46c Ruth Benedict stamp

The Postal Service issued a 46-cent Ruth Benedict definitive stamp in a pane of 100 on October 20, 1995 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The stamp, designed by Roy Andersen of Cave Creek, Arizona, features Ruth Benedict, an American anthropologist.

Benedict studied English literature at Vassar College (1905-09) and received her PhD at Columbia University. After starting as an assistant professor at Columbia in 1930, she was advanced to professor of anthropology at Columbia in 1948. Benedict's theories influenced anthropology in the area of culture and personality. Her studies include "Zuni Mythology (1935)," "Race: Science and Politics (1940)," "The Chrysanthemum and the Sword: Patterns of Japanese Culture (1946)," and her most famous work, "Patterns of Culture (1934)."

The Ruth Benedict stamp, issued as part of the Great Americans series, went on sale nationwide on October 21. This stamp denomination met the 1/2-ounce letter rate to Canada and the 1-ounce rate to Mexico. The stamp was engraved through the intaglio process by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.

Reference: Postal Bulletin (September 14, 1995)

Scott Catalogue USA: 2938
mint

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Museum ID: 1996.2066.92