A United States postage stamp issued in 1938 featured President Theodore Roosevelt and was denominated six cents. This stamp, part of the Presidential Series, depicted Roosevelt based on a photograph taken by Pach Brothers Studio. It served as a common method for mailing letters and packages during its circulation.
Issued during a period of economic recovery and international tension, this postal artifact reflects a specific moment in American history. The stamp served not only a practical purpose but also as a symbolic representation of leadership and national identity. Its relatively low denomination suggests its use for everyday correspondence, offering a glimpse into the communication practices of the era. Philatelically, it represents a key component of the popular Presidential Series, valued by collectors for its historical significance and design.
Further exploration could delve into the design process, printing methods, and usage statistics of this particular stamp, as well as the broader context of stamp collecting and postal history during the late 1930s.
Tips for Researching Presidential Series Stamps
Thorough research yields valuable insights into the historical and philatelic significance of stamps such as the 1938 six-cent Roosevelt issue. The following tips offer guidance for effective research strategies.
Tip 1: Consult Specialized Catalogs: Detailed catalogs like the Scott Specialized Catalogue of United States Stamps and Covers provide essential information on identification, variations, and market values.
Tip 2: Examine Online Resources: Reputable philatelic websites and online databases offer images, articles, and forum discussions beneficial for expanding knowledge.
Tip 3: Join Philatelic Societies: Organizations like the American Philatelic Society provide access to expert advice, publications, and networking opportunities.
Tip 4: Visit Libraries and Archives: Archival materials and historical documents can offer deeper context regarding stamp production and usage.
Tip 5: Attend Stamp Shows and Auctions: These events offer opportunities to view stamps firsthand, learn from dealers and collectors, and potentially acquire desired items.
Tip 6: Focus on Condition: A stamp’s condition significantly impacts its value. Understanding grading standards and recognizing flaws is crucial.
Careful research facilitates informed collecting decisions and enhances appreciation for the historical and artistic merits of these miniature artifacts. Applying these research strategies can lead to a more rewarding collecting experience.
By employing these methods, one can develop a deeper understanding of the significance of stamps like the 1938 issue and the broader historical narrative they represent.
1. Theodore Roosevelt
The 1938 six-cent stamp featuring Theodore Roosevelt represents a tangible link to the 26th President of the United States. Understanding Roosevelt’s legacy provides crucial context for appreciating the stamp’s historical significance. His multifaceted career and enduring impact on American society are reflected in this philatelic tribute.
- Presidency (1901-1909)
Roosevelt’s presidency, marked by progressive reforms, conservation efforts, and a “big stick” foreign policy, cemented his place as a transformative figure. The stamp serves as a reminder of his impactful time in office.
- Conservationism
A staunch advocate for environmental protection, Roosevelt established numerous national parks and wildlife refuges. The stamp indirectly acknowledges his contributions to conservation, a legacy still relevant today.
- “Rough Rider” Persona
Roosevelt’s image as a rugged outdoorsman and war hero contributed to his popular appeal. This persona, captured in the stamp’s portrait, resonated with the public and continues to shape his historical image.
- Post-Presidency Advocacy
Roosevelt remained active in public life after leaving office, advocating for various causes. The stamp, issued years after his death, serves as a lasting tribute to his enduring influence on American political discourse.
These facets of Roosevelt’s life and career provide a deeper understanding of the six-cent stamp’s significance. It commemorates not only a president but also a complex figure who shaped American history in profound ways. The stamp stands as a small yet powerful reminder of Roosevelt’s enduring legacy.
2. Presidential Series
The 1938 six-cent Roosevelt stamp holds a significant place within the larger context of the Presidential Series, a definitive stamp issue honoring U.S. presidents. Understanding the series purpose, design choices, and historical context provides crucial insight into the individual stamps significance.
- Purpose of the Series
The Presidential Series aimed to honor significant American presidents, providing a visual representation of their contributions to the nation’s history. The inclusion of Theodore Roosevelt underscores his recognized importance and lasting legacy.
