The 1999 postage stamp commemorating the prominent 19th-century women’s rights activist Lucy Stone features her portrait and the denomination of 50 cents. This stamp belongs to the Celebrate the Century series issued by the United States Postal Service, highlighting significant figures and events of the 20th century.
Honoring Stone with a place in this series underscores her crucial role in advocating for women’s suffrage and equal rights. The stamp serves as a lasting tribute to her dedication and the impact she had on American history. It provides a tangible reminder of her legacy, promoting awareness of her contributions to social reform among a broad audience. The visual representation on the stamp, along with its circulation through the postal system, contributes to public understanding of Stone’s significance within the larger context of the women’s rights movement.
Further exploration of Stone’s life, activism, and the broader suffrage movement can offer deeper insights into the historical context surrounding this commemorative stamp. Analysis of the stamp’s design and its place within the Celebrate the Century series can also provide valuable perspectives.
Tips for Stamp Collectors
Building a meaningful stamp collection requires careful consideration of various factors. The following tips offer guidance for both novice and experienced collectors.
Tip 1: Research and Focus: Specializing in a particular area, such as historical figures, can provide a thematic framework for a collection and facilitate deeper understanding of the subject matter.
Tip 2: Condition is Key: The value of a stamp is significantly affected by its condition. Carefully examine stamps for any damage, such as tears or creases, before acquiring them.
Tip 3: Proper Storage: Protect stamps from environmental factors like humidity and light by storing them in archival-quality albums or sleeves.
Tip 4: Authentication and Valuation: For potentially valuable stamps, consult reputable philatelic experts for authentication and appraisal.
Tip 5: Networking with Other Collectors: Joining stamp collecting clubs or online forums can provide opportunities for learning, trading, and expanding one’s collection.
Tip 6: Patience and Persistence: Building a valuable and comprehensive collection takes time and dedication. Patience and persistence are essential for locating rare or desirable stamps.
By adhering to these guidelines, collectors can build collections that are both historically informative and potentially valuable investments.
These tips provide a foundation for approaching stamp collecting in a strategic and informed manner, leading to a greater appreciation of the hobby and its historical significance.
1. Lucy Stone
Lucy Stone’s profound impact on the women’s suffrage movement directly resulted in the creation of the commemorative 50-cent postage stamp bearing her likeness. Without Stone’s tireless advocacy and leadership in challenging societal norms, the recognition afforded by the stamp’s issuance in 1999 would not exist. The stamp serves as a tangible symbol of her enduring legacy, inextricably linking her name and image to the struggle for women’s rights. For example, the stamp’s inclusion in the “Celebrate the Century” series underscores her significance within a broader historical narrative of American progress.
The stamp’s design itself, featuring Stone’s portrait, reinforces this connection. It transforms her from a historical figure into a readily recognizable icon. This visual representation disseminates her image and, by extension, her story to a wide audience. The act of using the stamp for postage, a mundane everyday activity, serves as a constant, subtle reminder of Stone’s contributions and the continued relevance of her fight for equality. This widespread visibility contributes to a greater public awareness of women’s suffrage history and its continued impact on contemporary society.
In summary, the “Lucy Stone 50-cent stamp” is not merely a piece of postage; it’s a symbolic representation of Lucy Stones crucial role in the fight for women’s suffrage. The stamp’s existence directly results from Stones lifelong dedication to social reform. Understanding this connection provides a deeper appreciation for the stamp’s significance within both philatelic and historical contexts. It highlights the power of commemorative stamps to honor historical figures and promote ongoing dialogue about important social issues.
2. Suffragist
The term “suffragist” is inextricably linked to the Lucy Stone 50-cent stamp, as it directly describes the core of Stone’s activism and the reason for her commemoration. Understanding the historical context of the suffragist movement is essential for appreciating the stamp’s significance.
- Advocacy for Voting Rights
Suffragists actively campaigned for women’s right to vote, a fundamental right denied to them in many countries, including the United States, for a significant portion of history. Their methods included public speaking, organizing marches, lobbying political figures, and even engaging in civil disobedience. Stone’s dedication to this cause is the primary reason for her recognition on a postage stamp.
