The 1955 United States postage stamp honoring Mary Lyon depicts the educator and founder of Mount Holyoke Female Seminary (later Mount Holyoke College). This two-cent commemorative issue features her portrait and recognizes her significant contributions to women’s education in the nineteenth century. The stamp’s design is a testament to Lyon’s enduring legacy.
Issued during a period of increasing recognition of women’s historical contributions, this philatelic tribute highlights Lyon’s pioneering role in establishing accessible higher education for women. Her work challenged societal norms and laid the foundation for the modern liberal arts education for women in the United States. The stamp serves as a tangible reminder of her impact and continues to inspire interest in her life and work.
Further exploration of this topic can delve into the design process of the stamp, the historical context surrounding its release, Lyon’s broader educational philosophy, and the lasting impact of Mount Holyoke College on the landscape of women’s education.
Tips for Collectors of the 1955 Mary Lyon Commemorative Stamp
Collectors seeking the 1955 two-cent Mary Lyon commemorative stamp can benefit from understanding key aspects of stamp collecting related to condition, identification, and market value.
Tip 1: Condition is paramount. Stamps in mint condition, with full original gum and no imperfections, command higher values. Damage such as tears, creases, thin spots, or fading significantly impacts worth.
Tip 2: Verify authenticity. Compare the stamp with reputable philatelic resources to confirm its genuine nature. Pay close attention to the printing quality, perforation patterns, and color.
Tip 3: Understand variations. Be aware of potential variations in the stamp, such as different plate blocks or printing errors. These variations can significantly affect the stamp’s value.
Tip 4: Research current market prices. Consult stamp catalogs, online auction platforms, and dealer listings to gain an accurate understanding of the current market value for the stamp in various conditions.
Tip 5: Proper storage is essential. Protect the stamp from environmental factors such as humidity, light, and temperature fluctuations. Archival-quality stamp albums and mounts are recommended.
Tip 6: Seek expert advice. Consulting experienced philatelists or stamp dealers can provide valuable insights into the stamp’s rarity, condition, and potential value.
Careful consideration of these factors allows collectors to make informed decisions and build a valuable and rewarding collection. These tips provide a solid foundation for navigating the complexities of the stamp market and appreciating the historical significance of this commemorative issue.
By understanding the nuances of philately as it pertains to the Mary Lyon stamp, collectors can gain a deeper appreciation for both the historical figure it commemorates and the rich traditions of stamp collecting itself.
1. Commemorative Postage
Commemorative postage plays a crucial role in public remembrance and historical recognition. Unlike definitive stamps issued for everyday postal use, commemorative stamps celebrate specific individuals, events, or anniversaries. The 1955 Mary Lyon two-cent stamp exemplifies this function. Its issuance served not merely as payment for postage but as a national acknowledgment of Lyon’s contribution to women’s education. This commemorative act transformed a utilitarian object into a historical marker, educating the public and ensuring Lyon’s legacy reached a broad audience. Other examples of commemorative stamps include those honoring historical figures like Abraham Lincoln or significant events such as the landing on the moon. These stamps offer miniature historical snapshots, fostering national pride and prompting further exploration of the commemorated subject.
The Mary Lyon stamp’s commemorative nature elevates its importance beyond its face value. It becomes a tangible piece of history, embodying a specific moment in time and reflecting societal values. The act of issuing the stamp itself signifies national recognition of Lyon’s achievements. This recognition, disseminated through the postal system, reached a wide audience and contributed to the enduring public memory of Lyons work. The choice to commemorate her through a postage stamp underscores the value placed on education and the increasing recognition of women’s contributions to American society during this period.
Understanding the significance of commemorative postage enriches the appreciation of the Mary Lyon stamp. It highlights the intentional act of remembrance and the stamp’s function as a historical artifact. By studying commemorative postage, one gains insight into the processes of historical commemoration and the ways in which individuals and events are selected for national recognition. The Mary Lyon stamp stands as a testament to the power of commemorative postage to preserve and disseminate historical memory, prompting reflection on the broader societal forces shaping such commemorations.
2. Honoring Mary Lyon
The 1955 two-cent stamp serves as a tangible manifestation of the desire to honor Mary Lyon’s legacy. The act of issuing a commemorative stamp represents a formal recognition of her contributions to American education and society. This philatelic tribute solidified her place in public memory, ensuring her impact extended beyond the confines of academia. The stamp’s design, featuring her portrait, further reinforces this commemorative intention, transforming her image into a nationally circulated symbol of educational reform and women’s empowerment. The decision to honor Lyon through this medium reflects the growing recognition of women’s achievements in the mid-20th century.
The stamp’s existence provided a readily accessible means for the public to engage with Lyon’s story. Its circulation through the postal system ensured widespread visibility, reaching a diverse audience far exceeding those directly familiar with her educational work. This widespread dissemination contributed to a broader understanding of her contributions, solidifying her status as a significant figure in American history. The stamp’s accessibility also fostered a sense of national pride in her achievements, promoting a collective appreciation for her pioneering spirit and dedication to educational reform. The very act of using the stamp in daily correspondence served as a subtle yet persistent reminder of Lyon’s impact.
