This postage, released in 1976 as part of the Bicentennial celebration, features an engraved portrait of the famed patriot based on a painting by Gilbert Stuart. It depicts Revere on horseback, likely referencing his famous midnight ride, and includes the denomination and “USA” designation. This specific issue is part of the larger tradition of American commemorative stamps, recognizing key figures and events in national history.
The issue served not only a postal function but also as a miniature work of art and a historical marker, reminding users of Revere’s contribution to the American Revolution. The stamp’s release coincided with a period of heightened national pride and interest in the nation’s founding, making it a popular and widely circulated item. Its enduring presence in collections and historical archives testifies to its significance as a tangible piece of American history. Furthermore, it highlights the role of philately in preserving and disseminating historical narratives.
Further exploration could include discussions of stamp production methods in the 1970s, the impact of the Bicentennial on American culture, or the life and legacy of Paul Revere himself. The stamp serves as an excellent entry point for delving into these richer historical themes.
Tips for Collectors of the 1976 Paul Revere Bicentennial Stamp
Collectors seeking the 1976 Paul Revere 25-cent stamp can benefit from understanding key aspects of its identification, condition, and market value. The following tips offer guidance for both novice and experienced collectors.
Tip 1: Verify the Issue Date. Ensure the stamp originates from the 1976 Bicentennial series. Later reprints or variations may exist, impacting value and collectibility.
Tip 2: Examine the Condition. Assess the stamp for centering, perforations, and any signs of damage such as tears, creases, or thinning. Well-preserved examples command higher prices.
Tip 3: Consider Plate Blocks. Stamps issued in plate blocks, showing the marginal markings from the printing plate, are often more desirable to collectors.
Tip 4: Research Market Value. Consult stamp catalogs, online marketplaces, and dealer pricing to understand the current market value for various conditions of the stamp.
Tip 5: Handle with Care. Use stamp tongs to avoid damage from fingerprints or oils. Store stamps in protective sleeves or albums.
Tip 6: Authenticate if Necessary. For particularly valuable or rare varieties, professional authentication can provide assurance of genuineness and enhance value.
Tip 7: Focus on a Specific Niche. Consider specializing in a particular aspect, such as first-day covers, different plate number blocks, or varieties related to the stamp.
Careful attention to these details contributes to a more informed and rewarding collecting experience. Understanding the nuances of condition and market dynamics allows collectors to make sound decisions regarding acquisition and potential investment.
This focus on specific details enhances the collector’s ability to identify and appreciate the historical and cultural significance embedded within this small piece of American history.
1. Commemorative Issue
The 1976 Paul Revere 25-cent stamp stands as a prime example of a commemorative issue. Commemorative stamps deviate from standard postage by celebrating specific events, individuals, or themes, imbuing them with historical and cultural significance beyond their postal function. Understanding this context is crucial for appreciating the stamp’s value and purpose.
- Historical Context
Commemorative stamps offer snapshots of historical moments. The Revere stamp, issued during the United States Bicentennial, reflects the nation’s focus on its revolutionary past. This timing amplified the stamp’s message, linking everyday postal transactions with national heritage. Similar commemorative issues exist for other key anniversaries or historical figures, creating a tangible timeline of national memory.
- Subject Matter
The choice of subject for commemorative stamps reflects cultural values and priorities. Paul Revere’s role in the American Revolution made him a fitting symbol for the Bicentennial celebration. The stamp’s imagery, depicting his midnight ride, further reinforces this narrative. Other commemorative stamps might highlight scientific achievements, artistic movements, or significant social changes, offering insights into a nation’s self-perception.
- Limited Production and Collectibility
Commemorative stamps are often issued for a limited time, increasing their collectibility. While intended for circulation, many are preserved by individuals and philatelists, transforming them into historical artifacts. This limited availability contributes to their potential value over time, turning them into sought-after pieces of both postal and cultural history.
- Educational and Cultural Impact
Commemorative issues serve an educational function by promoting awareness of specific historical events or figures. The Revere stamp introduced a new generation to his story, fostering a sense of national identity and historical continuity. This educational aspect extends beyond the individual stamp to the broader practice of stamp collecting, encouraging engagement with history and cultural heritage.
These facets illustrate how the commemorative nature of the Paul Revere stamp elevates it from a simple piece of postage to a symbolic representation of American history and cultural memory. The stamp’s issuance during the Bicentennial underscores its significance within a broader narrative of national identity and historical commemoration, reminding us of the power of small objects to encapsulate larger historical and cultural meanings.
