14 Cents the American Indian Stamp

Extras

Will the 14¢ American Indian do service as a postage stamp again in the future? Collectors of the United States and Canal Zone stamps probably did not expect the Marshall Islands to revive the design in 2006, but that did happen. Future appearances would seem to not be out of the question.

For those looking for a little extra, several American Indian stamp-related items exist.

Die & plate proofs

The most desirable items related to the American Indian stamp are rare U.S. die and plate proofs. These exist in both the issued dark blue, and in a dark brown shade not used for the 14¢ stamp.1

Souvenir card

Of a similar print quality to the die and plate proofs is a souvenir card the Bureau of Engraving and Printing produced for Stampshow ’89 in Anaheim, California.

Unlike the proofs, the 14¢ design on the attractive 10×8 inch souvenir card is invalidated by a black diagonal line. Nevertheless, the card is common, and it is the least expensive way for a collector to acquire a sharp impression of the vignette.

Front of souvenir card picturing 14-cent American Indian stamp and engraving of vignette
14¢ American Indian Stampshow ’89 souvenir card (1989)

Facsimile first day cover

At first glance, the next item appears to be a scarce 14¢ American Indian first day cover. Closer inspection, however, reveals that it is merely a reproduction printed on card stock.

Text on the back of the card indicates the item is a “facsimile first day cover,” one of a series prepared and sold by Fleetwood in the late 1970s.2

Front of facsimile first day cover picturing 14-cent American Indian stamp
14¢ American Indian facsimile first day cover (1977)

Related material

Hollow Horn Bear’s image has been used for more than stamps. The portrait can also be found on a $10 Military Payment Certificate, root beer bottles, and more.3 4

While such items are not directly related to the 14¢ stamp, some of them are scarce, and they can make up an attractive side collection that complements the philatelic material.

References

  1. Kloetzel, James, ed. Scott 2010 Specialized Catalogue of United States Stamps & Covers. Sidney, Ohio: Scott Publishing Co., 2009.
  2. Fleetwood Facsimile First Day Covers. The Penn Family. Accessed 2 Sept. 2010.
  3. MPC Series 692 Specifications. Military Payment Certificates. Accessed 23 Feb. 2011.
  4. Youngblood, Wayne. American Indians on Stamps. The American Philatelist, Feb. 2010.