The 1965 postage stamp commemorating the suffragist Lucy Stone features her portrait and bears a denomination of fifty cents. It belongs to the Prominent Americans series issued by the United States Postal Service and represents a tribute to a key figure in the women’s suffrage movement.
This stamp’s significance lies in its recognition of Stone’s tireless advocacy for women’s rights. Her work as an orator, writer, and activist contributed substantially to the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment, granting women the right to vote. The stamp serves not only as a philatelic item but also as a historical marker, highlighting a pivotal moment in American history and honoring a crucial leader. Its relatively high denomination at the time of issue further emphasizes the importance ascribed to Stone’s contributions.
Further exploration of Stone’s life and the broader suffrage movement can provide valuable context for understanding the stamps creation and its lasting legacy. This encompasses the challenges faced by suffragists, the strategies they employed, and the eventual triumph of their cause.
Tips for Stamp Collectors
Stamp collecting offers a rewarding way to engage with history and material culture. Focusing on specific themes, such as prominent figures like Lucy Stone, can enhance this experience. These tips offer guidance for both novice and seasoned collectors.
Tip 1: Research the Subject: Delving into the life and accomplishments of the individual featured on a stamp provides valuable context. Understanding Lucy Stone’s role in the suffrage movement, for example, adds depth to appreciating the stamp’s significance.
Tip 2: Condition is Key: A stamp’s condition significantly impacts its value. Look for well-centered images, intact perforations, and minimal signs of wear or damage.
Tip 3: Proper Storage: Protect stamps from humidity, light, and pests using archival-quality albums and storage materials. This preserves their condition and value over time.
Tip 4: Build a Network: Connecting with other collectors through clubs, online forums, or dealers offers opportunities for learning and trading.
Tip 5: Patience and Persistence: Building a valuable collection takes time and effort. Don’t be discouraged if desired items are not immediately available. Consistent searching and networking will yield results.
Tip 6: Authentication and Appraisal: For potentially valuable stamps, consider professional authentication and appraisal services. This ensures accurate assessment and protects against forgeries.
Tip 7: Focus and Specialization: Concentrating on a specific area of interest, such as suffrage-related stamps, can lead to a more curated and valuable collection.
By following these tips, collectors can cultivate a meaningful and rewarding hobby, appreciating the historical and cultural significance embedded within each stamp.
The pursuit of knowledge and the careful preservation of these historical artifacts ensure the legacy of individuals like Lucy Stone continues to inspire future generations.
1. Lucy Stone
The 1965 fifty-cent stamp featuring Lucy Stone serves as a tangible link to her legacy as a pioneering suffragist. Understanding Stone’s life and work provides crucial context for appreciating the stamp’s historical significance. Her tireless advocacy for women’s rights is central to interpreting this philatelic tribute.
- Oratory and Advocacy:
Stone’s powerful speeches and unwavering commitment to women’s suffrage played a pivotal role in advancing the movement. Her public speaking engagements drew large crowds and helped galvanize support for the cause. The stamp serves as a visual reminder of her persuasive voice and enduring impact.
- Writing and Publications:
Stone utilized the power of the press to disseminate her ideas and advocate for change. She edited and published the Woman’s Journal, a prominent periodical that served as a platform for suffragist voices. The stamp symbolically acknowledges her contribution to shaping public discourse on women’s rights.
- Activism and Organizing:
Stone’s involvement in organizations like the American Woman Suffrage Association demonstrates her dedication to collective action. Her collaborative efforts with other suffragists were essential to achieving legislative progress. The stamp commemorates her active participation in the broader movement.
- Keeping Maiden Name:
Stone’s decision to retain her maiden name after marriage became a powerful symbol of female autonomy. This act of defiance challenged societal norms and underscored the importance of individual identity. The stamp indirectly acknowledges this aspect of her life, reflecting her commitment to challenging conventional expectations.
These facets of Stone’s life and work provide a richer understanding of the fifty-cent stamp’s meaning. It transcends its function as mere postage and becomes a testament to her enduring legacy, her impact on American history, and her contributions to the ongoing struggle for equality.
2. Suffragist
The term “suffragist” is inextricably linked to the Lucy Stone fifty-cent stamp, as it directly describes the individual commemorated. Stone’s identity as a suffragist is central to understanding the stamp’s historical and cultural significance. Examining the multifaceted aspects of this term provides crucial context for appreciating the stamp’s meaning.
