The 1-cent postage stamp featuring Martha Washington, issued in 1902, holds a unique place in American philately. It represents the first U.S. postage stamp to depict a woman, recognizing the wife of the first President. This deep red stamp, showcasing a portrait of Martha Washington based on a Gilbert Stuart painting, quickly became a popular choice for mailing postcards and letters requiring the 1-cent rate common at the time.
Its issuance marked a significant cultural shift, acknowledging the contributions of women to American history. Beyond its practical purpose for postal needs, the stamp achieved immediate collectibility. Examples in pristine condition, particularly those with intact original gum, are highly valued by stamp collectors today. This small piece of postal history offers a glimpse into early 20th-century communication practices and societal values. It paved the way for future stamps featuring other prominent American women.
Further exploration of this topic might include examining the stamp’s design details, printing variations, usage statistics, or its impact on subsequent stamp issues. A detailed analysis of its market value and collecting trends would also be beneficial to philatelists and history enthusiasts.
Collecting Tips
The 1902 1-cent Martha Washington stamp presents unique collecting challenges and opportunities. Careful consideration of condition, variations, and market trends is essential for building a valuable and historically significant collection.
Tip 1: Prioritize Centering. A well-centered stamp, with balanced margins on all sides, commands a premium. Off-center examples, where the design is shifted towards one edge, are less desirable.
Tip 2: Examine the Gum. Stamps with original, undisturbed gum are significantly more valuable than hinged examples. Look for stamps described as “mint never hinged” for the highest potential return.
Tip 3: Identify Printing Variations. Variations in shade, perforation, and paper type exist within this issue. Specialized catalogs and expert opinions can assist in identifying these nuances.
Tip 4: Consider Plate Blocks. Collecting plate blocks, which include the marginal markings from the printing plate, offers a more comprehensive view of the printing process and can enhance a collection’s value.
Tip 5: Research Market Trends. Auction records and dealer catalogs provide valuable insights into current market values and trends. This information allows for informed purchasing decisions.
Tip 6: Seek Professional Authentication. For high-value examples, certification by a reputable philatelic expertizing service provides added assurance of authenticity and accurate grading.
Careful attention to these factors will contribute to the acquisition of a well-curated collection of this important historical artifact. Understanding the nuances of the 1902 Martha Washington issue is essential for maximizing its value and appreciating its significance within philatelic history.
Through these insights, one can approach the collection of this historically significant stamp with a greater appreciation for its unique characteristics and philatelic importance.
1. First U.S. woman on a stamp
The distinction of being the first woman featured on a United States postage stamp belongs to Martha Washington, as depicted on the 1-cent stamp issued in 1902. This event holds significant historical and cultural weight, reflecting evolving societal perceptions of women’s roles and contributions. Examining the facets of this milestone offers a deeper understanding of its impact.
- Challenging Traditional Representations
Prior to 1902, U.S. postage stamps primarily featured male figures, predominantly political leaders and national heroes. The decision to portray Martha Washington signaled a departure from this tradition, acknowledging the importance of women in the nation’s narrative. This act represented a symbolic step towards greater recognition of women’s influence in American society.
- Martha Washington’s Symbolic Significance
The choice of Martha Washington as the subject carries symbolic weight. As the wife of the first President, she embodied the ideals of republican motherhood and domestic virtue, qualities highly valued in the early 20th century. This selection reinforced traditional gender roles while simultaneously elevating a woman to a position of national recognition.
- Impact on Future Stamp Issues
This groundbreaking act paved the way for future depictions of women on U.S. postage. Subsequent issues honored other prominent figures, expanding the representation of women’s contributions to various fields, including social reform, the arts, and sciences. The 1902 Martha Washington stamp established a precedent for recognizing women’s achievements through this medium.
- Philatelic and Cultural Significance
The stamp’s historical importance translates to philatelic value. Collectors prize this issue for its rarity and historical significance, making it a sought-after addition to collections. The stamp serves as a tangible reminder of a pivotal moment in American history and its cultural evolution.
