The United States Postal Service issued a postage stamp featuring Susan B. Anthony in 1979 with a denomination of fifty cents. This small, circular adhesive, designed by Robert Geissmann, depicted the prominent suffragist and activist. Its initial run was short-lived, ending in 1981, due to unpopularity stemming from its similar size and shape to the quarter, which often led to confusion and insufficient postage.
Despite its brief initial circulation, this stamp holds historical significance. It marked a significant step in recognizing women’s contributions to American history. Anthony’s tireless efforts for women’s suffrage, a movement finally achieving its goal with the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920, made her an appropriate choice for this honor. The stamp serves as a lasting tribute to her legacy and the struggle for equal rights. The stamps reintroduction in later years solidified its role in American philatelic history.
Further exploration can reveal details about the stamp’s design, production, usage, and its place within broader discussions of postal history, graphic design, and the commemoration of historical figures. The subsequent revival and continued use of this design underscore the lasting impact of both the stamp and the individual it commemorates.
Tips for Collectors of the Susan B. Anthony Fifty-Cent Stamp
Careful consideration of several factors can enhance one’s approach to collecting this historically significant stamp. These tips offer guidance for both novice and experienced collectors.
Tip 1: Condition is Key: Like any collectible, condition significantly impacts value. Look for stamps with minimal wear, vibrant colors, and intact perforations.
Tip 2: Differentiate Printings: The stamp was reissued over several years. Understanding the nuances of each printing can add depth to a collection. Research variations in paper type, gum, and perforation gauge.
Tip 3: Consider Plate Blocks: Collecting plate blocks, which contain the serial number of the printing plate, offers a specialized collecting area.
Tip 4: Explore First Day Covers: Envelopes bearing the stamp postmarked on its first day of issue are highly sought after by collectors.
Tip 5: Proper Storage is Crucial: Protect stamps from humidity, light, and pests. Archival-quality albums and mounts are recommended.
Tip 6: Research Pricing Guides: Utilize reputable stamp catalogs and online resources to understand market values and avoid overpaying.
Tip 7: Join Philatelic Societies: Connecting with other collectors through societies provides opportunities to learn, share knowledge, and acquire stamps.
By focusing on these key areas, collectors can build a meaningful and valuable collection showcasing this important piece of postal and American history.
This information offers a foundation for building a collection. Further research into specific areas of interest will enhance knowledge and collecting strategies.
1. Denomination
The denomination of fifty cents played a crucial role in the public reception and ultimate fate of the Susan B. Anthony stamp. At the time of its release in 1979, a fifty-cent stamp was relatively uncommon. This high value, coupled with the stamp’s small, round shape, similar to the quarter, led to frequent confusion. People mistakenly used the stamp for postage requiring less than fifty cents or confused it with the quarter, resulting in insufficient postage. This practical issue contributed significantly to the stamp’s initial unpopularity and withdrawal from circulation in 1981.
The choice of fifty cents likely aimed to reflect the significance of honoring Susan B. Anthony and the suffrage movement. However, the practical implications of this high denomination, especially in conjunction with the design choice, ultimately undermined this intention. The experience with the Susan B. Anthony stamp highlights the importance of considering practical usability alongside commemorative intent in stamp design. While a higher denomination might convey greater importance, it can also lead to confusion and inconvenience if not carefully implemented.
The later reintroduction of the stamp demonstrates a renewed appreciation for its historical significance. However, the initial challenges related to its denomination remain a key part of its story, illustrating the delicate balance between commemorating historical figures and creating a functional piece of postal infrastructure. This experience offered valuable lessons for future stamp design and issuance practices.
2. Honoree
Susan B. Anthony’s selection as the subject of the fifty-cent stamp directly links the stamp to the history of women’s suffrage in the United States. Anthony’s tireless advocacy for women’s right to vote, culminating in the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920, made her an iconic figure. Choosing her for this prominent placement on a postage stamp served to recognize her contributions and the broader struggle for equal rights. This decision elevated the stamp beyond a mere postal tool, imbuing it with historical and social significance. The stamp became a symbol of progress, a testament to Anthony’s enduring legacy, and a reminder of the ongoing fight for equality.
The choice of Anthony also impacted public perception of the stamp. While the unusual size and denomination contributed to its initial unpopularity, the association with a revered historical figure likely mitigated some of the negative reactions. This connection to Anthony and the suffrage movement provided a cultural and historical context that differentiated it from other stamps. Furthermore, the stamp’s later revival and continued usage can be attributed, in part, to the enduring recognition of Anthony’s importance in American history. The stamp serves as a tangible reminder of her contributions, accessible to a broad public audience.
