The 15-cent postage stamp featuring William “Buffalo Bill” Cody, issued in 1968 as part of the Prominent Americans series, commemorates the life and legacy of the renowned frontiersman, showman, and Army scout. This stamp portrays Cody in his later years, recognizable by his long hair and mustache, and serves as a visual reminder of his significant contributions to American history.
This particular stamp holds significance for both philatelists and history enthusiasts. It offers a tangible connection to a pivotal figure in the American West, embodying the spirit of exploration, expansion, and the romanticized image of the frontier. The stamp’s issue date, during a period of significant social and political change, also adds to its historical context. It represents a moment of reflection on American heritage amidst a rapidly evolving nation.
Further exploration of this topic can delve into aspects such as the stamp’s design process, its printing methods, its value within stamp collecting communities, and the broader impact of Codys persona on American culture.
Collecting and Appreciating Historical Postage
Preserving historical postage requires careful consideration and informed practices. The following provides guidance for both novice and experienced collectors.
Tip 1: Proper Storage is Crucial: Store stamps in archival-quality albums or protective sleeves. Avoid direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and high humidity to prevent fading and deterioration. Acid-free materials are essential for long-term preservation.
Tip 2: Handling with Care: Stamps should be handled with clean hands or stamp tongs to avoid transferring oils and dirt. Minimize touching the adhesive side to maintain its integrity.
Tip 3: Research and Identification: Utilize reputable catalogs and online resources to identify and authenticate stamps. Understanding a stamp’s history and variations adds to its value and appreciation.
Tip 4: Building a Thematic Collection: Focusing on a specific theme, such as historical figures or events, can provide a rewarding collecting experience. A thematic approach allows for in-depth exploration of a particular area of interest.
Tip 5: Connecting with Other Collectors: Joining philatelic societies and online forums provides opportunities to share knowledge, exchange stamps, and learn from experienced collectors.
Tip 6: Understanding Value and Appraisal: Stamp values fluctuate based on factors such as rarity, condition, and demand. Consulting with reputable appraisers can provide accurate assessments.
Tip 7: The Importance of Provenance: Documenting the history of a stamp’s ownership, known as provenance, can enhance its value and historical significance.
By adhering to these guidelines, collectors can ensure the long-term preservation and appreciation of historical postage, contributing to the ongoing study and enjoyment of these miniature works of art.
These practices facilitate a deeper understanding of the historical, artistic, and cultural significance embedded within each stamp.
1. William Frederick "Buffalo Bill" Cody
William Frederick “Buffalo Bill” Cody’s enduring image is inextricably linked to the 1968 15-cent postage stamp bearing his likeness. The stamp serves as a tangible representation of Cody’s multifaceted legacy as a frontiersman, scout, and showman. His life, encompassing experiences from the Pony Express to the Wild West shows, captured the American imagination and contributed to the romanticized vision of the West. The decision to feature Cody on a postage stamp reflects his recognized historical importance. The stamp acknowledges his impact on shaping perceptions of the American frontier and solidifies his place within the national narrative. The visual representation on the stamp, depicting Cody in his later years, further reinforces the iconic image cultivated through his Wild West performances.
The stamp’s existence offers a tangible link to Cody’s legacy. Collectors and historians can hold a piece of history, connecting with the individual who embodied the spirit of westward expansion. The stamp’s issue date in 1968 also provides historical context. Amidst a period of social and political upheaval, the stamp represents a nostalgic reflection on American heritage and a nod to a figure who symbolized a bygone era. The stamp’s value extends beyond its monetary worth; it acts as a cultural artifact, encapsulating a specific moment in American history and its evolving relationship with its past. Its continued presence in collections serves as a testament to Cody’s enduring influence on American culture.
The connection between William Frederick “Buffalo Bill” Cody and the 15-cent stamp bearing his name transcends a mere depiction. It represents a deliberate act of commemoration, recognizing Cody’s contributions and cementing his place in the American historical consciousness. The stamp’s enduring presence highlights the power of visual representation in shaping historical memory and underscores the importance of recognizing individuals who, like Cody, shaped the nation’s identity. Further exploration of Codys life and the stamps historical context deepens appreciation for this interwoven narrative of a man, an era, and a nations evolving self-perception.