- Advocacy for Voting Rights:
Suffragists actively campaigned for women’s right to vote, engaging in various forms of activism to achieve this goal. Their efforts included lobbying, organizing protests, and delivering public speeches. Stone’s tireless advocacy exemplifies this core aspect of the suffragist movement, and the stamp serves as a tribute to her dedication.
- Challenging Social Norms:
Suffragists challenged prevailing societal norms and expectations regarding women’s roles in public life. Their fight for the ballot represented a broader struggle for equality and recognition. Stone’s unconventional decision to keep her maiden name after marriage further exemplifies this challenge to established norms, adding another layer of meaning to the stamp.
- Political Organizing and Mobilization:
Suffragists formed organizations and networks to coordinate their efforts and amplify their voices. Groups like the National Woman Suffrage Association and the American Woman Suffrage Association played crucial roles in mobilizing support for the cause. Stone’s involvement in these organizations underscores the importance of collective action within the movement, a theme echoed in the stamp’s commemoration of her contributions.
- Enduring Legacy of Social Change:
The suffragist movement’s ultimate success in securing women’s right to vote left an enduring legacy of social and political change. The Nineteenth Amendment stands as a testament to their perseverance and dedication. The Lucy Stone stamp not only honors an individual suffragist but also symbolizes the broader movement’s triumph and its lasting impact on American society.
These facets of the term “suffragist” illuminate the profound significance of the Lucy Stone fifty-cent stamp. It serves not merely as a piece of postage but as a powerful symbol of a pivotal moment in the struggle for women’s rights and a tribute to the enduring legacy of those who fought for equality.
3. 1965 Issue
The year 1965 holds specific relevance to the Lucy Stone fifty-cent stamp, marking its date of issue. This timing connects the stamp to a particular historical context within the broader narrative of the women’s suffrage movement and the evolving recognition of women’s contributions to American society. The 1965 issue date coincided with the 50th anniversary of the National Woman’s Party, a militant organization dedicated to securing voting rights for women. This confluence of events amplified the stamp’s message, aligning it with ongoing commemorations of the suffrage movement’s milestones. Furthermore, the mid-1960s marked a period of heightened social and political activism, including the burgeoning Civil Rights Movement. Issuing the Stone stamp during this era connected her legacy to contemporary struggles for equality and social justice, resonating with a nation grappling with fundamental questions of rights and representation.
The choice of 1965 also reflects evolving perspectives on historical figures and their contributions. Decades after the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment, a renewed focus on the individuals who spearheaded the suffrage movement emerged. The Lucy Stone stamp became part of this larger trend of recognizing and honoring previously overlooked historical figures. Issuing the stamp during this period of reassessment contributed to a more nuanced understanding of the struggle for women’s suffrage and the diverse range of individuals who played crucial roles. For example, the stamp’s release prompted renewed interest in Stone’s unique approach to activism, including her focus on state-level legislative strategies and her emphasis on retaining her maiden name after marriage.
Understanding the significance of the 1965 issue date provides crucial context for interpreting the Lucy Stone stamp. It links the stamp to specific historical events, social movements, and evolving interpretations of the past. This contextual awareness enhances appreciation for the stamp’s multifaceted meaning and its enduring relevance within the broader narrative of American history. The 1965 issue date solidifies the stamp’s position not just as a philatelic artifact but as a historical marker reflecting a specific moment in time and its connection to the ongoing struggle for equality and recognition.
4. Fifty Cents
The denomination of fifty cents for the 1965 Lucy Stone stamp holds significance beyond its monetary face value. At the time of issue, this represented a relatively high denomination for a commemorative stamp, signifying the importance attributed to Stone and her contributions to the women’s suffrage movement. This higher value distinguished the stamp from more common, lower-denomination postage, reflecting a deliberate decision to elevate Stone’s status within the pantheon of honored Americans. Other stamps in the Prominent Americans series featuring figures like Abraham Lincoln and George Washington also carried this fifty-cent denomination, further emphasizing the level of recognition bestowed upon Stone. This placement alongside other prominent historical figures solidified her position as a key figure in American history.
