42c "Black and Tan" stamp

On July 16, 2008, in Newark, New Jersey, the Postal Service issued 42-cent Vintage Black Cinema stamps in five designs. Carl T. Herrman of Carlsbad, California, designed the stamps.

Vivid reminders of a bygone era, these vintage movie posters highlight various facets of the African-American cultural experience as represented in early film. Whether spotlighting the talents of entertainment icons or documenting changing social attitudes and expectations, these posters now serve a greater purpose than publicity and promotion. They have become invaluable pieces of history, preserving memories of cultural phenomena that otherwise might have been forgotten.

Forty million stamps were printed in the offset process with microprinting "USPS" by Sennett Security Products/Banknote Corporation of America, Inc. (SSP/BCA).

Reference: Postal Bulletin (June 19, 2008).

Scott Catalogue USA: 4336

Copyright United States Postal Service. All rights reserved.

Museum ID: 2009.2001.37