22c Abigail Adams stamp

The 22-cent commemorative stamp honoring Abigail Adams, wife of President John Adams, was issued June 14, 1985, in Quincy, Massachusetts. Postmaster General Paul N. Carlin was the principal speaker at the First Day of Issue ceremony. The stamp went on sale in post offices nationwide the following business day.

Born in Weymouth, Massachusetts, in 1744, Abigail Adams was a gifted letter writer, confidante to her husband during his long career of public service, and mother of one of the most important family dynasties in American public life. Many historians have credited her with being the first fully emancipated woman in American history.

While raising four children, acting as adviser to her husband, and maintaining the family estate, she still found time to continue her writings. Her literary works have distinguished her as one of the leading women writers of her era. Mrs. Adams died in Quincy in 1818.

The designer and typographer of the stamp was Bart Forbes of Dallas, Texas. Art director was Stevan Dohanos; modeler was Esther Porter. The gravure process was used. The stamp was issued in panes of fifty.

Reference: Postal Bulletin (May 16, 1985).

Scott Catalogue USA: 2146
mint

Copyright United States Postal Service. All rights reserved.

Museum ID: 2000.2016.10