The fifty-cent denomination also had practical implications for the stamp’s usage. Its higher value made it suitable for larger packages and heavier mail, increasing its visibility and reach. While more common stamps facilitated everyday correspondence, the fifty-cent Stone stamp often adorned parcels and registered mail, potentially exposing a wider audience to her image and legacy. This practical application served as a subtle yet effective means of disseminating Stone’s story and contributions beyond the realm of stamp collectors. Furthermore, the higher cost likely contributed to the stamp’s perceived value and collectability, further enhancing its potential to serve as a lasting tribute.
In summary, the “fifty cents” component of the “Lucy Stone stamp fifty cent” designation is integral to understanding its historical significance and practical implications. The denomination signifies the recognized importance of Stone’s contributions, distinguishes the stamp from more common postage, and influenced its usage and reach. Recognizing this interplay between monetary value and historical commemoration provides a more nuanced understanding of the stamp’s role in preserving and promoting Stone’s legacy within the broader narrative of American history.
5. U.S. Postage
The “U.S. Postage” designation on the 1965 Lucy Stone fifty-cent stamp signifies its official status as a piece of United States mail. This seemingly simple label connects the stamp to a complex system of communication, commerce, and national identity, adding layers of meaning beyond its commemorative function. Understanding this connection provides crucial context for appreciating the stamp’s significance within the broader history of American postal services and its role in disseminating Stone’s image and legacy.
- Government Authority and Oversight:
The “U.S. Postage” inscription signifies the stamp’s production and distribution under the authority of the United States Postal Service. This governmental oversight ensures the stamp’s legitimacy and its acceptance for postal use throughout the country. In the case of the Lucy Stone stamp, this official backing elevates its commemorative function, transforming it from a private tribute into a nationally recognized acknowledgment of Stone’s contributions.
- Facilitating Communication and Commerce:
U.S. postage stamps, including the Lucy Stone fifty-cent stamp, serve the fundamental purpose of prepaying postal fees. This facilitates the efficient delivery of mail, supporting both personal communication and commercial transactions. While the Stone stamp’s higher denomination likely limited its use for everyday correspondence, its presence on larger packages and registered mail contributed to the smooth functioning of the postal system while simultaneously disseminating Stone’s image across the country.
- National Identity and Symbolism:
U.S. postage stamps often feature national symbols, historical figures, and important events, reflecting and reinforcing a sense of national identity. The inclusion of Lucy Stone in the Prominent Americans series positions her as a significant figure in American history, worthy of national recognition. The “U.S. Postage” label reinforces this message, associating Stone’s image with the nation’s official mail system and symbolically integrating her legacy into the national narrative.
- Historical Record and Philatelic Value:
U.S. postage stamps, including commemorative issues like the Lucy Stone stamp, serve as historical artifacts, documenting specific periods, individuals, and events. Their preservation and study contribute to a deeper understanding of the past. The “U.S. Postage” designation, combined with the stamp’s design and date of issue, provides valuable information for philatelists and historians seeking to reconstruct historical narratives and analyze evolving social and cultural trends.
These interconnected facets of “U.S. Postage” provide a richer understanding of the Lucy Stone fifty-cent stamp’s significance. It transcends its functional role as pre-paid postage and becomes a historical artifact, a symbol of national recognition, and a testament to the power of the postal service in shaping public memory and disseminating historical narratives. The “U.S. Postage” designation, therefore, is integral to understanding the stamp’s multifaceted meaning and its lasting contribution to American history and culture.
6. Prominent Americans Series
The “Prominent Americans Series,” a significant philatelic endeavor by the United States Postal Service, provides crucial context for understanding the 1965 Lucy Stone fifty-cent stamp. This series, initiated in 1965, aimed to honor individuals who made substantial contributions to American history and culture. Stone’s inclusion within this series underscores her recognized importance and provides a framework for interpreting the stamp’s meaning.
- Honoring Distinguished Individuals:
The series sought to commemorate individuals from diverse fields, including politics, science, arts, and social reform. Figures like Abraham Lincoln, George Washington Carver, and Susan B. Anthony were featured alongside Stone. This diverse representation reflects a broader effort to recognize a wide range of contributions to American society. Stone’s inclusion emphasizes her significance within this national narrative.
- National Recognition and Commemoration:
Inclusion in the “Prominent Americans Series” bestowed a form of official national recognition upon the honored individuals. Stamps, as official pieces of U.S. postage, carry an inherent symbolic weight, transforming the act of mailing into a form of commemoration. Stone’s image circulating on mail throughout the country amplified her visibility and solidified her place in public memory.