- Challenging Societal Norms
The suffragist movement challenged deeply ingrained societal norms and expectations regarding women’s roles. Suffragists like Stone argued that women, as citizens, deserved the same political rights and opportunities as men. This challenge to traditional power structures is a key element of Stone’s legacy and is implicitly acknowledged through the stamp’s issuance.
- Long-Term Impact on Women’s Rights
The suffragist movement’s success in securing voting rights for women laid the groundwork for further advancements in gender equality. The right to vote empowered women to participate more fully in the political process and advocate for their own interests, paving the way for future generations to continue the fight for equal rights. The stamp serves as a reminder of this ongoing struggle.
- Commemoration and Recognition
The issuance of the Lucy Stone 50-cent stamp represents a form of official recognition of the suffragist movement’s importance and its lasting impact on American society. By featuring a prominent suffragist, the stamp acknowledges the movement’s historical significance and honors the individuals who dedicated their lives to achieving equality. The stamp itself becomes a small-scale monument to the movement’s success.
These facets of the suffragist movement, embodied by Lucy Stone, are central to understanding the meaning and importance of the 50-cent stamp. The stamp serves not only as a tribute to Stone but also as a symbol of the broader struggle for women’s suffrage and its continuing relevance in contemporary society. The stamp’s existence underscores the long-term impact of the suffragist movement and its importance in shaping modern understandings of equality and political participation.
3. Commemoration
The Lucy Stone 50-cent stamp functions primarily as a commemoration of Stone’s contributions to the women’s suffrage movement and, more broadly, to American society. Commemoration, in this context, signifies a deliberate act of remembrance and recognition of an individual’s historical significance. The stamp’s very existence stems from a desire to honor Stone’s legacy and ensure its continued visibility. The choice of Stone as a subject for a commemorative stamp reflects a societal judgment regarding her importance and the value of her achievements. This act of commemoration serves several crucial purposes. It educates the public about historical figures and events, fosters a sense of shared history and national identity, and inspires future generations to uphold the values and principles embodied by the commemorated individual.
The act of commemorating Stone through a postage stamp carries specific implications. Stamps, by their nature, circulate widely and are encountered by a diverse cross-section of the population. This broad reach amplifies the commemorative message, ensuring that Stone’s image and, by extension, her story, reach a wider audience than might otherwise be possible. The stamp’s inclusion in the “Celebrate the Century” series further contextualizes Stone within a broader narrative of American progress and achievement. Other examples within this series, such as stamps commemorating the invention of the airplane or the passage of the Civil Rights Act, underscore the significance attributed to Stone’s activism by placing it alongside other landmark events and figures. The placement of Stone within this specific series contributes to a broader understanding of the historical context surrounding her activism and its enduring relevance.
Commemoration, therefore, lies at the heart of the Lucy Stone 50-cent stamp’s meaning and purpose. The stamp serves not merely as a means of paying postage but as a tangible representation of Stone’s enduring legacy. Understanding this commemorative function provides a deeper appreciation for the stamp’s significance, both as a historical artifact and as a symbol of the ongoing struggle for equality. The stamp’s continued circulation ensures that Stone’s contributions remain within public consciousness, prompting reflection on the historical context surrounding women’s suffrage and its continuing relevance to contemporary social and political discourse. Furthermore, the act of commemoration through a postage stamp provides a readily accessible entry point for individuals seeking to learn more about Lucy Stone, the suffragist movement, and the broader history of women’s rights in the United States.
4. 50-cent denomination
The 50-cent denomination of the Lucy Stone stamp is a significant detail, placing the stamp within a specific postal context and reflecting its intended usage and value at the time of issue in 1999. Understanding this denomination provides insight into the stamp’s practical function and its relationship to other postage rates. Furthermore, the denomination contributes to the stamp’s overall value and collectibility within the philatelic market.
- Postal Rate Context
In 1999, a 50-cent stamp typically covered the cost of a specific postal service, such as priority mail or international postage. This suggests the Lucy Stone stamp was not intended for everyday letter mailing but for more specialized postal needs. Researching historical postal rates from 1999 can provide additional context for the stamp’s intended purpose and relative value within the postal system.
