The 15-cent postage stamp honoring Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr., Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, was issued in 1968. Part of the Prominent Americans series, the stamp featured a portrait of Holmes based on a photograph by Harris & Ewing. It exemplifies a common practice of commemorating significant figures through philately.
This commemorative stamp served multiple purposes. It provided a readily accessible and affordable way for the public to engage with Holmes’s legacy. The stamp’s circulation contributed to a broader awareness of his contributions to American jurisprudence. Issued during a period of significant social and political change, the stamp served as a reminder of the enduring principles of justice and law Holmes represented. Its release also held significance for collectors, adding a valuable piece to thematic collections focusing on American history, legal figures, or postal history.
Further exploration of this topic could delve into the design choices of the stamp, the specific printing processes employed, its value within philatelic markets, and the broader context of commemorative stamp issuance in the United States. Analysis of the Prominent Americans series as a whole can provide insights into the individuals chosen for recognition and the historical narratives constructed through these postal tributes.
Tips for Collectors of the Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. 15-Cent Stamp
Serious philatelists understand the importance of careful handling and preservation to maintain a stamp’s value and historical significance. The following tips offer guidance for those interested in acquiring or preserving the Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. 15-cent stamp.
Tip 1: Condition is Key: Assess the stamp’s condition carefully. Look for centering, clear cancellation marks (if applicable), and the absence of tears, creases, or thin spots.
Tip 2: Proper Storage Matters: Store the stamp in an acid-free album or protective mount to prevent deterioration from environmental factors such as light, humidity, and temperature fluctuations.
Tip 3: Handle with Care: Use stamp tongs to avoid transferring oils and fingerprints, which can damage the stamp over time.
Tip 4: Research and Authentication: Consult reputable philatelic resources or experts to verify the stamp’s authenticity and determine its current market value.
Tip 5: Understand Variations: Be aware of potential variations in the stamp, including different plate blocks or printing errors, as these can affect its value.
Tip 6: Consider Professional Grading: For valuable stamps, professional grading and encapsulation can protect the stamp and provide an objective assessment of its condition.
By adhering to these practices, collectors can ensure the long-term preservation and potential appreciation of this piece of American postal history. Preserving such items contributes to the continued understanding and appreciation of historical figures like Justice Holmes.
This understanding of proper philatelic practices sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the historical and cultural significance of commemorative stamps, particularly those within the Prominent Americans series.
1. Commemorative Item
The classification of the Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. 15-cent stamp as a “commemorative item” holds significant weight. Commemorative stamps deviate from definitive issues, which serve primarily for postage. They instead mark specific events, anniversaries, or individuals deemed worthy of national recognition. This designation elevates the stamp beyond its functional role and imbues it with historical and cultural significance. By depicting Holmes, the stamp actively participates in shaping public memory and ensuring his continued recognition. This aligns with the broader purpose of commemorative items: to preserve and promote the legacies of important figures or events.
The stamp’s commemorative nature fosters engagement with Holmes’s legacy in a tangible way. Unlike statues or biographies, a postage stamp reaches a wider audience through the everyday act of mailing. This accessibility broadens the impact of commemoration, subtly educating the public each time the stamp is used or viewed. Other examples of commemorative items, such as medals, plaques, or historical markers, share this quality of making history accessible and tangible. They serve as reminders of the past, prompting reflection and discussion about historical figures and their contributions.
Understanding the stamp as a commemorative item provides a crucial framework for interpreting its design, purpose, and value. Recognizing this commemorative function allows for deeper analysis of the choices made in its creation, from the selection of Holmes as the subject to the specific imagery employed. Furthermore, the stamp’s commemorative nature contributes to its appeal among collectors. Philatelists often seek out commemorative stamps due to their historical significance and limited production runs. Recognizing this aspect of the stamp strengthens its connection to a broader historical narrative and enhances appreciation for its role in preserving cultural memory.