- Educational and Historical Value:
The series served an educational purpose by introducing or reminding the public of significant figures and their contributions. The stamps, often accompanied by informational brochures and press releases, provided historical context and encouraged further exploration. The Stone stamp, therefore, became a tool for learning about her role in the women’s suffrage movement and the broader struggle for equality.
- Philatelic Context and Collectability:
The “Prominent Americans Series” also holds significance within the world of stamp collecting. The series’ thematic focus and consistent design elements created a cohesive and desirable set for collectors. Stone’s stamp, with its relatively high denomination and historical significance, became a sought-after item, further contributing to her enduring legacy within philatelic circles and beyond.
Understanding the “Prominent Americans Series” illuminates the broader context surrounding the Lucy Stone fifty-cent stamp. It underscores the stamp’s purpose as a commemorative object, a tool for education, and a piece of national recognition. Stone’s inclusion in this prestigious series solidifies her place as a prominent figure in American history, ensuring her legacy continues to inspire and inform future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries regarding the 1965 Lucy Stone fifty-cent stamp, providing concise and informative responses.
Question 1: What is the significance of the Lucy Stone fifty-cent stamp?
The stamp commemorates Lucy Stone, a prominent 19th-century suffragist and women’s rights advocate. Its issuance in 1965 coincided with the 50th anniversary of the National Woman’s Party, further emphasizing its connection to the struggle for voting rights.
Question 2: Why is the stamp’s denomination fifty cents?
The fifty-cent denomination was relatively high for a commemorative stamp at the time, reflecting the significance attributed to Stone’s contributions. It placed her in the company of other prominent figures honored with similarly valued stamps.
Question 3: Is the Lucy Stone stamp part of a larger series?
Yes, it belongs to the Prominent Americans series issued by the U.S. Postal Service, which honored individuals who made significant contributions to American history and culture.
Question 4: What is Lucy Stone’s connection to the women’s suffrage movement?
Stone was a leading voice and activist in the movement, advocating for women’s right to vote through oratory, writing, and organizing. She also notably retained her maiden name after marriage, a radical act for the time.
Question 5: Where can one find more information about Lucy Stone and the suffrage movement?
Numerous historical resources, including books, articles, and online archives, offer detailed information about Lucy Stone, her contemporaries, and the broader context of the women’s suffrage movement. Libraries and historical societies are excellent starting points for research.
Question 6: What factors influence the value of a Lucy Stone stamp for collectors?
Condition, including centering and lack of damage, significantly affects value. Authenticity and provenance also play key roles. Consulting a reputable stamp dealer or appraiser can provide expert guidance.
Understanding these key aspects of the Lucy Stone fifty-cent stamp offers a deeper appreciation for its historical and cultural significance. It serves as a tangible reminder of a pivotal moment in American history and the ongoing struggle for equality.
Further exploration of related topics, including the history of the U.S. Postal Service and the broader context of social reform movements, can enrich understanding of this commemorative stamp and its enduring legacy.
Lucy Stone Stamp 50 Cent
Exploration of the 1965 Lucy Stone fifty-cent stamp reveals its multifaceted significance. Issued as part of the Prominent Americans series, the stamp commemorates Stone’s pivotal role in the women’s suffrage movement. Its relatively high denomination underscores the importance attributed to her contributions. Analysis of the stamp’s historical context, including its release during the 50th anniversary of the National Woman’s Party and amidst the burgeoning Civil Rights Movement, further enriches understanding. Furthermore, examination of Stones life as an orator, writer, and activist, coupled with an understanding of the challenges faced by suffragists, provides valuable context for appreciating the stamp’s historical and cultural significance.
The Lucy Stone stamp serves as more than a mere postage artifact. It represents a tangible piece of history, symbolizing the struggle for women’s rights and the enduring legacy of those who fought for equality. This philatelic tribute encourages reflection on the ongoing pursuit of social justice and the importance of recognizing the contributions of individuals who challenged societal norms and shaped a more inclusive future. Continued exploration of Stone’s life and the broader suffrage movement remains crucial for understanding this stamp’s enduring relevance and its call to action for continued progress toward a more equitable society.
