Emancipation Proclamation 5 Cent Stamp Value Guide

Issued in 1963 to mark the centenary of Abraham Lincoln's executive order, this stamp is a landmark piece of civil rights iconography. It is particularly collectible as the work of Georg Olden, one of the first African Americans to achieve prominence in the field of graphic design.

What Is Emancipation Proclamation 5 Cent Stamp Worth?

The typical price range for Emancipation Proclamation 5 Cent Stamp is $1 - $5 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Centering of the design within the white margins significantly impacts the market price.
• The presence of original, undisturbed gum (Mint Never Hinged) vs. previously hinged examples.
• Overall paper condition, including the absence of foxing, creases, or torn perforations.
• Postal history interest, such as First Day of Issue cancellations or use on significant historical correspondence.

How to Identify Emancipation Proclamation 5 Cent Stamp?

• Verify the 5-cent denomination and the prominent '1863-1963' date range printed on the face.
• Look for the distinct 'broken chains' graphic design rendered in black and blue ink.
• Check for the designer's signature style, characterized by the bold, minimalist aesthetic of Georg Olden.
• Confirm the presence of standard 1960s-era perforations and the 'United States Postage' text.

History of Emancipation Proclamation 5 Cent Stamp

The Emancipation Proclamation stamp was issued in 1963 to mark the centenary of President Abraham Lincoln's executive order, which declared enslaved people in Confederate states to be free. The stamp's powerful design, featuring broken chains, was created by Georg Olden, one of the first African Americans to achieve prominence in graphic design and television. This stamp not only served as a postal tool but also as a significant piece of civil rights iconography, symbolizing a pivotal moment in American history.