First Statue of Liberty Stamp (1922)

Caption

Number

0566

Prompt

The statue turns toward the camera, lowers its torch and then raises it higher toward the camera. In the meantime in the background, gray clouds behind the statue slowly part, allowing rays of light, engraved in the same gray ink, to shine down and illuminate the torch. The torch flame flickers subtly.

Body

The 15-cent gray stamp issued in 1922 holds the distinction of being the very first time the Statue of Liberty was featured on a U.S. postage stamp. Released as part of the definitive series of 1922-25, often called the "Fourth Bureau Issue," its appearance marked a significant moment in American philately. The design, engraved by Clair Aubrey Huston and inspired by an 1888 engraving, presents a powerful, full-length view of "Liberty Enlightening the World." The choice to include the Statue was a departure from the presidential portraits that dominated earlier definitive series. It represented a growing recognition of national symbols as embodiments of American identity and ideals in the post-World War I era. The 15-cent denomination was primarily used for international mail, meaning this image of Liberty was America's ambassador to the world.