RIHS Postal History Primer - Types of Stamps

Philatelic and Postal History Primer
Types of Stamps - Commemorative Issues

Introduction//Stamp Types//Collection Types//Getting Started//Associations

Types of Stamps - Commemorative Issues

Commemorative Stamps are issued in remembrance of an event or as a tribute to an individual and only for a limited time; usually one year. The Rhode Island Tercentenary Stamp was issued on May 4, 1936 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the founding of Rhode Island. The image depicts the statue of Roger Williams. The stamp was issued in rose violet and purple. It was printed on a rotary press and is Scott Catalog #777. The Rhode Island Tercentenary issue is one of the Specialty Sections of this collection. Further information on this stamp can be found at the Rhode Island Historical Society Postal History Collection website.

There is a difference of opinion as to which issue constitutes the first U.S. commemorative stamp.

Many collectors consider the 1869 issue to be the first real commemoratives because they contain pictures of a ship, post rider, landing of Columbus, and the Declaration of Independence. However, since they were issued through 1875, they do not qualify as a true commemorative.

The first true U. S. commemorative stamp issue was the Columbian Exposition issue of 1893, issued to celebrate the World Columbian Exposition held in Chicago, Illinois.

Introduction//Stamp Types//Collection Types//Getting Started//Associations