A United States postage stamp issued in 1938 depicted Franklin Delano Roosevelt and was initially valued at six cents. This stamp, part of the Presidential Series, became a common sight on mail during the late 1930s and early 1940s.
This particular denomination played a significant role in everyday postal operations of its era, covering the standard first-class postage rate. It represents a tangible piece of American history, reflecting both the postal rates of the time and the enduring legacy of the 32nd president. The stamp’s widespread usage makes it a readily available collectible for philatelists today, offering insights into printing techniques and design choices of the period.
Further exploration of this topic can include examining the stamp’s design variations, its usage on different types of mail, and its value in today’s collectibles market. The historical context surrounding its issuance, including postal rate changes and Roosevelt’s presidency, can provide additional areas of study.
Tips for Collectors of the 1938 Presidential Series Issue
Careful consideration of several factors contributes to successful collecting and preservation of the 1938 six-cent Presidential Series stamp.
Tip 1: Condition Assessment: Examine stamps for centering, perforations, gum condition (if unused), and any flaws such as tears or thin spots. Condition significantly impacts value.
Tip 2: Identifying Variations: Different printings and paper types exist. Specialized catalogs and online resources can assist in identifying these variations, some of which are rarer and more valuable.
Tip 3: Proper Storage: Protect stamps from light, humidity, and temperature fluctuations using archival-quality albums and mounts. Avoid direct sunlight and plastic sleeves containing PVC.
Tip 4: Handling Techniques: Use stamp tongs to handle stamps, avoiding direct contact with fingers to prevent damage and transfer of oils.
Tip 5: Researching Historical Context: Understanding the historical context surrounding the stamp’s issuance, including postal rates and contemporary events, enhances appreciation and provides research avenues.
Tip 6: Connecting with Other Collectors: Joining philatelic societies or online forums allows for sharing knowledge, exchanging stamps, and learning from experienced collectors.
Tip 7: Authentication and Valuation: Consulting with reputable stamp dealers or experts can provide authentication and accurate appraisals, especially for potentially valuable varieties.
By following these guidelines, collectors can build valuable collections, preserve historical artifacts, and gain a deeper understanding of this significant philatelic item. This careful approach ensures the long-term preservation and enjoyment of these pieces of postal history.
Further exploration might include researching the design process, printing methods, and the broader impact of the Presidential Series on stamp collecting.
1. 1938 Presidential Series Issue
The 1938 Presidential Series issue represents a pivotal moment in American philately. This series, featuring portraits of U.S. presidents, introduced a standardized design format for postage stamps. The six-cent Roosevelt stamp emerged as a key component of this series, serving as the standard first-class postage rate. The series’ significance stems from its widespread usage and its impact on subsequent stamp designs. The six-cent Roosevelt stamp, due to its common usage, became a ubiquitous symbol of the era’s postal system. Its connection to the broader Presidential Series provides valuable context for understanding its historical and philatelic importance. For instance, examining the entire series illuminates the design choices and printing techniques employed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing during that period.
The Presidential Series standardized presidential portraits on postage, a practice largely continued in later issues. This standardization facilitated recognition and streamlined postal operations. The six-cent Roosevelt stamp exemplifies this shift, showcasing a clear portrait easily identifiable by postal workers and the public alike. This practicality contributed to the stamp’s widespread acceptance and usage. Moreover, the series marked a transition in stamp design, moving away from more ornate and complex imagery towards a simpler, more modern aesthetic. The six-cent Roosevelt stamp embodies this transition, its clean design reflecting the changing visual language of the time.
Understanding the relationship between the 1938 Presidential Series and the six-cent Roosevelt stamp provides essential historical and philatelic context. The series established a lasting design framework for presidential stamps, influencing later issues and shaping public perception of postage. The six-cent Roosevelt stamp, as a key component of this series, embodies the era’s postal rates, design aesthetics, and printing technologies. Analyzing these interconnected aspects offers valuable insights into the evolution of American postage and its role in communication and commerce. Further research could explore the specific printing variations within the six-cent Roosevelt stamp and their relative rarity, enhancing understanding of its collectibility and value.