- Design and Engraving
The series employed engraved portraits based on existing photographs, resulting in a consistent aesthetic across the various denominations. The Roosevelt stamp, based on a Pach Brothers Studio photograph, exemplifies this design approach. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing meticulously crafted these stamps, ensuring high-quality reproductions.
- Historical Context
Issued during the Great Depression and the lead-up to World War II, the Presidential Series offered a sense of stability and national pride. The Roosevelt stamp, released in 1938, reflects the social and political climate of the era.
- Philatelic Significance
The Presidential Series remains a popular and readily available collectible among philatelists. The six-cent Roosevelt stamp, due to its common usage, represents an accessible entry point for collectors interested in the series or Roosevelt himself.
These interconnected facets of the Presidential Series contribute to the six-cent Roosevelt stamp’s significance. The stamp transcends its functional purpose as postage, becoming a tangible representation of a specific historical moment and a tribute to a prominent American leader within a broader philatelic context. Its presence in the series solidifies its place as a significant artifact of American history and postal heritage.
3. 1938 Issuance
The year 1938 provides crucial context for understanding the six-cent Roosevelt stamp. The Great Depression continued to impact the United States, while international tensions escalated in Europe and Asia. This specific historical backdrop shapes the stamp’s significance, influencing its production, usage, and perceived meaning. The stamp’s release during this period connects it to the everyday experiences and anxieties of Americans navigating a complex and uncertain world.
The six-cent denomination reflected standard postal rates for first-class mail at the time. This relatively low cost ensured widespread usage for personal correspondence and business transactions. Thus, the 1938 issuance date directly links the stamp to the communication practices of the era. Millions of these stamps facilitated the flow of information and personal connections across the country, offering a tangible link to daily life during the late 1930s. Examining postal records and period correspondence can further illuminate the stamp’s role in communication networks.
Understanding the 1938 context enriches appreciation for the six-cent Roosevelt stamp. It moves beyond a simple philatelic artifact, becoming a historical marker reflecting economic hardship, geopolitical instability, and everyday communication practices. This nuanced perspective enhances its value for collectors and historians seeking insights into this pivotal period in American history. Connecting seemingly mundane objects to broader historical narratives illuminates the past and offers valuable lessons for the present.
4. Six-cent Denomination
The six-cent denomination of the 1938 Roosevelt stamp directly relates to its function and usage within the postal system of the time. This specific face value corresponded to the first-class postage rate, making it the standard cost for mailing a typical letter. Therefore, the six-cent denomination determined the stamp’s widespread applicability for everyday correspondence. One can imagine countless letters, bills, and postcards bearing this Roosevelt stamp, traversing the country throughout 1938 and beyond.
The choice of a six-cent denomination placed this particular stamp within reach of the average citizen. Unlike higher denominations intended for larger packages or special services, the six-cent stamp facilitated routine communication. This accessibility contributed to its ubiquity and ensures its continued availability for collectors today. A lower denomination also suggests more frequent usage, implying that this stamp played a significant role in the daily lives of individuals and businesses during the late 1930s. Researching postal rates and comparing them with other denominations offered concurrently provides further insight into the relative cost and prevalence of this stamp.
Understanding the significance of the six-cent denomination provides a deeper appreciation for the 1938 Roosevelt stamp’s practical function and historical context. It highlights its role in facilitating communication during a specific period and its accessibility to a broad segment of the population. This seemingly minor detail offers a tangible connection to the past, revealing insights into the daily lives and economic realities of the era. Further investigation into postal history and stamp collecting practices can enrich this understanding and broaden historical perspectives.
5. Pach Brothers Studio portrait
The 1938 six-cent Roosevelt stamp derives its imagery directly from a photograph taken by the renowned Pach Brothers Studio. This studio, active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, specialized in portrait photography, capturing images of numerous prominent figures. The selection of a Pach Brothers portrait for the stamp design underscores the studio’s reputation and the photograph’s suitability for reproduction on a small scale. Understanding the Pach Brothers’ role and photographic techniques provides crucial context for appreciating the stamp’s visual elements.