In conclusion, the 1902 1-cent Martha Washington stamp represents more than just a postal artifact. It symbolizes a shift in societal attitudes towards women’s roles and contributions. By understanding the context and implications of this historical event, one gains a deeper appreciation for the stamp’s enduring significance within American culture and philately.
2. Issued 1902
The year 1902 represents a pivotal moment in American philately: the issuance of the first U.S. postage stamp depicting a woman. This stamp, a 1-cent denomination featuring Martha Washington, carries historical weight beyond its postal function. Its release reflects evolving social attitudes towards women at the turn of the 20th century. Placing Martha Washington, wife of the first President, on a postage stamp signified a nascent recognition of womens contributions to the nation’s history, albeit within the context of traditional gender roles.
The 1902 issuance date contextualizes the stamp within a specific historical period. This era witnessed burgeoning womens suffrage movements and increasing public discourse on womens rights. While the stamp’s design arguably reinforced conventional imagery of women as figures of domesticity, its very existence marked a departure from the exclusively male representations previously seen on U.S. postage. This makes the 1902 issuance date crucial for understanding the stamps significance as a cultural artifact. Furthermore, the date allows collectors to distinguish this issue from later Martha Washington stamps, clarifying its place within the broader narrative of American philately.
Understanding the 1902 issuance date is critical for accurate historical placement and philatelic assessment. It provides context for interpreting the stamp’s design and societal implications. This knowledge is essential for collectors seeking to build historically informed collections and for anyone interested in the intersection of visual culture, postal history, and evolving gender representations in the early 20th century.
3. One and a half cent denomination
The one-and-a-half-cent denomination of the 1902 Martha Washington stamp offers insights into postal rates and communication practices of the early 20th century. This unusual denomination served a specific purpose: meeting the rate for mailing postcards. Prior to 1902, the postcard rate was two cents. However, a rate reduction to one and a half cents necessitated a new stamp denomination. The Martha Washington issue directly addressed this change, providing a convenient means for mailing postcards at the newly established rate. This practical application underscores the connection between postal policy and stamp design.
The specific denomination further contributes to the stamp’s collectibility. Its relative scarcity compared to other contemporary issues, coupled with its unique denomination and historical significance as the first U.S. stamp to depict a woman, enhances its appeal to philatelists. Understanding the historical context of postal rates allows collectors to appreciate the stamp’s purpose and place within a larger system of communication and commerce. Examining postal records and period documents can illuminate the volume of mail using this denomination, providing further insights into the stamp’s usage and impact.
In summary, the one-and-a-half-cent denomination of the 1902 Martha Washington stamp represents more than a simple face value. It reflects specific postal regulations, offers insights into period communication practices, and contributes to the stamp’s philatelic significance. Recognizing this interconnectedness allows for a deeper understanding of the stamp as a historical artifact and collectible item. This knowledge enhances appreciation for the complexities of postal history and the nuances of stamp collecting.
4. Deep red color
The deep red color of the 1902 1-cent Martha Washington stamp contributes significantly to its recognizability and historical context. This particular shade, often described as carmine or lake, resulted from the printing process and the specific inks utilized at the time. While seemingly a minor detail, the color holds implications for both stamp collectors and historical researchers.
Color variations within stamp issues can occur due to different printing runs or ink batches. Distinguishing these subtle differences is crucial for philatelists seeking to identify specific printings and assess a stamp’s value. The deep red of the 1902 Martha Washington stamp helps differentiate it from other contemporary issues and potential forgeries. Furthermore, the chosen color may reflect aesthetic preferences of the period and offer insights into printing technologies available at the turn of the 20th century. Research into the specific ink formulation and printing methods used for this issue could reveal valuable information about historical printing practices.
The deep red color, therefore, functions as more than just an aesthetic characteristic. It serves as a key identifier for collectors, a potential indicator of specific printings, and a window into historical printing techniques. Understanding the significance of this seemingly simple detail adds another layer to the appreciation of the 1902 Martha Washington stamp’s historical and philatelic importance. Further research into contemporary printing practices and color choices in visual culture could offer a broader context for understanding this design choice.