2. Six-cent Denomination
The six-cent denomination played a crucial role in the usage and significance of the 1938 six-cent Roosevelt stamp. This specific denomination corresponded to the first-class postage rate at the time of the stamp’s issuance. This alignment meant the stamp saw widespread use on everyday mail, from letters and postcards to invoices and official documents. The high volume of mail using this denomination contributed directly to the stamp’s ubiquity and its subsequent historical importance. One can imagine countless letters bearing this stamp, traversing the country, facilitating communication during a period marked by significant social and political change. This connection between denomination and postage rate cemented the stamp’s role in the daily lives of Americans.
Understanding the six-cent denomination provides crucial context for collectors and historians. The prevalence of the stamp due to its denomination directly impacts its availability in the collectibles market today. While not necessarily rare, finding examples in pristine condition presents a challenge due to the stamp’s extensive handling during its postal service. The denomination also offers insights into the economic conditions of the time. Six cents represented a tangible cost for sending a letter, reflecting the purchasing power and economic realities of the late 1930s. Analyzing postal rates alongside historical events can provide valuable economic and social context.
In summary, the six-cent denomination inherently connects the Roosevelt stamp to its historical context. It explains the stamp’s widespread usage, influences its current availability for collectors, and provides a glimpse into the economic realities of its era. This understanding enhances appreciation for the stamp beyond its visual appeal, transforming it into a tangible artifact representing communication, commerce, and historical context. Further investigation might explore how postal rate changes impacted stamp usage and design, offering additional avenues for research and analysis.
3. Franklin D. Roosevelt portrait
The portrait of Franklin D. Roosevelt on the six-cent stamp holds significant historical and symbolic weight. Its presence transformed the stamp from a simple postage marker into a miniature tribute to the sitting president. This decision to feature Roosevelt reflects his prominence during a transformative period in American history, encompassing the Great Depression and the looming threat of World War II. The portrait’s widespread circulation on mail across the nation reinforced Roosevelt’s image and arguably contributed to his enduring public persona. The stamp served as a constant visual reminder of his leadership during challenging times, fostering a sense of national unity and connection to the presidency.
The specific portrait chosen for the stamp, a left-facing profile, became an iconic representation of Roosevelt. This image, reproduced millions of times, solidified a particular visual understanding of the president in the public consciousness. This widespread dissemination through the postal system arguably contributed to the portrait’s adoption in other media and its enduring recognition today. The stamp’s role in disseminating this specific image underscores the power of visual media, especially when combined with the widespread reach of the postal service. Consider the impact of seeing this portrait on countless letters and packages, subtly reinforcing Roosevelt’s presence in everyday life. This constant visibility likely contributed to the portrait’s enduring association with his presidency.
In summary, the inclusion of Roosevelt’s portrait on the six-cent stamp transcended its purely functional purpose. It served as a powerful tool for disseminating a specific image of the president, reinforcing his public persona, and connecting him directly with the everyday lives of Americans. This seemingly small detail offers valuable insights into the intersection of visual culture, political imagery, and the postal system’s influence during a pivotal period in American history. Further exploration might examine the artistic choices made in the portrait’s design and its relationship to other contemporary depictions of Roosevelt.
4. Common Usage for First-Class Mail
The connection between the six-cent Roosevelt stamp and its common usage for first-class mail is fundamental to understanding its historical significance. This specific denomination aligned with the first-class postage rate in 1938, resulting in its widespread appearance on everyday correspondence. This widespread use cemented the stamp’s place in the fabric of American life during this period.
- Volume of Mail
The six-cent rate covered the standard first-class mail, leading to high volumes of mail bearing the Roosevelt stamp. This volume translates to extensive handling and usage, explaining the relative scarcity of pristine examples today. Millions of letters, postcards, and other correspondence traveled the country bearing this stamp, showcasing its integral role in communication.
- Accessibility and Affordability
Six cents represented a relatively accessible cost for sending mail in the late 1930s, enabling widespread communication across economic strata. This affordability contributed to the stamp’s ubiquity, making it a commonplace item in households and businesses. This accessibility played a crucial role in keeping families connected and businesses operating smoothly.
- Everyday Correspondence
From personal letters to business invoices, the six-cent Roosevelt stamp facilitated a wide range of communication. This breadth of use underscores its integration into daily life, reflecting the era’s reliance on physical mail for personal and commercial interactions. The stamp’s presence on such diverse correspondence provides a tangible link to the past.