2. 1968 Prominent Americans Series
The 15-cent Buffalo Bill Cody stamp derives significant context from its inclusion within the 1968 Prominent Americans series. This series, initiated by the United States Postal Service, sought to honor individuals who made substantial contributions to American society. The selection of Buffalo Bill Cody for this series acknowledges his recognized impact on shaping perceptions of the American West. The series itself provides a framework for understanding the stamp’s purpose, which extends beyond mere postage. By placing Cody alongside other notable figures, the stamp reinforces his importance within a broader historical narrative. The series format also contributed to the stamp’s collectibility. Thematic collections focused on the Prominent Americans series often include the Cody stamp, enhancing its desirability among philatelists. Other figures featured in the 1968 series included Robert Frost and Charles Evans Hughes, providing examples of the diverse fields represented within the series.
The Prominent Americans series offered a structured approach to commemorating historical figures. The consistent design elements across the series, such as the standardized portraits and denominations, created a cohesive visual identity. This standardized format enhanced the series’ appeal to collectors while ensuring each stamp maintained individual significance. The series fostered an organized approach to historical remembrance, providing a platform for educating the public about key figures who shaped the nation. The inclusion of Cody within this framework solidified his place within the pantheon of recognized American historical figures, contributing to the stamp’s lasting value. The 1968 series represents a specific moment in American history, reflecting the cultural values and priorities of the time. This context adds another layer of meaning to the Cody stamp, connecting it to the broader social and political landscape of the late 1960s.
Understanding the relationship between the 1968 Prominent Americans series and the Buffalo Bill Cody stamp provides crucial insight into the stamps significance. The series elevates the stamp from a simple postal artifact to a recognized piece of American history. This connection enhances the stamps value for collectors and historians alike, offering a tangible link to a specific era and a structured approach to commemorating national figures. The series context allows for a deeper appreciation of Cody’s place within American history and the broader cultural significance of postal commemoration. Recognizing this interconnectedness contributes to a more nuanced understanding of both the stamp and the historical figure it represents.
3. Fifteen-cent denomination
The fifteen-cent denomination of the Buffalo Bill Cody stamp provides crucial context for understanding its historical placement and significance within the broader postal system. This specific denomination reflects the standard first-class postage rate in the United States during the stamp’s issue in 1968. Analyzing this aspect reveals insights into the stamp’s practical function and its relationship to contemporary postal rates.
- First-Class Postage Rate
The fifteen-cent denomination aligned with the cost of sending a standard letter through first-class mail in 1968. This fact underscores the stamp’s primary function as a means of paying for postal services. Understanding this basic function illuminates the stamp’s practical role within the communication systems of the time. This association with a standard rate also contributes to the stamp’s commonality, making it more accessible to collectors.
- Postal Rate History
Examining the history of postal rates surrounding 1968 provides further context. Fluctuations in rates before and after the stamp’s issue highlight the economic and logistical factors influencing postal pricing. Tracing these changes illuminates the broader economic context surrounding the stamps usage and its place within a dynamic system of postal services.
- Relationship to Other Denominations
Comparing the fifteen-cent denomination to other stamp values issued during the same period allows for an understanding of relative costs and the hierarchy of postal services. This comparison highlights the range of postal options available and the specific niche the Cody stamp filled within this system. It also offers insights into the design and printing strategies employed for stamps of different denominations.
- Impact on Collectibility
The fifteen-cent denomination contributes to the stamps collectibility. Its commonality as a standard postage stamp implies wider circulation, potentially increasing the number of surviving examples. This availability, coupled with its historical significance, creates a balance between accessibility and value for collectors. Variations in printing and condition further influence a stamps individual value within this context.
The fifteen-cent denomination of the Buffalo Bill Cody stamp offers a multifaceted lens through which to examine its historical context and ongoing relevance. By considering its role within the postal system, its relationship to other denominations, and its impact on collectibility, a richer understanding of the stamp emerges. This analysis provides a deeper appreciation of the stamp as both a historical artifact and a collectible item, illuminating the intersection of postal history and numismatics.
4. American Western Expansion
The 15-cent Buffalo Bill Cody stamp serves as a miniature portal to the era of American Western expansion, a period of transformative growth and complex interactions between cultures and environments. Cody, a prominent figure of this era, embodied the spirit of westward movement, and the stamp’s issuance in 1968 reflects a continued national interest in this historical period. Examining the multifaceted aspects of westward expansion provides crucial context for understanding the stamp’s significance.
- Manifest Destiny and Frontier Ideology
The concept of Manifest Destiny, a belief in the divinely ordained right to expand westward, fueled much of the expansionist drive. This ideology, coupled with the romanticized notion of the frontier as a land of opportunity and self-reliance, propelled settlers westward. Cody’s own life and exploits, often portrayed in his Wild West shows, contributed to this romanticized image. The stamp, by featuring Cody, indirectly references this powerful ideological force that shaped westward expansion.
