The United States Postal Service issued a postage stamp honoring suffragist and social reformer Susan B. Anthony in 1979. This stamp, with a face value of three cents, featured a portrait of Anthony based on a black-and-white photograph taken in 1898. It represented a significant step in recognizing women’s contributions to American history.
Released during the burgeoning women’s rights movement, the stamp served as a powerful symbol of the ongoing struggle for equality. It aimed to educate the public about Anthony’s pivotal role in securing women’s suffrage and acknowledge her broader activism for social justice. The relatively low denomination ensured its widespread use, further amplifying its message and reach across the nation. Its issuance marked not only a tribute to an individual but also a recognition of a pivotal moment in American history.
This exploration of the stamp provides a foundation for understanding its design, production, and the societal impact of commemorating Susan B. Anthony on a piece of everyday mail. Further examination will delve into the specific details surrounding its creation and the legacy it left behind.
Tips for Collectors of the 1979 Susan B. Anthony Three-Cent Stamp
The following tips offer guidance for individuals interested in acquiring or enhancing their collection of the 1979 three-cent Susan B. Anthony stamp. These suggestions aim to provide practical advice for discerning the stamp’s variations and maximizing its potential value.
Tip 1: Examine the Printing Variations. Different printing methods were employed during the stamps production, leading to subtle variations in appearance. Recognizing these differences can be crucial for accurate identification and valuation.
Tip 2: Assess the Condition Carefully. Factors such as centering, gum condition, and the presence of any flaws significantly impact a stamps worth. Utilizing a magnifying glass can aid in a thorough assessment.
Tip 3: Research Current Market Values. Consulting reputable stamp catalogs and online marketplaces provides insight into current market trends and helps determine fair pricing.
Tip 4: Consider Professional Grading Services. For particularly valuable specimens, professional authentication and grading can provide added assurance and enhance marketability.
Tip 5: Store Stamps Properly. Appropriate storage protects stamps from damage caused by humidity, light, and pests. Archival-quality materials are recommended for long-term preservation.
Tip 6: Focus on Building a Thematic Collection. Building a collection focused on a specific theme, such as prominent women or historical figures, can add depth and meaning to an assemblage.
Careful consideration of these tips provides collectors with the tools to appreciate and maintain the value of the 1979 three-cent Susan B. Anthony stamp. These strategies promote informed collecting practices and contribute to a deeper understanding of its historical and numismatic significance.
This understanding of collecting practices serves as a stepping stone to a broader appreciation of the stamp’s enduring relevance. The following conclusion will summarize the key aspects of the 1979 three-cent Susan B. Anthony stamp and its place in American history.
1. Susan B. Anthony
Susan B. Anthony’s enduring legacy as a leader in the women’s suffrage movement is inextricably linked to the 1979 issuance of the three-cent postage stamp bearing her image. The stamp itself serves as a tangible representation of her influence and the broader struggle for women’s rights in the United States. The decision to honor Anthony on a piece of everyday mail, intended for widespread circulation, amplified her visibility and solidified her place in the national consciousness. This act transformed her from a historical figure studied in textbooks to an icon encountered in daily life.
This connection between the individual and the stamp demonstrates the power of symbolic representation. Anthony’s image, rendered in profile on the small, round-cornered stamp, became instantly recognizable. Its presence on countless letters and packages served as a constant reminder of her tireless advocacy and the importance of equal rights. The stamp’s release coincided with the ongoing women’s rights movement of the late 20th century, providing a potent symbol for activists and a focal point for discussions about gender equality. It also served an educational purpose, prompting individuals to learn more about Anthony’s life and contributions.
Understanding the relationship between Susan B. Anthony and the three-cent stamp provides valuable insight into the ways historical figures are commemorated and how these commemorations shape public understanding. The stamp transcended its functional purpose as postage and became a powerful symbol of social change. While the stamp’s small size and similarity to a quarter initially posed practical challenges, its enduring presence in collections and historical archives solidifies its significance as a testament to Anthony’s enduring legacy and the continued fight for equality. The stamp remains a tangible reminder of the progress made and the work that remains.