2. Bicentennial Celebration
The 1976 United States Bicentennial, commemorating 200 years of independence, provided the historical context for the issuance of the Paul Revere 25-cent stamp. The celebration sought to reinvigorate national pride and reflect on the nation’s founding. The stamp, featuring a prominent figure from the American Revolution, became a tangible symbol of this commemoration.
- Commemorative Focus
The Bicentennial fostered a renewed interest in the events and individuals of the Revolutionary era. This focus naturally led to the selection of figures like Paul Revere for commemorative stamps. The celebration provided a platform to highlight his contribution to American independence and solidify his place in national memory. Numerous other stamps, coins, and memorabilia were also issued with Bicentennial themes, creating a cohesive commemorative program.
- National Identity
The Bicentennial served as a moment of national reflection and unity. The Paul Revere stamp, circulating through the postal system, reached a broad audience and reinforced a shared sense of national identity rooted in the revolutionary past. The stamp’s imagery, depicting Revere’s midnight ride, served as a visual reminder of the struggle for independence. This resonated with the broader themes of the Bicentennial, promoting a sense of collective heritage.
- Cultural Impact
The Bicentennial permeated American culture, influencing everything from fashion and music to public art and educational programs. The Paul Revere stamp became part of this cultural landscape, serving as a small but ubiquitous reminder of the historical moment. The stamp’s design became instantly recognizable, further cementing its association with the Bicentennial in the public consciousness. This widespread visibility contributed to the stamp’s enduring legacy as a symbol of the era.
- Philatelic Significance
The Bicentennial generated significant interest in stamp collecting. The Paul Revere stamp, as a key commemorative issue, became a desirable item for collectors. This increased demand elevated its status within philatelic circles. The stamp’s relatively limited production run and its association with a major historical event contributed to its long-term collectibility. This intersection of historical significance and philatelic interest ensured the stamp’s enduring presence in collections and historical archives.
The Paul Revere 25-cent stamp exemplifies the intersection of historical commemoration and philately. Its issuance during the Bicentennial ensured its connection to a pivotal moment in American history, transforming it from a simple postage item into a lasting symbol of national heritage and cultural memory. The stamp’s enduring presence in collections reflects the ongoing resonance of the Bicentennial and its impact on American culture.
3. Patriotic Symbolism
The 1976 Paul Revere 25-cent stamp embodies patriotic symbolism, leveraging familiar imagery and historical narratives to evoke national pride and commemorate a pivotal moment in American history. The stamp’s design, featuring Revere on horseback, alludes to his midnight ride, a key event in the leadup to the American Revolution. This visual shorthand immediately connects the stamp to a narrative of courage and patriotism. Issued during the Bicentennial celebrations, the stamp became a tangible symbol of national heritage, circulating throughout the postal system and reinforcing shared cultural memory.
The choice of Paul Revere as the subject further amplifies the patriotic message. Revere’s role as a patriot and silversmith resonated with the broader themes of the Bicentennial, emphasizing the values of liberty and self-governance. The stamp’s release during this period of heightened national pride contributed to its widespread acceptance and recognition as a patriotic emblem. The use of a classic engraved portrait style, reminiscent of historical currency and official documents, further enhances the stamp’s aura of authority and historical significance. This artistic choice strengthens the stamp’s connection to established traditions of American iconography.
Understanding the interplay of imagery, historical context, and artistic style provides insights into the stamp’s effectiveness as a vehicle for patriotic symbolism. The stamp’s enduring presence in collections and its continued recognition underscore its lasting impact on American cultural memory. While a small and functional object, the stamp effectively encapsulates larger narratives of national identity and historical commemoration, demonstrating the power of visual culture to shape collective understanding and reinforce patriotic sentiment.
4. Twenty-five Cent Denomination
The twenty-five cent denomination of the 1976 Paul Revere stamp places it within a specific historical and economic context. While commemorative, the stamp fulfilled a practical postal function. Understanding the monetary value assigned to the stamp provides insights into its intended use, its relationship to other postal rates of the period, and its potential value for collectors.
- Postal Rates
The 25-cent denomination reflected the first-class postage rate for a one-ounce letter in 1976. This situates the stamp within the evolving landscape of postal costs. Analyzing historical postal rates illuminates the economic factors influencing stamp denominations and provides a benchmark for comparing the Revere stamp to other contemporary issues. Changes in postal rates often necessitate new stamp denominations, creating a tangible record of economic shifts.
