The three-cent Federal Building stamp was issued to cover the standard letter rate and, like its one-cent counterpart, promoted the 1933 Century of Progress Exposition. The building itself was a striking example of Art Deco architecture, designed by Arthur Brown Jr. and Edward H. Bennett. Its prominent position on the fairgrounds and its symbolic design made it a fitting subject for a commemorative stamp. The use of Roman numerals was a deliberate nod to classicism amidst the modernity of the fair, creating a unique design element. The exposition was a resounding success, drawing millions of visitors and providing a much-needed economic and psychological boost to a nation grappling with the Great Depression.