A postage stamp featuring Walt Disney and issued with a face value of six cents represents a specific piece of American philatelic history. Released on September 11, 1968, as part of the Prominent Americans series, this stamp honored the iconic animator, film producer, and entrepreneur shortly after his death. It depicts a portrait of Disney alongside images representing his creative contributions, including Mickey Mouse and a stylized castle.
This commemorative item holds significance for both stamp collectors and Disney enthusiasts. Its issuance recognized Disney’s lasting cultural impact on American entertainment and global animation. The stamp’s relatively low initial face value combined with its connection to a beloved figure has made it a popular and accessible collectible. Its value today varies depending on condition and specific printing variations. The stamp serves as a tangible reminder of Disney’s legacy and the era in which it was produced.
Further exploration into the Prominent Americans series, the history of postage in the United States, and Disneys multifaceted career can provide deeper insights into the context and relevance of this small but meaningful artifact.
Collecting and Preserving Walt Disney Memorabilia
Preserving historical artifacts requires careful consideration and informed practices. The following tips offer guidance for maintaining the condition and value of collectibles, specifically focusing on items like the 1968 six-cent Walt Disney postage stamp.
Tip 1: Handling with Care: Avoid direct contact with the stamp’s surface. Utilize stamp tongs or clean cotton gloves to prevent transferring oils and fingerprints, which can cause damage over time.
Tip 2: Proper Storage: Store stamps in archival-quality albums or protective mounts. Acid-free materials are crucial for preventing deterioration and discoloration. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, high humidity, and extreme temperatures.
Tip 3: Identification and Authentication: Consult reputable philatelic resources to confirm the stamp’s authenticity and identify any potential variations or errors. Understanding these nuances can significantly impact a stamp’s value.
Tip 4: Professional Appraisal: For rare or potentially valuable stamps, seeking a professional appraisal is recommended. Certified appraisers can provide accurate valuations and offer further guidance on preservation.
Tip 5: Research and Knowledge: Expanding knowledge about the historical context, printing process, and related ephemera enhances appreciation and provides a deeper understanding of the collectible’s significance.
Tip 6: Displaying Your Collection: If choosing to display the stamp, utilize UV-protective framing and matting to minimize light damage. Ensure the display environment is stable and controlled to avoid fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
By following these guidelines, collectors can help ensure the long-term preservation of these historical artifacts, allowing future generations to appreciate their cultural and historical significance.
These preservation practices underscore the value and importance of maintaining historical items in optimal condition. Further exploration of philately as a hobby can provide additional insights and resources for collectors.
1. Commemorative Postage
Commemorative postage plays a crucial role in recognizing individuals, events, and cultural touchstones. The 1968 six-cent Walt Disney stamp exemplifies this function, serving as a prime example of how postage can honor significant figures. Understanding commemorative postage provides valuable context for appreciating this specific stamp’s historical and cultural relevance.
- Subject Matter:
Commemorative stamps often feature prominent individuals, historical events, or important anniversaries. The Walt Disney stamp, issued shortly after his death, falls within the realm of honoring an individual’s contributions. This practice allows postal services to acknowledge significant figures and introduce them to a wider audience, particularly younger generations.
- Limited Production and Distribution:
Unlike definitive stamps intended for everyday use, commemorative issues often have limited production runs and distribution periods. This contributes to their collectibility and potential long-term value. The Walt Disney stamp’s finite availability adds to its appeal among philatelists and Disney enthusiasts.
- Design and Artistry:
Commemorative stamps frequently incorporate unique design elements and artistic renderings. The Disney stamp features a portrait of Disney alongside iconic images from his creative work. Such designs enhance the stamp’s aesthetic appeal and contribute to its narrative power.
- Historical Context:
Commemorative stamps offer glimpses into the historical period of their issuance, reflecting contemporary values and priorities. The Disney stamp reflects the social and cultural impact of his work during the mid-20th century. Analyzing the historical context provides a deeper understanding of the stamps significance.
These facets of commemorative postage highlight the significance of the 1968 Walt Disney stamp. It serves not merely as a postal artifact but as a tangible piece of history reflecting Disney’s lasting legacy and the era in which it was produced. Examining commemorative stamps provides valuable insights into historical figures, cultural trends, and the artistry of stamp design itself.
2. 1968 Issuance
The year 1968 provides crucial context for understanding the six-cent Walt Disney postage stamp. This year marks the stamp’s release, situating it within a specific historical and cultural landscape. Examining the significance of 1968 illuminates the stamp’s relevance and offers deeper insights into its creation and reception.
- Social and Political Climate:
1968 was a turbulent year marked by social and political upheaval, including the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy. The issuance of a commemorative stamp honoring Walt Disney offered a moment of nostalgic reflection amidst a tumultuous period, celebrating a figure associated with wholesome entertainment and American idealism.