- Production and Distribution
The quantity of 25-cent Paul Revere stamps produced and distributed directly relates to anticipated postal demand. Higher denominations are typically printed in smaller quantities than lower denominations due to their specific usage. Production figures offer insights into the perceived need for 25-cent postage at the time, reflecting both general mail volume and the popularity of the stamp itself.
- Collectibility and Value
The stamp’s original denomination plays a role in determining its current value for collectors. While condition and scarcity are primary factors, the original face value provides a baseline. Higher denominations often hold a premium compared to lower denominations, reflecting their relative scarcity within the overall production run. Understanding these nuances allows collectors to assess the potential investment value of specific stamps.
- Relationship to Other Denominations
Comparing the 25-cent Paul Revere stamp to other denominations issued during the Bicentennial reveals broader philatelic trends. Analyzing the range of denominations offered provides insights into the postal service’s strategy for meeting various postage needs during the commemorative period. This comparative perspective helps collectors understand the relative significance and potential value of specific denominations within a larger historical and philatelic context.
The 25-cent denomination of the Paul Revere stamp offers more than just a numerical value; it provides a window into the economic realities, postal practices, and collecting trends of 1976. This seemingly minor detail connects the stamp to larger historical narratives, enhancing its significance for collectors and historians alike. By exploring the denomination within its broader context, we gain a richer understanding of the stamp’s place in American history and culture.
5. Engraved Portrait
The engraved portrait on the 1976 Paul Revere 25-cent stamp represents a specific artistic and historical choice, distinguishing it from other printing methods and linking it to traditions of portraiture and security engraving. Understanding the engraving process and its implications provides crucial context for appreciating the stamp’s design, production, and cultural significance.
- Artistic Detail and Precision
Engraving allows for intricate detail and precise lines, capturing nuances of portraiture often lost in other printing methods. The Revere stamp demonstrates this precision in the rendering of facial features, hair, and clothing. This detailed portrayal enhances the stamp’s aesthetic appeal and contributes to its perceived value as a miniature work of art. Historically, engraving has been associated with high-quality printing, lending an air of formality and importance to the depicted subject.
- Security and Counterfeiting Deterrence
Engraving, particularly intaglio printing, served as a security measure against counterfeiting. The raised ink and intricate lines characteristic of engraved stamps are difficult to replicate, adding a layer of protection against forgery. Currency and other important documents frequently utilize engraving for this reason. The Revere stamp, while not immune to counterfeiting, benefited from the inherent security features of engraving, safeguarding its authenticity and value.
- Historical Context and Tradition
The use of engraving on the Revere stamp connects it to a long tradition of engraved portraits on postage stamps and currency. This historical context adds to the stamp’s perceived value and reinforces its association with official documents and important figures. The choice of engraving reflects a conscious decision to link the stamp to established traditions of American design and printing, enhancing its cultural significance.
- The Engraver’s Skill and Interpretation
The final appearance of an engraved portrait relies heavily on the engraver’s skill and interpretation of the source material. The Revere stamp reflects the engraver’s artistic choices in translating a painted portrait into an engraved image. Subtle variations in line weight and shading can significantly impact the overall impression conveyed by the portrait. Recognizing the engraver’s contribution adds another layer of appreciation for the stamp as an artistic creation.
The engraved portrait on the Paul Revere stamp contributes significantly to its aesthetic appeal, historical context, and security. This seemingly technical detail links the stamp to broader traditions of portraiture, printing, and security engraving. Appreciating the nuances of the engraved portrait enhances our understanding of the stamp as both a functional object and a miniature work of art, reflecting the cultural and historical values of its time.
6. Historical Significance
The historical significance of the 1976 Paul Revere 25-cent stamp extends beyond its function as postage. Issued during the United States Bicentennial, the stamp became a tangible symbol of the nation’s revolutionary past and a vehicle for commemorating a key figure in American history. Understanding this significance requires examining the stamp within its historical, cultural, and philatelic contexts.
- Commemoration of the American Revolution
The stamp’s release during the Bicentennial directly links it to the commemoration of the American Revolution. The choice of Paul Revere, a prominent figure in the events leading up to the war, reinforces this connection. The image of Revere on horseback evokes his midnight ride, a well-known narrative of the revolutionary period. This deliberate association imbues the stamp with historical meaning, transforming it from a simple piece of postage into a symbol of national heritage.