- Historical Record
The stamp’s common usage resulted in its appearance on countless documents, creating a valuable historical record. These surviving letters and documents offer glimpses into personal stories, business transactions, and social trends of the late 1930s and early 1940s. The stamp itself becomes a marker of this historical period, preserved on these surviving artifacts.
The common usage of the six-cent Roosevelt stamp for first-class mail directly contributes to its historical significance and its appeal to collectors. Its ubiquity reflects the era’s communication practices, economic realities, and the central role of the postal service in connecting the nation. This understanding elevates the stamp from a simple piece of postage to a tangible artifact representing a specific time and place in American history.
5. Collectible Value Varies by Condition
The collectible value of a 1938 six-cent Roosevelt stamp hinges significantly on its condition. Factors such as centering, perforations, gum condition (if unused), and the absence of flaws like tears or thin spots contribute directly to a stamp’s market value. A well-centered stamp with intact perforations and original gum commands a higher price than a poorly centered, damaged example. This condition-dependent valuation reflects standard philatelic practice, where preservation quality directly impacts desirability and price.
The impact of condition on value stems from collectors’ desire for pristine examples. A stamp’s journey through the postal system often results in wear and tear. Consequently, stamps that escaped heavy handling and exhibit minimal imperfections become more desirable and, therefore, more valuable. For example, a six-cent Roosevelt stamp used on a registered letter, thus receiving special handling, might exhibit better condition than one used on everyday mail. Similarly, stamps preserved in albums from the time of issue often demonstrate superior condition compared to loose examples subjected to handling and environmental factors.
Understanding the relationship between condition and value provides crucial guidance for collectors and sellers. Careful assessment of a stamp’s condition allows for accurate valuation and informed purchasing decisions. Recognizing the factors that contribute to conditioncentering, perforations, gum, and flawsenables collectors to prioritize quality and make sound investments. This understanding also underscores the importance of proper storage techniques to maintain a stamp’s condition and, consequently, its value over time. Neglecting proper storage can lead to deterioration, diminishing a stamp’s desirability and impacting its potential resale value.
6. Reflects Historical Postal Rates
The 1938 six-cent Roosevelt stamp offers a tangible representation of historical postal rates. Its denomination directly reflects the first-class postage rate established in that year. Examining this connection provides valuable insight into the economic and social context of the era, linking a seemingly simple stamp to broader historical trends.
- First-Class Postage Rate
The six-cent denomination aligned precisely with the cost of sending a standard first-class letter in 1938. This correspondence between the stamp’s value and the prevailing rate explains its widespread usage. Understanding this connection allows researchers to analyze postal rate fluctuations over time, revealing trends in communication costs and affordability.
- Affordability and Accessibility
Six cents, while a modest sum today, represented a specific cost within the economic context of the late 1930s. Analyzing this cost relative to average incomes and other expenses provides insights into the accessibility of postal services during that period. This affordability contributed to the widespread use of mail for both personal and commercial purposes.
- Changes in Postal Rates
Comparing the six-cent rate of 1938 to earlier and later postal rates illustrates how communication costs evolved over time. Such comparisons reveal the impact of economic fluctuations, technological advancements, and policy changes on postal services. The six-cent stamp serves as a benchmark within this broader historical trajectory.
- Economic Indicator
Postal rates can serve as an economic indicator, reflecting broader economic trends and government policies. The six-cent rate offers a snapshot of the economic landscape of 1938, reflecting the financial realities of the Great Depression era. Studying postal rates in conjunction with other economic indicators provides a more comprehensive understanding of historical economic conditions.
The six-cent Roosevelt stamp’s denomination offers more than just a face value; it provides a window into the economic and social realities of its time. Analyzing this connection enhances understanding of historical postal rates, their fluctuations, and their impact on communication practices. The stamp becomes a tangible artifact reflecting broader economic and social trends. Further research might explore how postal rate changes influenced mail volume and the usage of different denominations.
7. Printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing
The 1938 six-cent Roosevelt stamp’s production by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) signifies more than just its origin; it speaks to the stamp’s authenticity, quality, and security. The BEP’s involvement, a standard practice for U.S. postage stamps, ensured precise and consistent production using advanced printing techniques. This association guarantees the stamp’s legitimacy and contributes to its historical value. The BEP’s meticulous production process, encompassing design engraving, plate making, and printing, resulted in a standardized product readily recognizable and accepted throughout the postal system. This standardization facilitated efficient processing and reduced the risk of counterfeiting. Real-life examples of counterfeit stamps highlight the importance of the BEP’s role in maintaining the integrity of postage.
The BEP’s use of specific inks, paper types, and printing methods for the six-cent Roosevelt stamp provides crucial information for collectors. Variations in these elements can create distinct varieties within the same issue, impacting a stamp’s rarity and collectibility. Understanding these nuances requires knowledge of the BEP’s production processes and the specific materials employed during different print runs. This knowledge empowers collectors to identify valuable variations and build more comprehensive collections. Furthermore, the BEP’s meticulous record-keeping provides valuable historical data regarding print runs, production quantities, and design modifications. This information enhances understanding of the stamp’s production history and its place within the larger context of U.S. postage.
The BEP’s role in producing the six-cent Roosevelt stamp underscores the importance of security and standardization in postage production. This understanding allows for a more nuanced appreciation of the stamp’s historical and philatelic significance. Knowledge of the BEP’s printing processes and the resulting variations empowers collectors to make informed decisions. The BEP’s historical records provide valuable data for research and analysis, enriching the study of U.S. postal history. Challenges in identifying counterfeit stamps highlight the ongoing importance of the BEP’s work in maintaining the integrity of postage. This connection between the BEP and the six-cent Roosevelt stamp provides a deeper understanding of the stamp’s production, its variations, and its place within the broader context of U.S. philately.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries regarding the 1938 six-cent Roosevelt stamp, providing concise and informative responses.
Question 1: How can one determine the value of a six-cent Roosevelt stamp?
Value depends primarily on condition, including centering, perforations, and any flaws. Consulting specialized stamp catalogs and seeking expert opinions provide accurate valuations.
Question 2: Are there different varieties of the six-cent Roosevelt stamp?
Variations exist due to different printings, paper types, and perforation gauges. Specialized resources assist in identifying these distinctions.
Question 3: Where can one acquire six-cent Roosevelt stamps?
Stamp dealers, online marketplaces, and auctions offer potential avenues for acquisition. Reputable sources ensure authenticity.
Question 4: How should one store six-cent Roosevelt stamps to preserve their condition?
Archival-quality albums and acid-free mounts protect stamps from environmental damage. Avoiding direct sunlight, humidity, and PVC materials ensures long-term preservation.
Question 5: What historical context surrounds the issuance of the six-cent Roosevelt stamp?
The stamp’s issuance in 1938 coincided with Roosevelt’s second term and reflected the then-current first-class postage rate. Researching this period provides valuable context.
Question 6: Why is the six-cent Roosevelt stamp considered collectible?
Its historical significance, connection to Franklin D. Roosevelt, and variations in printing and condition contribute to its collectibility. It represents a tangible piece of postal history.
Understanding these key aspects enhances appreciation for this historical artifact. Careful consideration of condition, variations, and historical context allows for informed collecting and preservation.
Further exploration might include researching specific printing variations, examining historical postal rates, and consulting with experienced philatelists.
The Six-Cent Roosevelt Stamp
This exploration of the 1938 six-cent Roosevelt stamp reveals its multifaceted significance. From its role as a common postage item reflecting the era’s postal rates to its status as a collectible artifact bearing the image of a transformative president, this stamp embodies a specific historical moment. Its connection to the 1938 Presidential Series, its widespread usage for first-class mail, and its production by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing all contribute to its historical and philatelic importance. The interplay of condition, variations, and historical context shapes its value and appeal to collectors.
The six-cent Roosevelt stamp serves as a tangible reminder of the past, offering insights into communication practices, economic realities, and the enduring legacy of Franklin D. Roosevelt. Continued research and exploration within philately promise to uncover further nuances and deepen understanding of this seemingly modest yet historically significant artifact. Preserving these stamps safeguards not only postal history but also a tangible connection to a pivotal period in American history.