5. Gilbert Stuart portrait
The 1902 1-cent Martha Washington stamp features a portrait based on a work by renowned American artist Gilbert Stuart. This artistic connection significantly impacts the stamp’s historical and aesthetic value. Stuart, known for his portraits of prominent figures including George Washington, created several iconic renderings of Martha Washington. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing selected one of these portraits as the basis for the stamp’s design, solidifying its connection to established artistic tradition. This choice imbued the stamp with a sense of historical authority and artistic merit, elevating it beyond a mere postal artifact.
Engraver George F.C. Smillie adapted Stuart’s painting for the stamp’s reduced scale, retaining key features while simplifying details for reproduction. Comparing the stamp’s design with Stuart’s original paintings reveals the engraver’s skill in capturing the essence of the portrait within the constraints of the stamp format. This adaptation process highlights the technical challenges inherent in transferring artistic works to miniature engraved formats. Examples of other stamps based on existing artworks demonstrate the prevalence of this practice in philatelic design. Recognizing the source material enhances understanding and appreciation of the stamp’s artistic lineage.
The use of a Gilbert Stuart portrait lends the Martha Washington stamp significant cultural weight. Stuart’s portrayal contributes to the stamp’s enduring recognition and its status as a key piece of American iconography. Understanding the artistic connection enriches the stamp’s historical context, enabling a deeper appreciation for its design and enduring legacy within both philatelic and artistic spheres. Further research into Stuart’s portraiture and its impact on American visual culture provides valuable context for appreciating the stamp’s design choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries regarding the 1902 1-cent Martha Washington stamp, providing concise and informative responses.
Question 1: What makes this stamp historically significant?
It represents the first U.S. postage stamp to depict a woman, marking a significant step in recognizing women’s contributions to American history.
Question 2: Why is the one-and-a-half-cent denomination unusual?
This specific denomination corresponded to the postcard rate established in 1902, reflecting the stamp’s practical purpose.
Question 3: Are there variations within this stamp issue?
Variations in shade, perforation, and paper type exist. Specialized catalogs and expert opinions can assist in identifying these nuances.
Question 4: How can one determine the value of a Martha Washington stamp?
Condition, centering, gum status, and potential variations influence value. Consulting auction records and expert appraisers provides accurate assessments.
Question 5: What role did Gilbert Stuart play in the stamp’s design?
The stamp’s portrait is based on a painting by Gilbert Stuart, a renowned American artist known for his portraits of prominent historical figures.
Question 6: Where can one find more information about this stamp?
Philatelic societies, stamp catalogs, auction houses, and reputable dealers offer extensive resources for further research and acquisition.
Understanding these key aspects contributes to a deeper appreciation of the stamps historical significance and collectibility.
Further exploration might involve examining the stamps production process, usage statistics, or its influence on subsequent stamp designs.
The 1-Cent Martha Washington
Exploration of the 1-cent Martha Washington stamp reveals its multifaceted significance. Issued in 1902, this unassuming piece of postal ephemera holds a prominent place in American history and philately. Its distinction as the first U.S. postage stamp to depict a woman underscores evolving societal perceptions of gender roles at the turn of the 20th century. The stamp’s deep red color, derived from period printing processes, contributes to its visual distinctiveness. Its denomination, tied to the then-current postcard rate, reflects practical postal needs. Furthermore, the portrait, based on a Gilbert Stuart painting, connects the stamp to established artistic traditions. Analysis of condition, variations, and market trends reveals its collectible value, while an understanding of its historical context illuminates its cultural impact.
The 1-cent Martha Washington stamp serves as a tangible link to a transformative period in American history. It invites further investigation into the interplay between postal history, visual culture, and evolving societal norms. This seemingly small artifact offers a window into larger historical narratives, prompting continued exploration and appreciation of its enduring legacy.