- Impact on Indigenous Populations
Westward expansion had a devastating impact on Native American tribes. Displacement, conflict, and the erosion of traditional ways of life marked this period. While Cody’s relationship with Native Americans was complex, the stamp’s commemoration of his image necessitates acknowledging the broader context of westward expansion’s detrimental consequences for indigenous populations. The stamp serves as a reminder of this complicated historical legacy.
- Economic Drivers and Resource Exploitation
The pursuit of economic opportunities, including access to land, minerals, and resources, motivated many westward migrants. The expansion of railroads, mining operations, and agricultural enterprises transformed the western landscape. Cody’s involvement in various frontier activities, from buffalo hunting to scouting, reflects these economic drivers. The stamp indirectly acknowledges the role of economic ambition in shaping westward expansion.
- Mythologizing the West
The era of westward expansion gave rise to a mythology of the West, often portraying rugged individualism, heroic cowboys, and dramatic encounters with Native Americans. Cody’s Wild West shows played a significant role in perpetuating these myths, shaping popular perceptions of the West both domestically and internationally. The stamp, by commemorating Cody, becomes entangled with this process of myth-making and its enduring impact on American culture.
The 15-cent Buffalo Bill Cody stamp cannot be fully understood without considering its connection to the complexities of American Western expansion. By exploring the interplay of Manifest Destiny, the displacement of Native Americans, economic drivers, and the mythologizing of the West, the stamp’s significance as a historical artifact becomes more apparent. It serves not only as a tribute to an individual but also as a window into a transformative and often controversial period in American history. Further exploration of these facets provides a richer understanding of the stamp’s enduring relevance and its connection to the ongoing narrative of the American West.
5. Historical Postal Artifact
The “Buffalo Bill Cody 15-cent stamp” exemplifies a historical postal artifact, offering a tangible link to past communication practices and cultural values. Its significance extends beyond mere postage; it embodies a specific historical moment, reflecting contemporary design aesthetics, printing techniques, and postal rates. As a primary source, the stamp provides insights into the United States Postal Service’s operations and commemorative practices in 1968. The choice of subject matterBuffalo Bill Codyreveals prevailing cultural interests and the desire to honor figures associated with westward expansion. The stamp’s physical characteristics, such as its perforated edges and ink composition, offer clues about printing technologies of the era. Its condition, including potential cancellations or postmarks, can reveal its usage history and geographic journey. Similar historical postal artifacts, like the Inverted Jenny stamp or stamps commemorating significant events, demonstrate the value of these items in understanding historical context.
Further analysis of the stamp as a historical postal artifact reveals its layered significance. The stamp’s denomination, fifteen cents, reflects the standard first-class postage rate in 1968, offering insights into the cost of communication during that period. Its placement within the “Prominent Americans” series connects it to a broader commemorative program and reveals the Postal Service’s efforts to celebrate historical figures. Examining the stamp’s design, including the portrait of Cody and the typographic elements, provides information about graphic design trends of the late 1960s. Comparing the Cody stamp to other stamps issued concurrently reveals stylistic similarities and differences, illuminating design conventions and the evolution of postal aesthetics. The stamp’s survival and presence in collections today underscores its enduring value as a historical record and its contribution to philatelic research.
In summary, the Buffalo Bill Cody 15-cent stamp demonstrates the rich historical information embedded within seemingly mundane postal artifacts. Its value extends beyond its original purpose, serving as a primary source for understanding communication systems, cultural values, and technological advancements of its time. Careful examination of these artifacts, coupled with analysis of their historical context, provides valuable insights into the past. This understanding enhances appreciation for the intricate narratives encapsulated within historical postal materials and underscores their importance as tangible remnants of bygone eras.
6. Collectible philatelic item
The “Buffalo Bill Cody 15-cent stamp” transcends its utilitarian function as postage, achieving significance as a collectible philatelic item. Its desirability within stamp collecting communities stems from a confluence of factors, including its historical context, subject matter, and potential for variations. Understanding these factors provides insight into the stamp’s value and its appeal to philatelists.
- Historical Context
Issued in 1968, the stamp reflects the cultural and historical climate of the era. Its association with the Prominent Americans series adds to its collectibility, placing it within a recognized thematic framework. The series itself represents a specific moment in American history, contributing to the stamp’s appeal among collectors interested in this period.