2. Suffragist
The term “suffragist” is central to understanding the significance of the 1979 Susan B. Anthony three-cent stamp. The stamp commemorates Anthony not simply as a historical figure, but as a key leader in the fight for women’s suffragethe right to vote. Examining the multifaceted meaning of “suffragist” illuminates the broader context surrounding the stamp’s creation and its enduring relevance.
- Advocacy and Activism
Suffragists employed a variety of strategies to advance their cause, from lobbying politicians and organizing public demonstrations to circulating petitions and engaging in civil disobedience. Anthony herself was arrested for attempting to vote in the 1872 presidential election, an act that underscored the dedication and personal risks undertaken by suffragists. The stamp serves as a tribute to this activism, recognizing the struggle for voting rights as a fundamental component of American democracy.
- Social and Political Reform
The suffrage movement was intertwined with broader efforts for social and political reform. Suffragists often advocated for other progressive causes, such as equal pay, educational opportunities for women, and temperance. Anthony’s own activism extended beyond suffrage, encompassing abolitionism and labor rights. The stamp, therefore, represents not only the fight for voting rights but also the interconnectedness of social justice movements.
- Challenging Gender Norms
Suffragists directly challenged prevailing gender norms that restricted women’s roles in society. By demanding the right to vote, they asserted women’s equal citizenship and challenged the notion that women’s place was solely in the domestic sphere. The stamp’s issuance in 1979, during the second wave of feminism, signifies the continuing struggle to dismantle patriarchal structures and achieve gender equality.
- Legacy of Perseverance
The suffrage movement spanned decades and required sustained effort and dedication. The 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote, was ratified in 1920, 14 years after Anthony’s death. The stamp serves as a reminder of the long and arduous struggle for suffrage, honoring the perseverance of activists like Anthony who dedicated their lives to achieving this fundamental right. It also emphasizes the importance of continued vigilance in protecting and expanding voting rights for all citizens.
These facets of the term “suffragist” enrich the understanding of the Susan B. Anthony three-cent stamp. The stamp is not merely a portrait on a piece of postage; it is a symbolic representation of a complex historical movement and a tribute to the enduring legacy of those who fought for equal rights. It serves as a continuing call for civic engagement and a reminder of the importance of participating in democratic processes.
3. 1979 Issuance
The 1979 issuance of the Susan B. Anthony three-cent stamp carries significant weight beyond its face value. The timing itself played a crucial role in shaping public perception and amplifying the stamp’s message. The late 1970s marked a period of heightened awareness and activism surrounding women’s rights. The second wave of feminism, gaining momentum throughout the decade, brought renewed focus to issues of gender equality. Positioning the stamp’s release within this sociopolitical climate imbued it with symbolic power, transforming it into a tangible representation of progress and a reminder of ongoing struggles.
This deliberate timing suggests a conscious effort to leverage the stamp as a tool for social commentary. The Postal Service, whether intentionally or not, inserted itself into the national conversation about women’s rights. The stamp became a focal point, sparking discussions about Anthony’s legacy, the fight for suffrage, and the continuing pursuit of gender equality. Its presence on everyday mail ensured widespread visibility, reaching a broad audience and keeping these issues at the forefront of public discourse. This widespread reach amplified the stamp’s impact beyond collector circles, transforming it into a readily accessible symbol for a generation actively engaged in advocating for women’s rights.
Understanding the historical context surrounding the 1979 issuance provides crucial insight into the stamp’s significance. It demonstrates the interplay between social movements and symbolic representation, highlighting how seemingly mundane objects can acquire profound meaning. The stamp became more than just postage; it became a symbol of progress, a reminder of past struggles, and a call to action for future generations. Its presence on letters and packages served as a constant reminder of Anthony’s contributions and the ongoing pursuit of equality. This understanding clarifies the crucial role of the 1979 issuance in shaping the stamp’s lasting legacy. The timing elevated the stamp from a simple commemorative piece to a powerful symbol embedded within the broader narrative of the women’s rights movement.
