent Presidential stamp?
Several factors influence value, including condition (centering, perforations, gum for unused examples), rarity, and market demand. Professional grading can provide objective assessments of condition and authenticity, impacting market value.
Question 5: Where can one acquire this stamp for a collection?
Reputable stamp dealers, auction houses specializing in philately, and online marketplaces offer avenues for acquiring this stamp. Due diligence and authentication are crucial to avoid forgeries or misrepresentations.
Question 6: How should one store this stamp to preserve its condition?
Archival-quality, acid-free materials are essential. Storing stamps in protective sleeves or mounts within albums shields them from environmental damage, including humidity, light, and temperature fluctuations. Consulting with experienced philatelists provides additional preservation guidance.
Careful consideration of design, historical context, and condition empowers informed collecting decisions regarding the 1938 thirty-cent Presidential stamp. Further research into specialized catalogs and philatelic resources enhances understanding and appreciation for this unique piece of postal history.
The following sections will delve deeper into specific aspects of this fascinating stamp and its place within American philately.
Conclusion
The 1938 thirty-cent Presidential stamp, often colloquially referred to as the “30 cent buffalo stamp” due to its bison design, represents a notable element within American philately. Examination reveals its distinction within the larger Presidential series, stemming from its higher denomination, unique imagery borrowed from the 1913 Buffalo Nickel, and specialized postal usage. Its historical context, reflecting the economic and communication landscape of the late 1930s, further enhances its significance. Factors such as condition, rarity, and market demand influence its value and desirability among collectors.
The “30 cent buffalo stamp” serves as a tangible link to a specific moment in American history. Its study provides insights into postal practices, economic trends, and design choices of the era. Continued exploration of its usage patterns, production figures, and market dynamics enriches understanding and fosters appreciation for its enduring legacy within philately and broader American cultural history. Preservation and study of such artifacts contribute to a deeper understanding of the past and its connection to the present.
