US 653 Nathan Hale 1/2c - Fourth Bureau Definitive - Precanceled - Used Fine

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

653

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

Fine

Stamp Format

Single

Topic

People - Politicians

Year of Issue

1929

Item Description

A young American patriot, Nathan Hale (1755-1776) was executed as a spy by the British in New York during the American Revolution. Hale is perhaps best remembered for the last words attributed to him, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” A half-cent stamp, the first half-cent stamp in U.S. history, was required by new postal rates established in 1925. Hale was selected to appear on that stamp by Postmaster General Harry New. Since no images of Hale are known, the stamp's designer, Clair Aubrey Huston, based his work on a photograph of a clay model of a statue of Hale located on the campus of Yale University, which Hale attended as a student.

John Eissler engraved the Hale stamp's vignette. E.M. Hale engraved the frame and lettering, and J.C. Benzing engraved the scrolls and ribbon. E.M. Weeks engraved the numerals. The stamp was first printed on the flat plate press in 1925 and was subsequently printed on the Stickney rotary press.

US 653 Nathan Hale 1/2c - Fourth Bureau Definitive - Precanceled Chicago, Illinois - Used - Fine Centering

2019 Scott United States Specialized Catalog Value for Condition - $0.25

Visit Stanton's Historical Stamps HipStamp Store to see the new listings being added weekly. The pictures are of the item you will receive. Free USPS First Class shipping on all United States orders over $5.00 USD and free shipping on international orders over $20.00.

Proud Member of the American Philatelic Society.

Thank you for your business.

Seller Information

Seller

StanC3 (163)

Registered Since

10/02/2014

Feedback

100%

• Sales

Item Location

North Carolina, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

Yes

Returns Policy

If an item does not match the description and images to your satisfaction, no questions asked returns will be accepted within 30 days of order shipment. Buyer pays return shipping.