| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Date of Issue | May 31, 1958 |
| Year | 1958 |
| Denomination |
3¢
|
| Denomination Value | $0.03 | Color | Black and orange |
| Issue Location | Chicago, Ill. |
| Size | 0.84 by 1.44 inches |
| Postal Administration | United States |
| Condition | Name | Avg Value |
|---|---|---|
|
M-NH-VF
|
Mint - Never Hinged - Very Fine | View price |
|
U-VF
|
Used - Very Fine | View price |
Printed on the Giori rotary sheet-fed press in two colors, and issued in sheets of 50. Perforated on an L-type machine.
This special stamp was issued in honor of the International Geophysical Year.
The 3-cent Geophysical Year stamp is 0.84 by 1.44 inches in dimension, arranged horizontally, and issued in sheets of 50. It was printed on the Giori rotary sheet-fed press, in two colors, black and orange, and perforated on an L-type machine.
The design of the stamp is based on a photograph of the sun and depicts an area of intense solar activity such as occurs periodically and is among the phenomena being studied during the 18-month period of the International Geophysical Year. Superimposed above the solar disc and the fiery solar prominences emanating from it is a segment of Michaelangelo's famous fresco "The Creation of Adam." The designer of the stamp explained that "In the small confines of a postage stamp we have endeavored to picture a man's wonder at the unknown together with his determination to understand it and his need for spiritual inspiration to further his knowledge." Across the top of the stamp is the wording "International Geophysical Year 1957–58," arranged in two lines, and across the bottom is "U.S. Postage 3¢." All lettering is in white-face Gothic.
This stamp was first placed on sale at Chicago, Ill., on May 31, 1958.