- Relationship to Other Denominations
The 50-cent denomination positions the Lucy Stone stamp within a hierarchy of postal values. It represents a higher value than standard letter mail stamps, indicating a greater cost for its associated service. Comparing the 50-cent denomination to other contemporary stamp values can illustrate its relative cost and clarify its intended usage within the postal system.
- Philatelic Value
The 50-cent denomination contributes to the Lucy Stone stamp’s potential value for collectors. While not exceptionally rare, the stamp’s higher denomination distinguishes it from more common, lower-value stamps. Factors such as condition, print runs, and demand can influence the stamp’s market value within philatelic circles.
- Commemorative Value
While its denomination dictates its postal usage, the stamp’s primary value remains its commemorative function. The 50-cent face value, while practical, ultimately plays a secondary role to the stamp’s purpose of honoring Lucy Stone and the women’s suffrage movement. This commemorative value transcends its monetary worth, positioning the stamp as a historical artifact rather than simply a piece of postage.
The 50-cent denomination of the Lucy Stone stamp is integral to understanding its practical and symbolic significance. Its postal context, its relationship to other stamp values, and its implications for collectors all contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the stamp’s place within both postal history and the broader narrative of women’s suffrage. The denomination, while significant, ultimately serves the larger commemorative purpose, underscoring the lasting tribute to Lucy Stone and her contributions.
5. 1999 issuance
The year 1999 holds specific relevance for the Lucy Stone 50-cent stamp, marking its official release date by the United States Postal Service. This date contextualizes the stamp within a specific historical moment, connecting it to the broader social and political climate of the late 20th century. The 1999 issuance places the stamp within a period of heightened awareness and reflection on the progress of women’s rights, occurring decades after the major legislative victories of the feminist movement. The timing suggests a conscious decision to commemorate Stone’s legacy at a point when her contributions could be viewed with historical perspective and within a broader narrative of social change.
The 1999 issuance also links the stamp to the “Celebrate the Century” series, a program specifically designed to commemorate significant events and figures of the 20th century. This association positions Stone alongside other notable achievements and individuals, further solidifying her place within the historical narrative. The inclusion within this series emphasizes the stamp’s commemorative function and highlights the perceived importance of Stone’s contributions to American society. Furthermore, the 1999 date places the stamp within a specific philatelic context, influencing its potential value and collectibility among stamp enthusiasts. The date of issue is a crucial factor in cataloging and identifying stamps, especially within larger series like “Celebrate the Century.”
Understanding the significance of the 1999 issuance date provides essential context for appreciating the Lucy Stone 50-cent stamp’s multifaceted meaning. The date links the stamp to specific historical, social, and philatelic contexts, enriching its interpretation beyond its face value. Recognizing the stamp as a product of a particular moment in time enhances its value as both a historical artifact and a symbol of the ongoing struggle for equality. The 1999 date underscores the enduring legacy of Lucy Stone and the continued relevance of her contributions to contemporary society.
6. Celebrate the Century
The “Celebrate the Century” series provides crucial context for understanding the Lucy Stone 50-cent stamp. This commemorative stamp series, issued by the United States Postal Service throughout 1999, honored significant people, events, and trends of the 20th century. The series provides a framework for understanding the stamp’s purpose, design, and historical significance. Inclusion within “Celebrate the Century” elevates the stamp beyond a simple postage item, transforming it into a piece of a larger historical narrative.
- Thematic Organization
Celebrate the Century was organized by decade, with stamps issued throughout 1999 representing different eras of the 20th century. This thematic structure provided a chronological framework for exploring American history and progress. The Lucy Stone stamp, issued as part of the “1900s” decade, falls within this thematic organization, connecting it to other important developments of that era. This categorization helps collectors and the public understand the historical context surrounding Stone’s activism.
- Selection Criteria
The selection of subjects for inclusion in Celebrate the Century involved careful consideration of historical impact and cultural significance. A diverse range of topics, from scientific breakthroughs to artistic achievements, were represented. The inclusion of Lucy Stone highlights the perceived importance of her contributions to womens rights and social reform. This selection process underscores the stamp’s recognition as a significant historical marker.