- Studio’s Reputation
The Pach Brothers Studio held a prominent position in portrait photography, known for its technical skill and ability to capture a subject’s likeness effectively. Their reputation likely influenced the decision to use their photograph for the stamp, ensuring a recognizable and respected image of Roosevelt.
- Photographic Techniques
The Pach Brothers employed specific photographic techniques and lighting styles common to the era. Analyzing the original photograph reveals details about these methods and how they contributed to the final image used on the stamp. The portrait’s clarity and composition made it suitable for adaptation to the engraving process.
- Portrait Style
The chosen portrait reflects prevailing portraiture conventions of the time, capturing Roosevelt in a formal pose and attire. This style contributed to the stamp’s overall aesthetic and conveyed a sense of dignity and authority befitting a presidential figure. Comparing this portrait with other depictions of Roosevelt reveals stylistic choices and potential symbolic interpretations.
- Engraving Process
The Pach Brothers photograph served as the basis for the stamp’s engraved design. The engraver meticulously translated the photographic details into a format suitable for printing. Examining the engraving reveals the artistic interpretation and technical skill involved in transferring the image to the stamp.
The Pach Brothers Studio portrait forms the foundation of the 1938 six-cent Roosevelt stamp’s visual identity. Understanding the studio’s reputation, photographic techniques, and the engraving process enhances appreciation for the stamp’s design. This connection between photography and philately provides a unique perspective on both the artistic process and historical context surrounding the stamp’s creation. Further investigation into the Pach Brothers’ portfolio and the history of stamp engraving can enrich this understanding.
6. Engraved design
The engraved design of the 1938 six-cent Roosevelt stamp represents a crucial element contributing to its aesthetic appeal, security, and historical significance. Engraving, a dominant printing method for postage stamps during this period, offered distinct advantages over other techniques. The process involved meticulously carving the design into a metal die, which then served to impress the image onto the stamp paper. This method resulted in fine details and raised lines, readily discernible by touch and visually appealing. The engraved design enhanced the stamp’s perceived value and provided a measure of protection against counterfeiting, a significant concern for postal authorities. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing, responsible for producing U.S. postage stamps, employed highly skilled engravers to ensure quality and precision.
The choice of an engraved design for the Roosevelt stamp reflects prevailing aesthetic preferences and technical capabilities of the era. Engraving conveyed a sense of formality and permanence suitable for a stamp honoring a former president. The intricate details captured in the portrait and lettering demonstrate the engraver’s artistry and technical mastery. Comparing the engraved stamp with the original Pach Brothers photograph reveals the translation from photographic image to engraved representation. This process involved artistic interpretation and technical skill in rendering tones, textures, and details within the constraints of the stamp’s small size. The engraved design also influenced the stamp’s tactile quality, adding another dimension to its appreciation.
Understanding the significance of the engraved design provides deeper insight into the 1938 six-cent Roosevelt stamp’s production, appearance, and historical context. It highlights the technical and artistic skills involved in creating stamps during this period and the aesthetic considerations that influenced design choices. The engraved design contributes to the stamp’s collectibility and historical value, serving as a tangible representation of a specific era in stamp production and design. Further exploration of engraving techniques and the history of stamp printing can enhance this understanding and offer valuable insights into the broader context of philately and graphic arts.
7. Common Usage
The common usage of the 1938 six-cent Roosevelt stamp directly stems from its denomination aligning with the standard first-class postage rate at the time. This affordability ensured its widespread adoption for everyday correspondence, from personal letters and greeting cards to business invoices and official documents. The sheer volume of mail processed daily during this period resulted in millions of these stamps circulating throughout the postal system. This common usage contributes significantly to the stamp’s historical importance, reflecting communication practices and economic realities of the late 1930s. Examples include its use on letters between family members separated by distance, job applications sent during the challenging economic climate, and everyday business transactions conducted through the mail. These seemingly mundane applications highlight the stamp’s integral role in connecting individuals and facilitating commerce during a pivotal period in American history.