- Reflection of National Identity
The stamp served as a small but powerful reminder of the nation’s founding principles and shared history. Circulating through the postal system, the stamp reached a broad audience, reinforcing a sense of collective identity rooted in the revolutionary past. The Bicentennial celebrations amplified this effect, creating a national conversation about American history and heritage. The stamp became a tangible part of this conversation, contributing to a renewed sense of national pride and unity.
- Philatelic Importance
The stamp holds significance within the field of philately. As a commemorative issue tied to a major historical event, the stamp became a desirable item for collectors. Its relatively limited production run and its association with the Bicentennial contribute to its long-term collectibility. The stamp’s presence in collections and archives ensures its preservation as a historical artifact, documenting both postal history and the cultural trends of the 1970s.
- Tangible Link to the Past
The stamp serves as a tangible link to the past, offering a physical connection to a specific historical moment. While small and seemingly insignificant, the stamp embodies larger historical narratives. Its presence in letters, postcards, and other correspondence provides a concrete reminder of the Bicentennial era. This tangible connection to history enhances the stamp’s value for collectors and historians alike, offering a glimpse into the cultural landscape of the 1970s.
The historical significance of the Paul Revere 25-cent stamp transcends its practical purpose. The stamp’s connection to the Bicentennial, its role in shaping national identity, its philatelic importance, and its function as a tangible link to the past collectively contribute to its enduring value as a historical artifact. By examining these facets, we gain a deeper appreciation for the stamp’s place within the larger narrative of American history and culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries regarding the 1976 Paul Revere 25-cent stamp, providing concise and informative responses.
Question 1: How can one distinguish the 1976 issue from potential reprints or later variations?
Key identifying factors include the year of issue printed on the stamp, the specific perforation pattern, and the overall design characteristics consistent with the original Bicentennial series. Specialized stamp catalogs and online resources offer detailed visual guides for authentication.
Question 2: What factors influence the market value of this stamp?
Condition is paramount. Factors such as centering, clarity of the image, and the presence of any flaws significantly impact value. Plate blocks and first-day covers typically command higher prices. Consulting reputable stamp dealers or reviewing online marketplaces provides insights into current market valuations.
Question 3: Are there known varieties or errors associated with this specific stamp?
While major errors are uncommon, minor variations in inking, perforation alignment, and paper type can occur. Specialized philatelic literature and online resources document these variations, which can influence a stamp’s collectibility and value.
Question 4: Where can one acquire this stamp for a collection?
Reputable stamp dealers, online marketplaces, and stamp auctions offer potential avenues for acquisition. Exercising caution and verifying the seller’s reputation is essential to ensure authenticity and avoid potential fraud.
Question 5: How should this stamp be stored to preserve its condition?
Archival-quality stamp albums, protective sleeves, and acid-free mounts are recommended. Avoid direct sunlight, excessive humidity, and handling without stamp tongs to minimize deterioration.
Question 6: Does the stamp’s historical significance impact its value?
Historical context contributes significantly to the stamp’s overall appeal and collectibility. The Bicentennial association adds a layer of cultural significance, increasing demand among collectors interested in American history. While condition remains a primary determinant of value, historical context influences desirability.
Careful consideration of these frequently asked questions provides a foundation for informed collecting decisions and a deeper appreciation of the historical and philatelic significance of the 1976 Paul Revere 25-cent stamp.
Further exploration of specific collecting areas, such as first-day covers or plate blocks, can enhance engagement with this fascinating piece of American history.
The Paul Revere 25-Cent Stamp
This exploration has highlighted the multifaceted nature of the 1976 Paul Revere 25-cent stamp. From its commemorative purpose within the context of the Bicentennial celebration to the technical aspects of its engraved portrait and denomination, the stamp emerges as more than a mere postage item. Its patriotic symbolism, rooted in the imagery of Revere’s midnight ride, resonates with broader historical narratives of the American Revolution. Furthermore, its production, distribution, and collectibility offer insights into the economic and cultural landscape of the 1970s. The interplay of these elements underscores the stamp’s significance as a tangible piece of American history.
The Paul Revere stamp serves as a reminder that seemingly small objects can encapsulate complex historical and cultural meanings. Continued exploration of such artifacts offers valuable insights into national identity, historical memory, and the enduring power of visual culture. Preservation and study of these tangible links to the past contribute to a richer understanding of the historical forces that shape our present.