- Post-Disney Era:
Walt Disney’s death in 1966 created a void in the entertainment industry and American culture. The 1968 stamp issuance served as a form of public mourning and a tribute to his enduring legacy. It solidified his iconic status shortly after his passing, marking a transition into the post-Disney era.
- Postal Service Commemorations:
The United States Postal Service regularly issues commemorative stamps to honor individuals and events. The decision to feature Walt Disney in 1968 reflects his perceived national importance and the cultural impact of his work. It highlights the role of the postal service in shaping public memory and commemorating significant figures.
- Philatelic Trends:
Stamp collecting enjoyed widespread popularity in 1968. The release of the Disney stamp catered to this existing interest, likely boosting its initial circulation and contributing to its long-term collectibility. Analyzing philatelic trends of the time offers further insights into the stamp’s production and distribution.
Considering these facets of 1968 provides a richer understanding of the six-cent Walt Disney stamp. Its issuance was not merely a routine postal event but a reflection of broader social, cultural, and political forces at play. The stamp serves as a tangible artifact of this historical moment, connecting Disney’s legacy to the specific context of its creation.
3. Six-Cent Face Value
The six-cent face value of the 1968 Walt Disney postage stamp represents a specific point in the history of US postage rates. Understanding this seemingly minor detail provides crucial context for appreciating the stamp’s place within broader economic and postal trends. Examining the significance of this denomination reveals insights into the affordability and accessibility of postage during this period and its implications for stamp collecting today.
- Affordability and Accessibility:
In 1968, six cents represented the standard first-class postage rate for a one-ounce letter. This relatively low cost made mailing accessible to a broad segment of the population. The Disney stamp’s face value reflects the affordability of communication during this era and contributes to its accessibility for collectors today. A lower face value often translates to wider initial distribution, increasing the likelihood of finding these stamps in collections and on the market.
- Postal Rate History:
Postage rates fluctuate over time, reflecting economic conditions and operational costs within the postal service. The six-cent rate in 1968 reflects a specific moment in this history. Examining postal rate trends offers insights into the economic context surrounding the stamp’s issuance. The Disney stamp serves as a tangible reminder of this particular point in postal history, capturing a snapshot of the cost of mailing during that era.
- Collectibility and Value:
While the initial face value was modest, the stamp’s value as a collectible has potentially increased over time. Factors influencing this include condition, rarity of specific print variations, and overall demand within the philatelic market. The initial affordability of six cents contributes to its accessibility for collectors, allowing a wider range of individuals to acquire and preserve these pieces of postal history.
- Relationship to Other Denominations:
Comparing the six-cent face value to other contemporary denominations provides insights into relative costs and the types of mail typically sent at different rates. For example, postcards or airmail letters might have required different denominations. Understanding this relationship allows collectors to contextualize the six-cent Disney stamp within the broader postal system of the time.
The six-cent face value of the Walt Disney stamp is more than just a numerical designation; it represents a specific historical, economic, and cultural moment. This seemingly small detail connects the stamp to broader postal trends, economic conditions, and the accessibility of communication in 1968. Understanding this context enriches the appreciation of the stamp’s significance for both collectors and those interested in postal history.
4. Prominent Americans Series
The Prominent Americans series provides crucial context for understanding the 1968 six-cent Walt Disney stamp. This series, initiated by the United States Postal Service, sought to honor individuals who made significant contributions to American society. The inclusion of Walt Disney within this series underscores his recognized importance and lasting impact on American culture and entertainment. Examining the series’ characteristics illuminates the Disney stamp’s significance and provides a broader understanding of its purpose and design.
- Subject Selection Criteria:
The Prominent Americans series focused on individuals from various fields, including politics, science, arts, and literature. Selection criteria likely emphasized lasting contributions, national recognition, and historical impact. Disney’s inclusion reflects his fulfillment of these criteria, highlighting his status as a key figure in American entertainment history.
- Design and Artistic Conventions:
Stamps within the series typically featured portraits of the honored individuals, often accompanied by symbolic imagery representing their achievements. The Disney stamp follows this convention, incorporating images of Mickey Mouse and a stylized castle alongside his portrait. This design choice visually reinforces Disney’s contributions to animation and entertainment.
- Historical Context of the Series:
The Prominent Americans series emerged during a period of increased interest in commemorating historical figures and events through postage stamps. This reflected a broader trend of utilizing stamps as educational tools and cultural artifacts. The inclusion of the Disney stamp within this context underscores the postal service’s recognition of his cultural impact.
- Philatelic Significance:
The Prominent Americans series holds significant interest for stamp collectors. Completing a collection of stamps within this series represents a significant achievement for philatelists. The Disney stamp, as a component of this larger set, contributes to its overall collectibility and value. Its presence within a recognized series enhances its appeal within the philatelic community.