The connection between honoring Mary Lyon and the issuance of the commemorative stamp provides valuable insight into the processes of historical remembrance. The stamp functions as more than just a postage item; it acts as a cultural artifact, embodying societal values and priorities. It demonstrates how individuals are selected for national recognition and the mechanisms used to perpetuate their legacies. Studying the stamp, therefore, allows for a deeper understanding of the historical context surrounding its creation and the enduring significance of Lyon’s contributions to education and social reform. The stamp’s continued presence in collections serves as a testament to the power of philately to preserve and transmit historical memory.
3. Issued in 1955
The year 1955 provides crucial context for understanding the significance of the Mary Lyon two-cent stamp. Examining the historical backdrop surrounding the stamp’s issuance illuminates its meaning and reveals insights into the social and cultural climate of the time. The following facets explore the relevance of the 1955 issuance date.
- Post-War Recognition of Women
The 1950s witnessed evolving societal attitudes toward women following their significant contributions during World War II. Increased recognition of women’s capabilities and contributions to the war effort created a climate more receptive to honoring historical figures like Mary Lyon. Her pioneering work in education resonated with the changing perceptions of women’s roles and capabilities in the post-war era. The stamp’s issuance during this period suggests a deliberate effort to acknowledge women’s historical influence.
- Growing Emphasis on Education
The post-war period also experienced a renewed emphasis on education, particularly higher education. The G.I. Bill fueled a surge in college enrollment, transforming the educational landscape. Issuing the Mary Lyon stamp within this context underscores the increasing national importance placed on education and its accessibility. The stamp served as a reminder of the historical struggles to expand educational opportunities, particularly for women.
- Commemorative Practices of the Era
Analyzing commemorative practices of the 1950s provides further insights into the stamp’s significance. The U.S. Postal Service regularly issued commemorative stamps to honor individuals and events deemed nationally important. Examining other stamps issued during this period reveals prevailing themes and priorities, offering a broader perspective on the selection of Mary Lyon as a subject worthy of national recognition. This analysis can reveal contemporary social and political values.
- Philatelic Context
Understanding the philatelic landscape of 1955 is also crucial. Analyzing stamp production, distribution, and collecting practices of the mid-20th century enhances comprehension of the Mary Lyon stamp’s reach and impact. Factors such as printing techniques, design choices, and the overall popularity of stamp collecting at the time contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the stamp’s historical context and its role within the larger philatelic world.
Considering these interwoven factors provides a richer appreciation of the Mary Lyon stamp. The 1955 issuance date situates the stamp within a specific historical moment, revealing its connections to broader societal trends. The stamp serves not merely as a piece of postal history, but as a window into the cultural, social, and educational landscape of the mid-20th century. Examining these interconnected elements allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the stamp’s enduring significance and its place within the broader narrative of American history.
4. Two-cent denomination
The two-cent denomination of the 1955 Mary Lyon stamp offers insight into the postal rates and economic conditions of the mid-20th century. In 1955, two cents represented the standard first-class postage rate for a domestic letter. Therefore, the stamp’s denomination reflects its practical, everyday use. This practicality contrasts with higher denomination commemorative stamps often intended primarily for collectors. The choice of a two-cent denomination ensured widespread circulation of the Mary Lyon stamp, maximizing public exposure to her image and the commemorative message it conveyed. This widespread use contributed significantly to the stamp’s impact in promoting Lyon’s legacy. Other contemporary two-cent stamps might commemorate different subjects but share a similar function in representing the standard cost of mailing a letter. Examining postal rate history reveals fluctuations in cost and corresponding changes in stamp denominations, providing a valuable economic lens through which to analyze historical trends.
The two-cent denomination also played a role in the stamp’s accessibility. Its relatively low cost made it affordable for everyday correspondence, ensuring a wider audience encountered the stamp compared to higher value commemorative issues. This affordability facilitated the stamp’s function as a tool for disseminating historical knowledge and promoting national recognition of Mary Lyon’s contributions. Moreover, the widespread use of the two-cent stamp for everyday mail meant it reached diverse populations across geographic and socioeconomic boundaries. This broad circulation amplified the stamp’s commemorative message, contributing to a more inclusive and democratic form of historical remembrance. Comparing the circulation figures of different denominations can offer insights into the relative reach and impact of various commemorative stamps.
Understanding the implications of the two-cent denomination provides a crucial perspective on the Mary Lyon stamp’s historical significance. It highlights the stamp’s dual function: as a practical tool for postal communication and as a vehicle for commemorating a significant historical figure. This dual role contributed to the stamp’s widespread impact and its effectiveness in promoting public awareness of Lyon’s legacy. Analyzing the intersection of postal rates, stamp denominations, and commemorative practices enriches our understanding of how historical memory is constructed and disseminated. The two-cent denomination, seemingly a minor detail, offers valuable insight into broader historical, economic, and social trends.