The link between Susan B. Anthony and the fifty-cent stamp exemplifies the power of postage stamps to commemorate historical figures and social movements. While the stamp’s initial reception demonstrates the importance of practical design considerations, the enduring connection to Anthony solidified its place in American culture. The stamp transcends its functional purpose, serving as a small yet powerful symbol of progress and a tribute to a key figure in the fight for equality.
3. Type
Categorizing the 50-cent Susan B. Anthony item as a “postage stamp” situates it within a specific historical and functional context. This classification clarifies its intended purpose and its relationship to postal systems, communication networks, and collecting practices. Examining the facets of its existence as a postage stamp provides a deeper understanding of its significance.
- Functionality as Prepayment for Postal Services
The primary role of a postage stamp is to serve as proof of prepayment for postal services. Affixing the 50-cent Susan B. Anthony stamp to mail indicated that the required postage for a particular weight or service had been paid. This function connected the stamp to the practical operations of the postal system, facilitating the efficient delivery of mail. Its initial unpopularity due to confusion with the quarter highlights the importance of clear design for effective functionality.
- Collectibility and Philatelic Significance
Postage stamps are frequently collected and studied, forming the basis of the hobby of philately. The 50-cent Susan B. Anthony stamp, despite its initial challenges, became a collectible item. Factors such as its unique design, historical subject, and various printings contribute to its philatelic interest. Collectors seek out stamps in good condition, first-day covers, and plate blocks, adding numismatic value beyond the stamp’s face value.
- Reflection of National Identity and Commemoration
Postage stamps often serve as miniature canvases reflecting national identity, commemorating historical events, or celebrating prominent figures. The 50-cent Susan B. Anthony stamp exemplifies this commemorative function. The choice of Susan B. Anthony as the subject directly links the stamp to the women’s suffrage movement and broader themes of equality and social progress. This commemorative aspect adds cultural and historical value beyond its postal function.
- Design and Production as Historical Artifacts
The design and production methods of postage stamps offer insights into printing technologies, graphic design trends, and cultural values of a particular era. The 50-cent Susan B. Anthony stamp’s round shape, chosen to differentiate it from other denominations, ultimately contributed to its initial unpopularity. Analyzing its design and production within the context of the late 1970s provides a glimpse into the decision-making processes and technological capabilities of the USPS at that time.
Understanding the 50-cent Susan B. Anthony stamp as a “postage stamp” necessitates considering its various facets. Its functional role within the postal system, its collectibility, its commemorative significance, and its design and production all contribute to a comprehensive understanding of its place within postal history, American culture, and the ongoing narrative of women’s rights. These interconnected elements elevate the stamp beyond a simple prepayment tool, transforming it into a tangible artifact reflecting historical, social, and technological trends.
4. Issuer
The United States Postal Service (USPS) as the issuer of the 50-cent Susan B. Anthony stamp contextualizes the stamp within the broader framework of American postal history, governmental authority, and national identity. The USPS’s role extends beyond mere production and distribution; it encompasses design choices, production standards, and the stamp’s place within the larger narrative of American culture and commemoration. Examining the USPS’s involvement provides insights into the stamp’s creation, circulation, and lasting impact.
- Authority and Legitimacy
The USPS’s authority to issue postage stamps stems from its designation as an independent agency of the executive branch of the United States federal government. This authority grants legitimacy to the 50-cent Susan B. Anthony stamp, ensuring its recognition and acceptance for postal purposes. The stamp becomes a symbol of official governmental sanction, reflecting the nation’s endorsement of the commemorative subject and the value it represents. This official status distinguishes the stamp from privately produced labels or unofficial commemoratives.
- Production and Distribution Networks
The USPS’s extensive production and distribution network facilitated the widespread circulation of the 50-cent Susan B. Anthony stamp. From design and printing to distribution through post offices nationwide, the USPS infrastructure ensured the stamp’s availability to the public. This widespread reach contributed to both its initial challenges related to public acceptance and its eventual recognition as a significant piece of postal history. The scale of production and distribution underscores the stamp’s intended role as a functional element within the postal system.