2. 1968 Issuance
The issuance of the Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. 15-cent stamp in 1968 places it within a specific historical context. 1968 stands as a pivotal year in American history, marked by social and political upheaval. The Vietnam War protests, the Civil Rights Movement, and the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy created a climate of intense national introspection. Issuing a stamp honoring a champion of civil liberties and legal thought during this tumultuous period suggests a deliberate act of commemoration. Holmes’s legacy of judicial independence and his commitment to free speech and individual rights resonated deeply with the challenges facing the nation.
The timing of the stamp’s release suggests a potential effort to invoke Holmes’s principles amidst contemporary struggles. His dissenting opinions, often defending unpopular viewpoints and advocating for broader interpretations of constitutional rights, found renewed relevance in the context of 1968. While the U.S. Postal Service does not explicitly state the motivations behind stamp issuance dates, the historical backdrop provides a framework for understanding the potential cultural impact. The stamp’s release provided a tangible reminder of the enduring principles of justice and freedom amidst a nation grappling with fundamental questions of equality and liberty.
Placing the stamp’s issuance within the context of 1968 adds another layer of understanding to its significance. It transcends a mere postal artifact and becomes a reflection of the historical moment. This understanding enhances appreciation for the stamp’s potential impact on public discourse at the time. Further research into the specific events and discussions surrounding the stamp’s release could provide additional insight into its reception and intended message. Connecting the stamp to the broader historical narrative underscores its value as a historical document and a symbol of American values during a period of significant transformation.
3. Prominent Americans Series
The Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. 15-cent stamp holds significance as a component of the Prominent Americans series. This series, initiated by the United States Postal Service, sought to honor individuals who made substantial contributions to American society. Understanding the series’ scope and purpose provides crucial context for appreciating the Holmes stamp’s place within a larger narrative of national recognition and remembrance.
- Selection Criteria
Inclusion in the Prominent Americans series indicates recognition of significant achievement. Individuals selected typically represent a range of fields, including politics, literature, science, and the arts. Criteria for selection often involve lasting contributions to American culture and history. Holmes’s selection underscores his impact on legal thought and jurisprudence. His inclusion alongside other notable figures emphasizes the breadth and depth of the series’ ambition to encapsulate American excellence.
- Thematic Grouping
Thematic groupings within the series allow for connections between individuals with shared accomplishments or historical periods. While Holmes represents the legal field, other stamps in the series honor figures from different walks of life. This thematic organization provides a structured approach to exploring American history through individual biographies. The series creates opportunities for comparison and contrast, fostering a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of various fields and their collective contribution to national identity.
- Educational Value
The Prominent Americans series possesses inherent educational value. Each stamp serves as a miniature historical document, prompting further exploration of the featured individual’s life and contributions. Exposure to these figures through everyday postal use contributes to public awareness and historical literacy. The series functions as an accessible entry point for individuals interested in learning more about American history and the diverse individuals who shaped it.
- Philatelic Context
Within philately, the Prominent Americans series holds a distinct position. Collectors often seek complete sets or specific thematic groupings, adding to the series’ overall value and desirability. The Holmes stamp, within this context, becomes more than a single item; it represents a piece of a larger collection, its value amplified by its association with the series. This philatelic interest contributes to the preservation of these stamps and ensures the continued recognition of the individuals they honor.
Considering the Holmes stamp within the broader framework of the Prominent Americans series enriches understanding of its significance. The series provides context, highlighting Holmes’s place among other notable figures and underscoring the stamp’s role in promoting historical awareness and appreciation. This interconnectedness strengthens the stamp’s value, both historically and philatelically, solidifying its place within the narrative of American achievement.
4. Fifteen-Cent Denomination
The fifteen-cent denomination of the Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. stamp provides a glimpse into the postal rates of 1968. More than a simple face value, this denomination reflects the economic conditions and postal regulations of the era. Examining this seemingly minor detail offers insights into the stamp’s historical context and its relationship to broader economic and social trends.
