20c Hispanic Americans stamp

The 20-cent commemorative stamp honoring Hispanic Americans was issued October 31, 1984, in Washington, DC. The First Day Ceremony was held at the White House with President Ronald Reagan and Postmaster General William F. Bolger presiding.

Since this nation was founded, courageous Hispanic men and women have made significant contributions to national security and overall development of the United States. At the time of the stamp's issuance, thirty-seven Hispanic Americans had received the highest decoration our nation could bestow - the Medal of Honor. Many other men and women of Hispanic origin have made outstanding contributions to the arts and sciences, music, athletics, philosophy, and numerous other areas.

The Hispanic Americans stamp design features a US marine in full dress uniform with the Medal of Honor draped around his neck. He is flanked on both sides by two men and a woman in military dress, one man in civilian attire, and a young boy and girl. The United States flag appears in the background, signifying the Hispanic contributions to national defense.

This was the first stamp produced without the letter c to denote the words cent or cents. All future stamps and stationery items not then in production were to be produced without the letter c to allow more prominent display of the denomination and greater latitude in the design. The 13-cent Dominguez Adobe (Rancho San Pedro) postal card was the first item issued without the letter c.

The stamp was designed by Robert McCall of Paradise Valley, Arizona; art director was Donald M. McDowell; typographer was Howard Paine; modeler was Clarence Holbert. The stamps were issued in panes of forty.

Reference:
Postal Bulletin (November 1, 1984).

Scott Catalogue USA: 2103
mint

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Museum ID: 1999.2004.371