- Commemorative and Cultural Significance
The USPS plays a vital role in selecting subjects for commemorative stamps, reflecting national values, historical events, and important figures. The decision to honor Susan B. Anthony with a 50-cent stamp illustrates the USPS’s role in shaping public memory and recognizing significant contributions to American history. This commemorative function elevates the stamp beyond its practical purpose, imbuing it with cultural and historical significance. The choice of subject matter reflects the USPS’s influence in shaping national narratives.
- Design and Printing Standards
The USPS establishes design and printing standards for all postage stamps, ensuring consistency, quality, and security. The specifications for the 50-cent Susan B. Anthony stamp, including its size, shape, color, and printing method, reflect these standards. While the round design ultimately contributed to its initial unpopularity, it also showcases the USPS’s exploration of innovative design elements. The stamp’s physical characteristics offer insights into the USPS’s design and production practices during the late 1970s.
The USPS’s involvement as the issuer of the 50-cent Susan B. Anthony stamp is integral to understanding the stamp’s significance. Its official status, widespread distribution, commemorative intent, and design specifications contribute to its multifaceted nature. Analyzing these factors provides a deeper appreciation for the stamp’s place within American postal history, cultural memory, and the ongoing narrative of women’s rights. The stamp becomes more than a mere postal artifact; it represents a confluence of governmental authority, technological capabilities, and cultural values as shaped and disseminated by the USPS.
5. Year
1979 marks the initial release of the 50-cent Susan B. Anthony stamp, placing it within a specific historical, social, and technological context. Understanding the significance of this year illuminates the stamp’s creation, reception, and lasting impact. The following facets explore the interplay between 1979 and the stamp’s narrative.
- Economic Climate and Postal Rates
1979 fell within a period of economic instability in the United States, marked by inflation and rising postal rates. The introduction of a 50-cent stamp reflected these increasing costs, representing a significant jump from existing denominations. This economic context likely contributed to public resistance to the new, higher-value stamp, exacerbating negative reactions to its unconventional size and resemblance to the quarter. The economic realities of 1979 shaped public perception and contributed to the stamp’s initial unpopularity.
- Technological Advancements in Printing and Design
Printing and design technologies in 1979 influenced the production and appearance of the stamp. The choice of a round format, intended to distinguish the stamp from other denominations, showcased the technological capabilities of the time. However, this design choice also presented challenges in automated processing and vending machines, further complicating its acceptance. Analyzing the stamp’s production within the context of 1979’s technological landscape provides insights into the limitations and possibilities of stamp design and manufacturing during this period.
- Social and Political Landscape
The social and political climate of 1979 provided a backdrop for the stamp’s release. The ongoing struggle for equal rights and the growing recognition of women’s contributions to American society provided a receptive environment for honoring Susan B. Anthony. However, the initial focus on the stamp’s practical shortcomings overshadowed its symbolic importance. Examining the social and political context reveals the complex interplay between the stamp’s commemorative intent and its reception within a specific historical moment.
- Evolving Philatelic Trends
The field of philately, or stamp collecting, was also evolving in 1979. The introduction of a new high-value stamp featuring a prominent historical figure generated interest among collectors. However, the stamp’s initial unpopularity and subsequent withdrawal from circulation created a unique collecting opportunity. The scarcity of early printings and the later reintroduction contribute to the stamp’s philatelic significance. Understanding collecting trends in 1979 provides insight into the stamp’s numismatic value and its place within broader philatelic history.
Connecting the 50-cent Susan B. Anthony stamp to its release year of 1979 offers a nuanced understanding of its creation and reception. The economic climate, technological advancements, social and political context, and philatelic trends of the time all played a role in shaping the stamp’s narrative. Examining these interconnected factors reveals the complex interplay between a historical artifact and the specific historical moment in which it emerged. Analyzing the stamp within the context of 1979 provides valuable insights into its initial challenges, its enduring legacy, and its significance within American culture and postal history.
6. Shape
The round shape of the 50-cent Susan B. Anthony stamp represents a significant departure from traditional rectangular postage stamps and played a crucial role in its public reception and ultimate fate. This design choice, intended to differentiate the stamp from other denominations and potentially facilitate automated processing, ultimately contributed to its initial unpopularity. Exploring the implications of this circular format reveals its impact on the stamp’s functionality, public perception, and historical significance.
- Confusion with Coinage
The round shape, combined with the stamp’s small size, led to frequent confusion with the quarter coin. This similarity caused practical problems, as people mistakenly used the stamp for postage requiring less than fifty cents or confused it with a quarter when making purchases. This confusion resulted in insufficient postage and contributed significantly to negative public perception. The round shape, intended to be a distinguishing feature, ironically became a source of frustration and error.
