Object Details
Description
The 22-Cent commemorative stamp honoring public education in America was issued October 1, 1985, in Boston, Massachusetts. It went on sale at post offices nationwide on the next business day. The 22-cent stamp met the basic rate for the first ounce of first-class letter mail.
The stamp's design featured objects associated with a typical teacher's desk in the early years of public education in the United States. Those items included a quill pen and holder, an apple, a pair of glasses, and a paper with repeated capital letters, the "ABCs," from penmanship practice.
The stamp recognizes the importance of public education in the development of uniquely American people and principles. American public education over the years has played an important role in shaping US culture, society, and economy.
As early as the seventeenth century in colonial America, there were laws requiring public education in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. These laws were not completely effective, but they formed the basis for an early emphasis on public education.
The stamp design was unveiled April 26, 1985, and was issued at Boston Latin School, which was celebrating its 350th anniversary that year.
The designer and typographer for the stamp was Uldis Purins of Newton, Massachusetts. Art director was Richard Sheaff; modeler was Richard C. Bennett, American Bank Note Company. The gravure process was used. The stamps were issued in panes of fifty.
Reference:
Postal Bulletin (September 5, 1985).
mint
Credit line
Copyright United States Postal Service. All rights reserved.
Date
October 1, 1985
Object number
1986.0691.4912
Type
Postage Stamps
Medium
paper; ink ( ); adhesive
Place
United States of America
See more items in
National Postal Museum Collection
Data Source
National Postal Museum
Topic
Education & Teaching
Family & Children
U.S. Stamps
Link to Original Record
Record ID
npm_1986.0691.4912