The 15-cent postage stamp featuring William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody was part of the Wild West series issued by the United States Postal Service in 1994. This series celebrated figures and themes of the American West, and the depiction of Cody honored his contributions to shaping the popular image of the frontier. The stamp typically features a portrait of Cody based on a photograph taken later in his life.
This commemorative stamp holds historical significance as a piece of American ephemera. It represents a recognition of Cody’s impact, both real and perceived, on westward expansion. The stamps release coincided with a renewed interest in the American West and helped solidify Cody’s place in the national narrative. It also served a practical purpose, facilitating postal communication while promoting an aspect of American history.
Further exploration of this topic can include an examination of the Wild West stamp series as a whole, the design process behind Cody’s stamp, the public reception of the stamp upon its release, and Cody’s broader legacy in American culture.
Tips for Stamp Collectors
The following provides guidance for individuals interested in acquiring or learning more about the 15-cent Buffalo Bill Cody commemorative stamp.
Tip 1: Condition is Key: The value of a stamp is significantly affected by its condition. Look for stamps with vibrant colors, intact perforations, and no tears or creases. Mint condition stamps are generally more valuable.
Tip 2: Understand Variations: Be aware of potential variations in the stamp, such as different plate blocks or printing errors. These variations can impact value.
Tip 3: Research Current Market Value: Consult stamp catalogs, online marketplaces, and auction records to understand the current market value of the stamp. Prices can fluctuate based on demand and availability.
Tip 4: Reputable Dealers: Purchase from reputable stamp dealers or auction houses to ensure authenticity and fair pricing. A certificate of authenticity can provide added assurance.
Tip 5: Proper Storage: Store stamps in protective sleeves or albums to prevent damage from light, humidity, and handling.
Tip 6: Expand Your Knowledge: Learn more about the Wild West stamp series and the history surrounding Buffalo Bill Cody. This knowledge adds context and enjoyment to collecting.
Tip 7: Join a Philatelic Society: Connecting with other stamp collectors provides opportunities for learning, trading, and sharing information.
By following these tips, collectors can build a valuable and rewarding collection while preserving a piece of American history.
This information aims to provide a starting point for collecting and appreciating this commemorative stamp. Deeper exploration of philately offers further insights and enjoyment.
1. Commemorative stamp
Commemorative stamps represent a distinct category within philately, issued to honor individuals, events, or themes of historical, cultural, or national significance. The 15-cent Buffalo Bill Cody stamp falls within this category, highlighting its purpose as more than just postage. Its existence serves as a tribute to a prominent figure of the American West.
- Subject Matter
Commemorative stamps often depict individuals who have made significant contributions to a nation’s history or culture. Buffalo Bill Cody, through his Wild West shows and frontier exploits, became an iconic figure of the American West. The stamp serves as a lasting recognition of his impact on the national narrative.
- Limited Production and Release
Unlike definitive stamps intended for everyday use, commemorative stamps are typically printed in limited quantities and released for a specific period. This limited availability contributes to their collectible nature and potential long-term value among philatelists. The 15-cent Cody stamp’s limited release adds to its desirability among collectors.
- Historical Context
Commemorative stamps reflect specific historical periods, providing a tangible link to the past. The issuance of the Buffalo Bill Cody stamp in 1994 coincided with a resurgence of interest in the American West. The stamp serves as a reminder of this particular moment in time and its associated cultural trends.
- Educational Value
These stamps serve an educational function by raising public awareness of significant historical events, figures, and themes. The Cody stamp provides a visual representation of a key figure of the American West, encouraging further exploration of his life and legacy.
The classification of the 15-cent Buffalo Bill Cody stamp as commemorative underscores its value beyond its original postal function. It stands as a miniature tribute to a significant historical figure, embedded within a larger cultural narrative and a specific moment in time. The stamp’s commemorative nature contributes to its appeal among collectors and its potential for historical reflection.
2. Wild West theme
The “Wild West” theme provides a crucial framework for understanding the significance of the 15-cent Buffalo Bill Cody stamp. The stamp’s design, issuance, and collectibility are intrinsically linked to the romanticized image of the American frontier and the individuals who shaped its narrative. Cody, a central figure in perpetuating this image, becomes a fitting subject for a stamp series dedicated to the Wild West.
- Romanticized Frontier Narrative
The Wild West, as a cultural concept, often romanticizes the westward expansion of the United States, emphasizing adventure, individualism, and conflict. This romanticized narrative played a significant role in shaping national identity and popular culture. The stamp, by featuring Cody, reinforces this narrative, visually representing a key figure who embodied the spirit of the Wild West, albeit a sometimes exaggerated version.