5. Philatelic Significance
The philatelic significance of the 1955 Mary Lyon two-cent stamp derives from a confluence of factors that extend beyond its commemorative purpose. While the stamp serves to honor Mary Lyon and her contributions to education, its value to collectors stems from elements such as rarity, condition, and historical context. The stamp’s relatively short production period and widespread usage contribute to variations in condition, impacting its desirability among collectors. Stamps in pristine, unused condition, particularly those still affixed to their original backing paper or as part of a first-day cover, command higher values. Conversely, stamps exhibiting signs of wear, cancellation marks, or damage diminish in philatelic value. The stamp’s placement within larger historical narratives, such as the burgeoning recognition of women’s contributions to American society and the post-war emphasis on education, further enhance its appeal to collectors interested in thematic or historical collections. For instance, a collection focusing on prominent women in American history or the evolution of educational reform would likely include the Mary Lyon stamp as a key piece. The stamp’s documented printing variations, including plate block numbers and potential errors, add another layer of complexity and desirability for specialized collectors.
The interplay between condition, historical context, and printing variations influences the stamp’s market value and desirability among collectors. A well-preserved stamp with a clear cancellation mark from a significant location might hold historical value for collectors interested in postal history. Similarly, a stamp with a documented printing error, while potentially less aesthetically pleasing, could be highly sought after by collectors specializing in such variations. Understanding these nuances is crucial for collectors seeking to assess a stamp’s potential value and place within a broader philatelic context. Comparing the Mary Lyon stamp with other commemorative stamps issued in the same period can provide insights into its relative rarity and market performance. Consulting reputable stamp catalogs, auction records, and expert opinions can provide a deeper understanding of the stamp’s philatelic significance and potential investment value.
In conclusion, the philatelic significance of the Mary Lyon two-cent stamp extends beyond its face value and commemorative purpose. Its value within the collecting community is shaped by a complex interplay of factors including condition, historical context, and printing variations. Recognizing these factors allows collectors to appreciate the stamp not merely as a piece of ephemera, but as a tangible artifact reflecting historical, social, and cultural trends. The stamp’s ongoing presence in collections testifies to the enduring power of philately to preserve and transmit historical memory. Further research into specific examples of rare variations and their corresponding market values can provide a more granular understanding of the stamp’s philatelic significance.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries regarding the 1955 Mary Lyon two-cent commemorative stamp.
Question 1: What is the historical significance of Mary Lyon?
Mary Lyon (1797-1849) was a pioneering educator who founded Mount Holyoke Female Seminary (now Mount Holyoke College) in 1837. Her vision of accessible and rigorous higher education for women challenged societal norms and transformed the landscape of women’s education in the United States.
Question 2: Why was a stamp issued in her honor?
The stamp, issued in 1955, commemorates Lyon’s enduring contributions to education. Its release reflects the growing recognition of women’s historical achievements and the increasing importance placed on education in the post-war era.
Question 3: How much is the stamp worth?
The value varies based on condition, including factors like centering, gum condition, and the presence of any flaws. Consulting stamp catalogs or reputable dealers provides current market valuations.
Question 4: Are there different variations of the stamp?
Variations exist related to plate position and potential printing errors. Collectors often seek specific plate blocks or varieties, which can influence a stamp’s value.
Question 5: Where can one acquire this stamp?
The stamp can be found through various channels, including stamp dealers, online marketplaces, and auctions. Exercising caution and verifying authenticity are crucial when purchasing.
Question 6: How should the stamp be stored?
Proper storage is essential for preservation. Archival-quality materials, such as acid-free albums and mounts, protect the stamp from environmental damage and maintain its condition.
Understanding these aspects enhances appreciation for the stamp’s historical and philatelic significance. Careful research and attention to detail are crucial for collectors seeking to acquire and preserve this piece of postal history.
Further exploration might include examining Mary Lyon’s educational philosophy, the history of Mount Holyoke College, or the broader context of commemorative stamp issuance in the United States.
Mary Lyon 2 Cent Stamp
Exploration of the 1955 Mary Lyon two-cent commemorative stamp reveals a confluence of historical, social, and philatelic significance. The stamp’s issuance coincided with increasing recognition of women’s contributions to American society and a renewed emphasis on education in the post-war era. Its denomination reflects contemporary postal rates, while its design serves as a lasting tribute to Lyon’s pioneering work in women’s education. Furthermore, the stamp’s condition, potential variations, and historical context contribute to its desirability among collectors. Examination of these interconnected elements provides a deeper understanding of the stamp’s enduring value and its place within broader historical narratives.
The Mary Lyon two-cent stamp stands as a tangible reminder of the power of commemorative postage to honor historical figures and disseminate their legacies. Continued study of this seemingly small artifact offers valuable insights into the cultural, social, and educational landscape of the mid-20th century. This exploration encourages further investigation into the life and work of Mary Lyon, the history of Mount Holyoke College, and the broader impact of women in shaping American education.