- Postal Rate History
Understanding the fifteen-cent denomination requires examining historical postal rate fluctuations. In 1968, this amount represented the first-class postage rate for a standard letter. Tracing the evolution of postal rates helps contextualize the stamp’s value within the broader history of the U.S. Postal Service. Researching rate changes surrounding 1968 illuminates the economic factors influencing postal policy and the affordability of mail services at the time.
- Inflation and Purchasing Power
The fifteen-cent denomination provides a tangible example of inflation’s impact. Comparing the purchasing power of fifteen cents in 1968 to its equivalent today demonstrates the changing value of currency over time. This economic perspective provides a concrete illustration of how historical monetary values relate to present-day equivalents. Such comparisons offer valuable insights into broader economic trends and their influence on everyday transactions.
- Relationship to Other Denominations
Analyzing the fifteen-cent denomination alongside other contemporary stamp denominations helps create a fuller understanding of postal rate structures in 1968. Different denominations corresponded to various mail classes and weights, reflecting the tiered pricing system of the postal service. Examining these different values helps clarify the specific services the fifteen-cent stamp covered and its relative cost compared to other mailing options.
- Philatelic Implications
The fifteen-cent denomination impacts the stamp’s value within philatelic markets. While not exceptionally rare, the stamp’s value is influenced by factors such as condition, demand, and existing supply. Understanding how the stamp’s denomination relates to its philatelic value provides insight into the complexities of stamp collecting. Factors such as printing variations, cancellations, and overall condition interact with the original denomination to determine a stamp’s desirability and market price.
Analyzing the fifteen-cent denomination reveals significant details about the Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. stamp and its historical context. Moving beyond face value unveils connections to economic trends, postal history, and the intricacies of stamp collecting. This seemingly minor detail provides a window into broader historical narratives and underscores the stamp’s significance as a historical artifact.
5. Justice Holmes Portrait
The portrait of Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. forms the central design element of the 15-cent stamp issued in his honor. This portrait’s selection and depiction carry significant weight, directly impacting the stamp’s commemorative function and its reception by the public. The image chosen, based on a photograph by Harris & Ewing, presents Holmes in his later years, conveying a sense of wisdom and gravitas. This specific representation contributes to the stamp’s portrayal of Holmes as a respected legal figure and reinforces the stamp’s purpose as a tribute to his enduring legacy.
The choice of a portrait holds specific implications within the context of commemorative stamps. Portraits offer a direct visual connection to the honored individual, fostering a sense of familiarity and recognition. The Holmes portrait functions as more than mere decoration; it serves as the primary vehicle for conveying the stamp’s message of commemoration and respect. Other commemorative stamps similarly employ portraits to establish a visual link to the honored figure, demonstrating the effectiveness of this approach in conveying the subject’s importance and creating a lasting impression. Consider, for example, the numerous stamps featuring portraits of presidents, scientists, or artists; each portrait contributes significantly to the stamp’s communicative power.
Understanding the integral role of the portrait within the design of the Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. 15-cent stamp enhances appreciation for its overall impact. The portrait’s specific characteristics, including its source photograph and the image it projects, contribute directly to the stamp’s effectiveness as a commemorative object. Recognizing this connection allows for a deeper understanding of the stamp’s purpose, its message, and its lasting contribution to public memory of Justice Holmes. This understanding, in turn, provides a foundation for exploring the broader significance of portraiture in commemorative practices and its influence on shaping public perception of historical figures.
6. Philatelic Significance
Philatelic significance, as it pertains to the Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. 15-cent stamp, encompasses several key aspects. The stamp’s value to collectors derives not only from its subject but also its place within larger philatelic contexts. As a component of the Prominent Americans series, it holds appeal for collectors seeking a complete set. Its historical context, coinciding with the turbulent year of 1968, adds another layer of interest. The stamp’s condition, including centering, cancellation clarity, and lack of damage, directly impacts its desirability and market value. Rarity, influenced by production numbers and surviving quantities, further contributes to its philatelic significance. Similar examples include stamps commemorating significant historical events, which often gain value due to their limited production and historical association.