- Iconography and Symbolism
Certain visual elements and symbols are commonly associated with the Wild West, including cowboys, Native Americans, horses, stagecoaches, and frontier towns. These symbols evoke a sense of adventure and nostalgia for a bygone era. The Cody stamp, through its portrait of the showman, draws upon this established iconography, instantly connecting viewers to the broader Wild West theme.
- Historical Figures and Events
The Wild West theme often focuses on historical figures and events that contributed to the settlement and development of the American frontier. These figures, including Buffalo Bill Cody, are often presented as larger-than-life characters who shaped the course of history. The stamp’s issuance serves as a form of historical commemoration, acknowledging Cody’s role in shaping the narrative, regardless of the complexities and nuances of his actual impact.
- Continuing Cultural Relevance
Despite its historical setting, the Wild West theme continues to resonate in contemporary culture through literature, film, television, and art. This enduring appeal demonstrates the theme’s lasting influence on the American imagination. The stamp’s continued presence in collections reflects this ongoing fascination with the Wild West and its enduring cultural relevance.
The 15-cent Buffalo Bill Cody stamp, viewed through the lens of the Wild West theme, transcends its function as mere postage. It becomes a symbolic representation of a complex and often romanticized historical period, embodying the enduring allure of the American frontier and its iconic figures. The stamp serves as a tangible link to a specific cultural narrative and its continued influence on the national imagination.
3. 1994 issuance
The 1994 issuance date of the 15-cent Buffalo Bill Cody stamp provides crucial context for understanding its place within philatelic history and broader cultural trends. 1994 marked a specific period of renewed interest in the American West, influenced by factors such as popular films and historical retrospectives. This resurgence of interest likely contributed to the decision by the United States Postal Service to release the Legends of the West stamp series, of which the Cody stamp was a part. The timing suggests an attempt to capitalize on contemporary interest and promote a particular vision of American history. The 1994 issuance also situates the stamp within the specific postal rates and printing technologies of the time.
The choice of 1994 as the release date also carries implications for the stamp’s collectibility. Stamps issued in specific years become tied to the events and cultural climate of that time, adding another layer of significance for collectors. Understanding the historical context surrounding the 1994 release allows collectors to appreciate the stamp not just as an isolated artifact but as a product of its time. This understanding enhances the stamp’s value and provides a deeper connection to the broader historical narrative.
In summary, the 1994 issuance date provides essential background for understanding the 15-cent Buffalo Bill Cody stamp. Connecting the stamp to the cultural climate of 1994, the Legends of the West series, and the prevailing postal practices enriches its historical and philatelic significance. Recognizing the 1994 issuance as a deliberate decision within a specific context adds a layer of interpretive depth for collectors and historians alike.
4. Fifteen-cent denomination
The fifteen-cent denomination of the Buffalo Bill Cody stamp provides crucial insight into the postal rates and economic conditions prevalent in 1994. Understanding the denomination’s context within the broader history of postage rates illuminates the stamp’s practical function beyond its commemorative purpose. Analyzing the fifteen-cent value reveals its position within the evolving landscape of postal costs and its reflection of contemporary economic factors. This exploration adds a layer of historical and economic significance to the stamp’s collectibility and overall understanding.
- 1994 Postal Rates
The fifteen-cent denomination directly reflects the standard first-class postage rate for a one-ounce letter within the United States in 1994. The stamp’s designated value represents its intended use for postal transactions during that specific period. This correspondence between denomination and postal rate underscores the stamp’s primary function as a means of paying for postal services.
- Inflation and Economic Context
Comparing the fifteen-cent rate of 1994 with postage rates of earlier and later periods reveals trends in inflation and economic change. Tracking postal rate fluctuations over time provides a tangible indicator of shifting economic conditions and the purchasing power of the currency. The fifteen-cent denomination serves as a marker within this broader economic narrative.
- Relationship to Other Denominations
Analyzing the fifteen-cent stamp alongside other denominations issued in 1994 provides insight into the tiered structure of postal rates for different mail classes and weights. The existence of various denominations reflects the nuanced system required to handle diverse postal needs and pricing structures. The Cody stamp’s fifteen-cent value places it within this larger framework of postal denominations.
- Collectibility Implications
While primarily intended for postage, the stamp’s denomination also influences its collectibility. Factors such as rarity, printing errors, and usage patterns can affect a stamp’s value among collectors. The fifteen-cent denomination, combined with other factors, contributes to the stamp’s overall appeal and desirability within the philatelic market.
The fifteen-cent denomination of the Buffalo Bill Cody stamp offers a tangible link to the economic and postal landscape of 1994. By considering the stamp’s denomination within the context of historical postal rates, inflation, and contemporary economic conditions, one gains a more comprehensive understanding of its significance. This multifaceted perspective enhances appreciation for the stamp as both a historical artifact and a collectible item, reflecting not just a commemorative image but also the practical and economic realities of its time.