4. Three-cent denomination
The three-cent denomination of the 1979 Susan B. Anthony stamp played a significant, albeit unintended, role in its initial public reception. Intended for common usage, the three-cent face value placed the stamp in frequent circulation, theoretically maximizing its exposure and, in turn, its commemorative impact. However, this seemingly practical choice contributed to the stamp’s early unpopularity. Its small size, coupled with the unusual round corners, resulted in frequent confusion with the quarter, a coin of significantly higher value. This similarity led to frustration among postal workers and the public alike, hindering smooth transactions and undermining the stamp’s intended celebratory purpose. The practical challenges posed by the three-cent denomination underscore the importance of considering design elements in conjunction with intended usage.
This practical challenge serves as a case study in the unintended consequences of design choices. While the three-cent value aimed to maximize the stamp’s visibility, the resultant confusion with the quarter actively diminished its impact. This example demonstrates the importance of user experience in design, highlighting how even minor details can significantly affect functionality and public perception. The stamp’s initial unpopularity demonstrates a disconnect between the intended symbolic significance and the practical realities of its usage. This disconnect ultimately necessitated design revisions for future commemorative stamps, underscoring the importance of usability testing and careful consideration of practical implications.
The three-cent denomination, while initially problematic, ultimately contributes to the stamp’s complex narrative. The challenges it posed highlight the tension between symbolic representation and practical functionality. This tension, in turn, provides a valuable lens through which to analyze the stamp’s historical and cultural significance. While the three-cent value aimed to democratize Anthony’s image and integrate it into everyday life, the practical difficulties it presented serve as a reminder of the complexities involved in translating symbolic meaning into tangible form. The stamp’s story underscores the importance of considering both symbolic intent and practical usability in design, offering a valuable lesson for future commemorative efforts. The eventual shift towards larger formats for commemorative stamps underscores the lasting impact of the Susan B. Anthony stamp’s initial reception, demonstrating how practical challenges can drive meaningful change in design practices.
5. Small size, round corners
The small size and round corners of the 1979 Susan B. Anthony three-cent stamp contributed significantly to its initial unpopularity. Intended to facilitate automated postal processing, these design choices inadvertently created confusion with the U.S. quarter. This similarity in size and shape led to difficulties in vending machines and during manual transactions. Postal workers and the public alike struggled to differentiate the stamp from the coin, causing frustration and delays. This ultimately undermined the stamp’s commemorative purpose, shifting focus from its symbolic value to its practical inconvenience. Examples of this confusion abound in anecdotal accounts from the period, with reports of individuals mistakenly using quarters for postage and postal clerks inadvertently dispensing stamps as change. This practical challenge demonstrates the unforeseen consequences of prioritizing automation over user experience in design. The small size, coupled with the round corners, made the stamp difficult to handle and readily distinguishable, especially for individuals with visual impairments.
Further compounding the issue was the existing familiarity with traditional rectangular stamps. The departure from this established format disrupted ingrained habits and expectations. The public, accustomed to handling rectangular stamps, experienced difficulty adapting to the new shape. This difficulty contributed to the perception of the stamp as inconvenient and ultimately hampered its widespread acceptance. The decision to adopt a smaller, round-cornered design reflects a broader trend towards automation within the postal service. While intended to improve efficiency, the resultant confusion with the quarter demonstrates the importance of considering human factors in technological advancements. The stamp’s design failed to adequately account for the practical realities of its usage, highlighting the potential pitfalls of prioritizing automation without sufficient attention to user experience.