- Subject Matter
The stamp features William “Buffalo Bill” Cody, a prominent figure of the American West. Cody’s iconic status as a frontiersman, scout, and showman contributes significantly to the stamp’s desirability. Collectors interested in Western Americana, historical figures, or the history of the Wild West shows find this stamp particularly appealing. The stamp acts as a tangible link to Cody’s legacy and the broader narrative of westward expansion.
- Variations and Errors
Variations in printing, such as color shifts, plate flaws, or perforation errors, can significantly impact a stamp’s value. Collectors actively seek out these variations, adding an element of scarcity and rarity to the pursuit. The existence of potential errors transforms the stamp from a common postal item into a unique collectible, increasing its desirability among philatelists. These variations provide opportunities for specialized collecting within the broader context of the Buffalo Bill Cody stamp.
- Condition and Preservation
The condition of a stamp plays a crucial role in determining its value. Factors such as centering, gum condition (if unused), and the presence of any damage influence collectibility. Collectors prioritize well-preserved examples, recognizing that condition directly impacts both aesthetic appeal and monetary worth. Proper storage and handling practices become essential for maintaining a stamp’s condition and preserving its value over time.
The intersection of these factors contributes to the “Buffalo Bill Cody 15-cent stamp’s” status as a desirable collectible philatelic item. Its historical context, subject matter, potential for variations, and the importance of condition combine to create a nuanced and engaging pursuit for collectors. Understanding these elements allows for a deeper appreciation of the stamp’s value and its enduring appeal within the world of philately. The stamp becomes more than just a piece of postage; it transforms into a tangible piece of history, a collectible artifact reflecting cultural interests and the enduring legacy of Buffalo Bill Cody.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries regarding the 15-cent Buffalo Bill Cody postage stamp, providing concise and informative responses.
Question 1: What is the historical significance of the Buffalo Bill Cody stamp?
The stamp commemorates William “Buffalo Bill” Cody, a prominent figure of the American West, recognizing his contributions as a frontiersman, scout, and showman. Its issuance in 1968 reflects continued national interest in westward expansion and its iconic figures.
Question 2: When was the stamp issued, and what was its denomination?
The stamp was issued in 1968 as part of the Prominent Americans series. Its denomination was fifteen cents, corresponding to the first-class postage rate at the time.
Question 3: How can one determine the value of a Buffalo Bill Cody stamp?
Several factors influence value, including condition, centering, and the presence of any printing variations or errors. Consulting reputable stamp catalogs or seeking professional appraisal can provide accurate assessments.
Question 4: Are there different variations of the Buffalo Bill Cody stamp?
Variations can occur due to printing processes, resulting in differences in color, perforation, or other details. These variations can impact a stamp’s collectibility and value.
Question 5: Where can one acquire a Buffalo Bill Cody stamp for a collection?
These stamps can often be found at stamp dealers, online marketplaces, auctions, or through philatelic societies. Reputable sources should be consulted to ensure authenticity.
Question 6: How should one store a Buffalo Bill Cody stamp to preserve its condition?
Storing stamps in acid-free albums or protective sleeves, away from direct sunlight, humidity, and extreme temperatures helps preserve their condition and prevents deterioration. Handling with clean hands or stamp tongs is also recommended.
Careful consideration of these frequently asked questions provides a deeper understanding of the Buffalo Bill Cody stamp’s significance and value within philately and American history. Further research and engagement with philatelic resources can enhance appreciation for this historical postal artifact.
Exploring related topics, such as the history of postal rates, the Prominent Americans series, and the broader context of American Western expansion, enriches understanding of this collectible item.
Buffalo Bill Cody 15-Cent Stamp
Exploration of the Buffalo Bill Cody 15-cent stamp reveals its multifaceted significance. Issued in 1968 as part of the Prominent Americans series, the stamp commemorates a pivotal figure of the American West. Analysis of its historical context, including its denomination, design, and connection to westward expansion, illuminates its value as a historical postal artifact. Furthermore, its collectibility among philatelists stems from factors such as subject matter, potential variations, and condition, solidifying its position as a desirable item within stamp collecting communities. The stamp embodies a tangible link to a transformative period in American history, offering insights into cultural values, communication practices, and the enduring legacy of Buffalo Bill Cody.
The Buffalo Bill Cody 15-cent stamp serves as a reminder of the rich historical narratives embedded within philatelic materials. Continued examination of such artifacts contributes to a deeper understanding of the past and encourages further exploration of the individuals and events that shaped American history. Preservation and study of these seemingly small objects offer valuable insights into broader cultural, social, and historical trends. The stamp’s enduring presence in collections underscores its significance as both a historical record and a testament to the enduring fascination with the American West.