5. Buffalo Bill's Legacy
The 15-cent Buffalo Bill Cody stamp serves as a tangible representation of William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody’s complex and often contested legacy. The stamp’s existence prompts reflection on Cody’s multifaceted contributions to American culture and history, encompassing his roles as a frontiersman, showman, and symbol of the American West. Examining these facets provides a deeper understanding of the stamp’s significance beyond its face value.
- Showmanship and the Wild West Show
Cody’s Wild West show significantly shaped popular perceptions of the American West, albeit through a romanticized and often exaggerated lens. The show’s dramatic reenactments, featuring cowboys, Native Americans, and buffalo hunts, captivated audiences worldwide, solidifying Cody’s image as a quintessential frontiersman. The stamp, by depicting Cody, inevitably evokes this legacy of showmanship and its contribution to the enduring mythology of the West.
- Exploitation of Native American Cultures
While celebrated for his showmanship, Cody’s legacy is also intertwined with the exploitation of Native American cultures. His Wild West show often presented stereotypical portrayals of Indigenous peoples, perpetuating harmful misconceptions. Critically examining the stamp requires acknowledging this problematic aspect of Cody’s legacy and its implications for cultural representation.
- Frontier Expansion and Westward Migration
Cody’s life and career coincided with a period of significant westward expansion in the United States. His experiences as a scout, buffalo hunter, and Pony Express rider contributed to the narrative of frontier life, shaping popular perceptions of westward migration. The stamp serves as a reminder of this era of expansion and its complex implications for both settlers and Indigenous populations.
- Commodification of the West
Cody played a significant role in the commodification of the West, transforming frontier experiences into marketable entertainment. His Wild West show exemplifies this process, packaging and selling a romanticized version of the West to audiences eager for adventure and spectacle. The stamp itself can be seen as a continuation of this commodification, transforming Cody’s image into a collectible item.
The 15-cent Buffalo Bill Cody stamp offers a starting point for engaging with Cody’s multifaceted legacy. By considering the stamp in relation to his showmanship, exploitation of Native American cultures, role in westward expansion, and contribution to the commodification of the West, one gains a more nuanced understanding of its historical and cultural significance. The stamp encourages critical reflection on Cody’s complex place in American history, prompting further exploration beyond the simplified image presented on its surface.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries regarding the 15-cent Buffalo Bill Cody commemorative stamp, providing concise and informative responses.
Question 1: What series does this stamp belong to?
The stamp is part of the “Legends of the West” series issued by the United States Postal Service in 1994.
Question 2: When was this stamp issued?
The stamp was released in 1994.
Question 3: What is the face value of the stamp?
The stamp’s face value is fifteen cents.
Question 4: Why was Buffalo Bill Cody chosen for this stamp?
William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody was selected for the series due to his prominent role in shaping the image and mythology of the American West.
Question 5: Where can one acquire this stamp?
This stamp can be found through reputable stamp dealers, online marketplaces specializing in philately, and occasionally at stamp shows or auctions.
Question 6: How is the stamp’s value determined?
Several factors influence the stamp’s value, including condition, potential printing variations, and overall market demand. Consulting stamp catalogs and philatelic resources offers further insights into valuation.
Understanding these key aspects of the 15-cent Buffalo Bill Cody stamp provides a foundation for further exploration and appreciation of its historical and philatelic significance.
Further research into stamp collecting and the Legends of the West series can enrich one’s understanding of this commemorative item and its place within the broader context of American history and philately.
Buffalo Bill Cody Stamp 15 Cents
This exploration of the 15-cent Buffalo Bill Cody stamp has revealed its multifaceted significance. Issued in 1994 as part of the “Legends of the West” series, the stamp commemorates a figure central to the mythology of the American frontier. Analysis of its denomination, imagery, and historical context underscores its value beyond mere postage. The stamp embodies a specific moment in time, reflecting the prevailing postal rates, cultural trends, and renewed interest in the American West during the mid-1990s. Furthermore, examination of Cody’s complex legacy, encompassing showmanship, exploitation of Native American cultures, and contributions to westward expansion, adds layers of interpretive depth to the stamp’s symbolism.
The 15-cent Buffalo Bill Cody stamp serves as a lasting artifact, prompting reflection on the historical and cultural forces that shaped the American West. Further investigation into the “Legends of the West” series and the broader field of philately offers continued opportunities to explore the intersection of history, culture, and commemorative practices. The stamp’s enduring presence in collections underscores the power of small objects to encapsulate complex narratives and inspire continued exploration of the past.