The small size and round corners of the Susan B. Anthony stamp serve as a cautionary tale in design. While intended to improve efficiency, these choices ultimately hindered the stamp’s functionality and public reception. The resultant confusion with the quarter underscores the importance of balancing technological advancements with user-centered design principles. This understanding holds significant practical implications for future stamp design, emphasizing the need for thorough usability testing and consideration of established user habits. The challenges presented by the Susan B. Anthony stamp ultimately contributed to subsequent design modifications, paving the way for larger, more easily distinguishable commemorative stamps. The stamp’s legacy, therefore, extends beyond its commemorative purpose, serving as a valuable lesson in the complexities of design and the importance of considering both form and function.
6. Public Reception Challenges
The 1979 Susan B. Anthony three-cent stamp faced significant public reception challenges, primarily stemming from its design and perceived inconvenience. The small size, round corners, and similar color to the U.S. quarter led to widespread confusion. People frequently mistook the stamp for the coin, causing problems in vending machines and during cash transactions. This confusion frustrated both postal workers and the public, contributing to negative perceptions of the stamp. Furthermore, the public, accustomed to rectangular stamps, found the round design difficult to handle and affix to envelopes. These practical challenges overshadowed the stamp’s intended commemorative purpose, hindering its widespread acceptance and appreciation. This negative reception forced the postal service to address these issues by eventually modifying vending machines and encouraging public awareness campaigns.
The stamp’s unpopularity extended beyond mere inconvenience. Some viewed the choice of Susan B. Anthony, a controversial figure at the time for her radical advocacy of women’s suffrage, as a political statement. This perception further polarized public opinion, with some actively rejecting the stamp as a symbol of unwanted social change. The confluence of practical challenges and ideological resistance resulted in significantly lower usage than anticipated. The postal service faced an unexpected surplus of unsold stamps, demonstrating the disconnect between their intentions and public sentiment. Historical data on stamp sales and contemporary news reports corroborate the extent of the public’s negative reaction, illustrating the tangible consequences of design choices and public perception.
Understanding the public reception challenges surrounding the Susan B. Anthony stamp offers valuable insights into the complexities of design and communication. The stamp’s case demonstrates the importance of considering user experience, cultural context, and potential ideological resistance when introducing new designs. The practical challenges, coupled with the political undertones, ultimately hampered the stamp’s intended commemorative purpose. This experience underscores the importance of comprehensive planning and public engagement in design processes, particularly for objects intended for widespread public use. The stamp’s legacy serves as a reminder of the potential disconnect between design intent and public perception, highlighting the need for ongoing evaluation and adaptation in design practices.
7. Enduring Historical Significance
The 1979 Susan B. Anthony three-cent stamp transcends its function as mere postage; it embodies enduring historical significance. This significance stems from the stamp’s association with Susan B. Anthony herself, a pivotal figure in the women’s suffrage movement, and the broader context of the ongoing struggle for equal rights. The stamp’s release coincided with the resurgence of feminism in the late 20th century, imbuing it with added symbolic weight. It served as a tangible representation of progress made and a reminder of the continuing fight for gender equality. The very act of placing Anthony’s image on a piece of everyday mail, intended for widespread circulation, amplified her visibility and solidified her place in the national consciousness. This act of commemoration transformed Anthony from a historical figure confined to textbooks into a recognizable icon encountered in daily life.
The stamp’s enduring historical significance is further amplified by the challenges it faced upon its release. Its small size and round shape, initially intended to improve automated processing, led to widespread confusion with the U.S. quarter. This unintended consequence, while initially detrimental to the stamp’s popularity, ultimately contributed to its unique historical narrative. The challenges sparked public discourse about design, usability, and the symbolic representation of historical figures. The eventual modifications made to subsequent commemorative stamps, largely in response to the issues raised by the Anthony stamp, demonstrate its lasting impact on design practices within the postal service. This impact extends beyond mere aesthetics, highlighting the interplay between design choices and public perception.