The interplay of these factors determines the stamp’s overall philatelic importance. A well-centered, pristine example with a light cancellation might command a higher price than a poorly centered, heavily cancelled stamp. Scarcity, driven by factors like limited print runs or unforeseen events affecting distribution, can significantly elevate a stamp’s value. For example, stamps inadvertently printed with errors often become highly sought-after by collectors. Understanding these nuances allows collectors to assess a stamp’s potential value and make informed decisions regarding acquisition and preservation. Practical application of this knowledge involves careful examination of individual stamps, research into market trends, and consultation with reputable philatelic resources.
In summary, the philatelic significance of the Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. 15-cent stamp extends beyond its face value. Its association with a respected historical figure, its placement within a significant series, its historical context, and its condition all contribute to its desirability among collectors. This understanding highlights the multifaceted nature of philatelic value and underscores the importance of considering various factors when assessing a stamp’s significance. Challenges in determining value can arise from variations in condition, the subjective nature of aesthetic appeal, and fluctuations in market demand. However, recognizing these complexities enriches the study of philately and reinforces the connection between historical artifacts and their ongoing cultural relevance.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries regarding the Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. 15-cent stamp, providing concise and informative responses.
Question 1: What makes this stamp noteworthy?
Its commemoration of a significant Supreme Court Justice, its place within the Prominent Americans series, and its reflection of the historical context of 1968 contribute to its notability.
Question 2: How can one determine the stamp’s value?
Factors influencing value include condition, centering, cancellation clarity, and market demand. Consulting philatelic resources or expert appraisers provides more precise valuations.
Question 3: Are there different variations of this stamp?
While the basic design remains consistent, variations can occur due to different printing plates or unintentional errors during production. These variations can impact a stamp’s rarity and value.
Question 4: Where can this stamp be acquired?
Reputable stamp dealers, online marketplaces specializing in philately, and auctions offer potential avenues for acquisition. Due diligence is recommended to ensure authenticity.
Question 5: How should the stamp be stored to preserve its condition?
Storage in acid-free albums or protective mounts, away from direct sunlight, humidity, and temperature fluctuations, is crucial for long-term preservation.
Question 6: Does the cancellation mark detract from the stamp’s value?
While some collectors prefer unused stamps, a clear, well-placed cancellation can sometimes enhance historical context and add to a stamp’s appeal. Heavy or obscured cancellations, however, may negatively impact value.
Careful consideration of these points allows for informed decision-making regarding the acquisition, preservation, and appreciation of the Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. 15-cent stamp. A deeper understanding of these aspects contributes to a richer appreciation of its significance within both historical and philatelic contexts.
Further exploration might involve researching specific aspects of Justice Holmes’s life and legal career, investigating the broader history of the Prominent Americans series, or delving into the intricacies of stamp collecting and valuation.
Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. 15-Cent Stamp
Exploration of the Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. 15-cent stamp reveals its multifaceted significance. Issued in 1968, amidst a backdrop of social and political change, the stamp served as a commemorative item honoring a pivotal figure in American jurisprudence. Its inclusion within the Prominent Americans series underscores its recognition within a broader narrative of national achievement. Analysis of its denomination, portrait, and philatelic context provides valuable insights into the stamp’s historical, economic, and cultural relevance.
The stamp stands as more than a simple postage artifact. It represents a tangible piece of history, encapsulating the legacy of Justice Holmes and the era in which it was issued. Continued examination of such items offers valuable opportunities to connect with the past, fostering a deeper understanding of historical figures and their enduring contributions to society. Preservation and study of these seemingly small artifacts contribute significantly to the ongoing narrative of American history and culture.