- Design and Aesthetics
The “Celebrate the Century” series employed a consistent design aesthetic, creating a cohesive visual identity across all stamps. This design approach incorporated elements reminiscent of vintage postcards and ephemera, evoking a sense of nostalgia and historical connection. The Lucy Stone stamp adheres to this design language, linking it visually to the broader series and reinforcing its placement within the 20th-century narrative. The consistent aesthetic allows for easy recognition of the series and promotes a sense of historical continuity.
- Educational Value
“Celebrate the Century” served an educational purpose, promoting greater public awareness of 20th-century American history. The series encouraged exploration of historical topics and facilitated dialogue about important events and figures. The inclusion of Lucy Stone within this educational framework provides an accessible entry point for learning about her contributions to the women’s suffrage movement and the broader struggle for gender equality. The readily available nature of postage stamps contributed to widespread dissemination of this historical knowledge.
The Lucy Stone 50-cent stamp’s connection to “Celebrate the Century” is essential for a comprehensive understanding of its significance. The series provides a framework for interpreting the stamp’s purpose, design, and historical context. By situating the stamp within this larger commemorative program, its meaning is amplified, transforming it from a simple piece of postage into a tangible representation of Lucy Stone’s enduring legacy and the broader history of women’s rights in the United States. The series provides a valuable lens through which to view and appreciate the stamp’s importance.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries regarding the Lucy Stone 50-cent stamp, providing concise and informative responses.
Question 1: What is the historical significance of the Lucy Stone 50-cent stamp?
The stamp commemorates Lucy Stone, a prominent 19th-century women’s rights activist and a leading figure in the suffrage movement. It acknowledges her crucial role in advocating for women’s right to vote and broader social reforms.
Question 2: When was the Lucy Stone stamp issued?
The stamp was issued in 1999 as part of the United States Postal Service’s “Celebrate the Century” series, commemorating significant figures and events of the 20th century.
Question 3: Why is the stamp’s denomination 50 cents?
The 50-cent denomination reflected a specific postal rate for services such as priority mail or international postage in 1999. It signifies a higher value than standard letter mail.
Question 4: How does the “Celebrate the Century” series relate to the Lucy Stone stamp?
The series provides a framework for understanding the stamp’s purpose. Inclusion in “Celebrate the Century” positions Stone alongside other significant 20th-century figures, highlighting her historical importance.
Question 5: What is the current value of a Lucy Stone 50-cent stamp?
The value varies depending on condition and market factors. Consulting a stamp appraisal guide or contacting a philatelic expert can provide a more accurate valuation.
Question 6: Where can one find more information about Lucy Stone and the women’s suffrage movement?
Numerous resources, including historical societies, libraries, and online archives, offer in-depth information regarding Lucy Stone’s life, activism, and the broader context of the suffrage movement.
Understanding these key aspects of the Lucy Stone 50-cent stamp allows for a deeper appreciation of its historical and cultural significance.
Further exploration into the life and work of Lucy Stone and the history of the women’s suffrage movement is encouraged.
Lucy Stone 50-Cent Stamp
This exploration of the Lucy Stone 50-cent stamp has highlighted its multifaceted significance. Issued in 1999 as part of the “Celebrate the Century” series, the stamp commemorates Stone’s pivotal role in the 19th-century women’s suffrage movement. Its 50-cent denomination reflects its postal usage, while its inclusion within the series underscores Stone’s historical importance alongside other notable figures and events of the 20th century. The stamp serves not merely as postage but as a miniature historical artifact, a tangible representation of Stone’s enduring legacy and the ongoing struggle for equality.
The stamp’s continued circulation ensures that Lucy Stone’s contributions to social reform remain within public consciousness. It serves as a reminder of the historical context surrounding women’s suffrage and its continued relevance to contemporary society. Further exploration of Stone’s life and the broader suffrage movement offers valuable insights into the historical narrative embodied by this small yet powerful commemorative piece. This exploration encourages reflection on the progress made and the work that remains in achieving full equality.
