| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Date of Issue | April 21, 1904 |
| Year | 1904 |
| Denomination |
5¢
|
| Denomination Value | $0.05 | Color | Blue |
| Series | Louisiana Purchase |
| Series Time Span | 1904 |
| Postal Administration | United States |
| Condition | Name | Avg Value |
|---|---|---|
|
M-H-F
|
Mint - Hinged - Fine | View price |
|
M-H-VG
|
Mint - Hinged - Very Good | View price |
|
U-F
|
Used - Fine | View price |
|
U-VG
|
Used - Very Good | View price |
The face of the stamp is divided into three panels by Corinthian columns supporting a panel at the top, in which the words "United States of America" appear. The portrait of McKinley is within a circle in the center panel, with the numeral "5" in an ornamental shield on either side. At the base of the panels are two palm branches separating the panels from the wording "Postage, five cents." Beneath the portrait is a ribbon bearing the name and years of birth and death of the subject.
Beginning April 21, a series of postage stamps to commemorate the Louisiana purchase was issued for sale during the term of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, from May 1 to December 1, 1904.
The size of the 1904 commemorative stamp is 31/32 by 1 3/8 inches; the words "Commemorative series of 1904" in small type appear at the top of each design, with the legend "United States of America" in prominent type; and the surnames of the subjects of the 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-cent denominations, with years of birth and death, also the denominations spelled out, are shown in the lower portion.The purpose was to make the subjects of this series of stamps appropriate. Thus Livingston, who as United States minister to France conducted the negotiations for the Louisiana purchase; Jefferson, President of the United States at the time of the purchase; Monroe, special ambassador to France in the matter of the purchase, who with Livingston closed the negotiations; McKinley, who as President, approved the acts of Congress officially connecting the Government with the commemorative exposition; and the 10-cent stamp showing the territory of the purchase itself.These stamps were first placed on sale April 21, 1904, at New Orleans, La.