The widespread use of the six-cent Roosevelt stamp also impacted its current availability for collectors. Its high production volume and common usage mean that examples remain relatively accessible and affordable compared to rarer or higher denomination stamps. While condition significantly impacts value, the prevalence of this particular stamp makes it an ideal entry point for collectors interested in the Presidential Series or Roosevelt’s era. Furthermore, the stamp’s commonality allows researchers to study postal markings, cancellation types, and usage patterns across different regions and timeframes, offering valuable insights into postal history and communication networks of the period. Analyzing large quantities of these stamps can reveal trends in mail volume, geographic distribution, and even social interactions based on correspondence patterns.
Understanding the common usage of the six-cent Roosevelt stamp provides a crucial link between a small, everyday object and the broader historical narrative of the late 1930s. Its prevalence reflects not only postal rates and communication practices but also the economic and social conditions of the era. While its commonality might initially suggest diminished value, it is precisely this widespread use that makes the stamp a valuable historical artifact, accessible to a broad range of collectors and researchers seeking to understand the nuances of daily life during this period. The stamps common usage elevates its significance beyond a simple philatelic item, transforming it into a tangible representation of communication, commerce, and connection during a transformative period in American history.
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 authenticity of a six-cent Roosevelt stamp?
Authenticity verification involves examining printing characteristics, paper type, and comparing the stamp with established references like specialized catalogs. Consulting experienced philatelists is also recommended.
Question 2: What factors influence the value of a six-cent Roosevelt stamp?
Condition, centering, and the presence of any flaws or variations significantly impact value. Consulting current market listings and seeking professional appraisals can provide accurate assessments.
Question 3: Where can one acquire a six-cent Roosevelt stamp for a collection?
Reputable stamp dealers, online marketplaces, auctions, and stamp shows offer opportunities to acquire this stamp. Due to its common usage, it remains relatively accessible to collectors.
Question 4: Are there any notable variations or errors associated with the six-cent Roosevelt stamp?
While not as prevalent as with some other stamps, minor printing variations and color shifts can occur. Specialized catalogs document known varieties, adding to their collectibility.
Question 5: How should one store and preserve a six-cent Roosevelt stamp to maintain its condition?
Acid-free albums, mounts, and protective sleeves help preserve stamp condition. Avoid exposure to excessive humidity, direct sunlight, and temperature fluctuations.
Question 6: What resources offer further information on the six-cent Roosevelt stamp and related philatelic topics?
Specialized stamp catalogs, philatelic societies, online forums, and library resources provide extensive information. Engaging with experienced collectors can also enhance knowledge.
Careful consideration of these questions and answers facilitates informed collecting decisions and fosters a deeper appreciation for the historical and philatelic context of the 1938 six-cent Roosevelt stamp. Further research utilizing reliable resources can enhance understanding and contribute to a more enriching collecting experience.
Further sections of this resource will explore related topics, providing additional context and insights.
Conclusion
Exploration of the 1938 six-cent Roosevelt stamp reveals a convergence of historical context, artistic design, and practical function. From its place within the Presidential Series to the intricacies of its engraved portrait based on a Pach Brothers Studio photograph, each element contributes to its significance. Its common usage, tied to the prevailing postal rates of the time, further connects this small artifact to the daily lives and communications of individuals throughout the late 1930s. Understanding its production process, from design conception to widespread circulation, enhances appreciation for its place within both philatelic pursuits and broader historical narratives.
The six-cent Roosevelt stamp serves as a tangible reminder of a specific moment in American history. Further research and exploration of related philatelic materials offer opportunities to deepen understanding and connect seemingly mundane objects with larger historical narratives. Such investigations illuminate the past, offering valuable perspectives on communication, commerce, and the enduring legacy of historical figures. Continued exploration fosters appreciation for the intricate connections between small artifacts and the broader tapestry of history.