The Susan B. Anthony three-cent stamp’s enduring historical significance rests not only on its connection to a pivotal historical figure but also on its capacity to spark dialogue and effect change. The stamp serves as a tangible reminder of the ongoing struggle for equal rights, prompting reflection on the progress made and the work that remains. Its very existence reflects the power of symbolic representation to shape public understanding and inspire action. While the stamp’s initial reception was fraught with challenges, its enduring presence in collections and historical archives solidifies its place as a significant artifact of American history. The stamp’s story offers a valuable lesson in the complexities of commemoration, highlighting the interplay between design, public perception, and enduring historical legacy. It stands as a testament to the power of small objects to embody significant historical narratives and inspire continued progress towards a more equitable future.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries regarding the 1979 Susan B. Anthony three-cent stamp, providing concise and informative responses.
Question 1: Why was Susan B. Anthony chosen for a postage stamp?
Susan B. Anthony’s selection reflects her pivotal role in the women’s suffrage movement and her broader contributions to social reform in the United States. The stamp commemorates her tireless advocacy for women’s right to vote and her enduring legacy as a champion of equality.
Question 2: Why was the stamp so unpopular upon its release?
Several factors contributed to the stamp’s initial unpopularity. Its small size, round corners, and similar coloration to the U.S. quarter led to widespread confusion and inconvenience. The public, accustomed to rectangular stamps, found the new design difficult to handle and distinguish from the coin.
Question 3: What was the intended purpose of the three-cent denomination?
The three-cent denomination aimed to place the stamp in frequent circulation, maximizing its exposure and commemorative impact. However, this choice inadvertently contributed to its confusion with the quarter, hindering its acceptance.
Question 4: What impact did the stamp’s design have on future stamps?
The challenges presented by the Susan B. Anthony stamp’s design prompted the U.S. Postal Service to reconsider its approach to commemorative stamps. Subsequent commemorative stamps generally adopted larger formats and more readily distinguishable designs to avoid similar issues with usability and public acceptance.
Question 5: Where can one find more information about the Susan B. Anthony stamp?
Reputable philatelic resources, including stamp catalogs, online marketplaces, and museum archives, offer comprehensive information regarding the stamp’s design, production, and historical context. These resources provide valuable insights for collectors and individuals interested in learning more about the stamp’s significance.
Question 6: What is the current value of the Susan B. Anthony stamp?
The value of a Susan B. Anthony stamp varies based on factors such as condition, printing variations, and market demand. Consulting stamp catalogs and online marketplaces provides up-to-date information on current market values. Professional grading can significantly enhance a stamp’s value for collectors.
Addressing these common questions provides a clearer understanding of the 1979 Susan B. Anthony three-cent stamp, its historical context, and its enduring relevance.
Further exploration of related topics can enhance appreciation for the stamp’s significance within the broader context of American history and the ongoing pursuit of equal rights.
The 1979 Susan B. Anthony Three-Cent Stamp
This exploration of the 1979 Susan B. Anthony three-cent stamp has revealed its multifaceted significance. From its initial public reception challenges stemming from design and perceived inconvenience, to its enduring symbolic power within the context of women’s suffrage and broader social reform movements, the stamp’s story offers a complex and compelling narrative. Analysis of its small size, round corners, and the deliberate choice of a three-cent denomination reveals the interplay between design intent, practical functionality, and public perception. Furthermore, examination of the historical context surrounding its 1979 issuance, during a period of heightened feminist activism, illuminates the stamp’s role as a potent symbol of progress and a reminder of ongoing struggles for equality. The stamp’s connection to Susan B. Anthony, a key figure in the fight for women’s right to vote, solidifies its place within the larger narrative of American history.
The Susan B. Anthony three-cent stamp serves as a powerful reminder of the capacity of even small objects to embody complex historical narratives and inspire continued progress. Its legacy extends beyond its initial challenges, demonstrating the enduring impact of design choices and the interplay between symbolic representation and social change. The stamp’s story encourages reflection on the ongoing pursuit of equality and the importance of recognizing the contributions of those who have dedicated their lives to the fight for social justice. Continued exploration of such historical artifacts provides valuable insights into the past, informing present understanding and inspiring future action.