The 1968 six-cent Walt Disney stamp’s inclusion within the Prominent Americans series reinforces its significance as more than just a piece of postage. It represents a deliberate act of commemoration, recognizing Disney’s contributions and solidifying his place within American history and culture. The series provides a framework for understanding the stamp’s design, purpose, and lasting value for collectors and historians alike.
5. Walt Disney Subject
The selection of Walt Disney as the subject of a 1968 six-cent postage stamp holds significant cultural and historical weight. This choice reflects not only Disney’s individual achievements but also broader trends in American entertainment, commemoration practices, and the postal service’s role in recognizing prominent figures. Exploring the multifaceted nature of “Walt Disney as a subject” provides crucial context for understanding the stamp’s creation and enduring relevance.
- Cultural Impact:
Walt Disney’s influence on American animation and entertainment is undeniable. His creation of iconic characters like Mickey Mouse and his pioneering work in animation and filmmaking cemented his place in popular culture. The stamp acknowledges this profound cultural impact, solidifying Disney’s status as a national icon and highlighting the reach of his creative endeavors. The stamp served as a tangible reminder of his contributions, accessible to a wide audience through the postal system.
- Commemoration and Legacy:
The decision to feature Disney on a postage stamp reflects a broader practice of utilizing postal commemorations to honor significant individuals. Issued shortly after his death, the stamp served as a tribute to Disney’s legacy, solidifying his place in American history. This act of commemoration transformed a functional postal item into a piece of cultural memorabilia, preserving Disney’s image and contributions for future generations.
- National Identity and Values:
Walt Disney’s work often reflected and reinforced American values and ideals, particularly those associated with family entertainment, innovation, and the pursuit of dreams. Featuring him on a postage stamp further linked his image to national identity. The stamp served as a symbol of American ingenuity and creativity, broadcasting these values through the postal system both domestically and internationally.
- Philatelic Subject Matter:
From a philatelic perspective, the choice of Walt Disney as a subject holds significance. His widespread recognition and popularity likely contributed to the stamp’s initial demand and its continued collectibility among both stamp enthusiasts and Disney aficionados. The subject’s inherent appeal enhances the stamp’s desirability within the philatelic market, contributing to its long-term value and interest.
The convergence of these factors Disney’s cultural impact, the commemorative intent, his association with national values, and his appeal as a philatelic subject underscores the significance of “Walt Disney as subject” on the 1968 six-cent postage stamp. This seemingly simple choice reflects a complex interplay of cultural, historical, and philatelic considerations, solidifying the stamp’s position as a meaningful artifact of American history and popular culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following addresses common inquiries regarding the 1968 six-cent Walt Disney postage stamp.
Question 1: What is the historical significance of this stamp?
Issued shortly after Walt Disney’s death, the stamp commemorates his contributions to American entertainment and animation. Its inclusion in the Prominent Americans series further underscores its historical importance.
Question 2: What is its value for collectors?
The stamp’s value varies depending on condition and printing variations. While its original face value was six cents, its collectibility and association with a beloved figure contribute to its potential appreciation over time.
Question 3: Where can one acquire this stamp?
Reputable stamp dealers, online marketplaces specializing in philatelic materials, and auctions offer potential avenues for acquiring this stamp. Due diligence is recommended to ensure authenticity.
Question 4: How should one store this stamp to maintain its condition?
Archival-quality, acid-free materials are crucial for preserving the stamp’s integrity. Storage in protective mounts within albums and avoidance of direct sunlight, humidity, and extreme temperatures are recommended.
Question 5: Are there different variations of this stamp?
Specific printing variations and potential errors exist, impacting a stamp’s rarity and value. Consulting specialized philatelic resources can aid in identifying these variations.
Question 6: How can one determine the authenticity of this stamp?
Consulting with experienced philatelists or seeking professional appraisal services provides reliable methods for authenticating the stamp and assessing its genuine value.
Understanding these key aspects contributes to a more informed appreciation of the 1968 six-cent Walt Disney stamp, its historical context, and its significance within the world of philately.
Further research into stamp collecting and the Prominent Americans series can provide a deeper understanding of this collectible item.
Walt Disney Stamp 6 Cents
Exploration of the six-cent Walt Disney postage stamp reveals a confluence of historical, cultural, and philatelic significance. Issued in 1968, shortly after Disney’s passing, the stamp commemorates his enduring contributions to American entertainment and animation. Its placement within the Prominent Americans series underscores his national importance, while its modest face value reflects the accessibility of postage during that era. Analysis of the stamp’s design, production, and historical context provides valuable insights into its creation and enduring appeal for collectors.
The Walt Disney stamp serves as a tangible reminder of a pivotal moment in American cultural history. This seemingly small artifact encapsulates the convergence of an individual’s legacy, the evolution of postal communication, and the enduring power of commemorative practices. Further investigation into philately and historical commemoration offers opportunities to uncover deeper connections between these seemingly disparate realms and appreciate the enduring power of objects like the six-cent Walt Disney stamp to encapsulate historical narratives.