- Challenges in Automated Processing
While the round shape was envisioned as a potential aid in automated processing, it presented unforeseen challenges for postal equipment designed primarily for rectangular stamps. The circular format proved difficult for some vending machines and canceling machines to handle reliably. These technical difficulties further compounded the stamp’s practical problems and reinforced its negative image. The intended benefit of automation became another point of contention.
- Novelty and Design Innovation
Despite its practical drawbacks, the round shape represented a novel design approach in U.S. postage. It broke from the established rectangular tradition, showcasing a willingness to experiment with form and function. While not immediately successful, this innovation foreshadowed later experimentation with non-traditional stamp shapes. The 50-cent Susan B. Anthony stamp, therefore, holds a place in postal history as an example of design experimentation, albeit one with unintended consequences.
- Symbolic Interpretations and Cultural Associations
The round shape, while primarily a practical consideration, can also be interpreted symbolically. The circle, often associated with wholeness, completion, and eternity, could be seen as representing the culmination of Susan B. Anthony’s efforts and the eventual achievement of women’s suffrage. However, these symbolic interpretations were largely overshadowed by the practical problems associated with the shape. The intended symbolism, if any, was lost amidst public frustration with the stamp’s usability.
The round shape of the 50-cent Susan B. Anthony stamp remains a key element in its story. While intended to be innovative and functional, it ultimately contributed to the stamp’s initial failure. However, this design choice also distinguishes the stamp within postal history, highlighting the challenges of balancing design innovation with practical considerations. The round shape, therefore, serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between form, function, and public perception in the design of even seemingly mundane objects like postage stamps.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries regarding the 50-cent Susan B. Anthony stamp, providing concise and informative responses.
Question 1: Why was the stamp initially unpopular?
Its small, round shape, closely resembling the quarter, caused frequent confusion and led to insufficient postage. This, combined with its relatively high denomination for the time, contributed to its initial withdrawal from circulation.
Question 2: When was the stamp issued and reissued?
Initially issued in 1979, it was withdrawn in 1981. Due to increasing demand for higher denominations, the stamp was reintroduced in 1999.
Question 3: What is the significance of Susan B. Anthony’s depiction on the stamp?
The stamp commemorates Susan B. Anthony’s pivotal role in the women’s suffrage movement and serves as a tribute to her tireless advocacy for equal rights.
Question 4: Are these stamps still valid for postage?
Yes, the 50-cent Susan B. Anthony stamps remain valid for postage at their face value and can be used for mailing within the United States.
Question 5: How can one distinguish between different printings of the stamp?
Variations in paper type, gum, and perforation gauge distinguish different printings. Specialized catalogs and philatelic resources provide detailed information on these distinctions.
Question 6: What factors influence the value of these stamps for collectors?
Condition, printing variations, and the presence of plate blocks or first-day covers significantly impact a stamp’s value. Consulting reputable pricing guides is recommended.
Understanding the historical context, design choices, and usage of this stamp provides a deeper appreciation for its significance within American history and postal operations. Further exploration of related topics can enhance this understanding.
This concludes the FAQ section. Additional information can be found in the resources listed below.
The 50-Cent Susan B. Anthony Stamp
This exploration of the 50-cent Susan B. Anthony stamp has revealed its multifaceted nature. From its initial release in 1979 and subsequent withdrawal to its eventual reintroduction and continued usage, the stamp’s journey reflects a complex interplay of design choices, public perception, and historical significance. The round shape, intended for innovation, presented unforeseen challenges in functionality, contributing to initial unpopularity. However, the stamp’s association with Susan B. Anthony and the women’s suffrage movement ensured its enduring relevance within American culture. The denomination, initially a source of confusion, ultimately reflects the importance of the subject being commemorated.
The 50-cent Susan B. Anthony stamp serves as a tangible reminder of the challenges and triumphs inherent in commemorating historical figures and social movements. It stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Susan B. Anthony and the ongoing struggle for equality, encapsulated within a small yet powerful piece of postal history. Further research into the stamp’s design, production, and usage offers continued opportunities to explore its place within broader discussions of graphic design, postal operations, and American history. The stamp’s story encourages reflection on the intersection of functionality, symbolism, and public perception in the creation and interpretation of everyday objects.
