FREE: U.S. Postage Stamp 1955 ( John Marshall )

The listing, U.S. Postage Stamp 1955 ( John Marshall ) has ended.

Used

U.S. #1050
40¢ John Marshall
Liberty Series

Issue Date: April 1958
City: Washington, DC
Printed By: Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Printing Method: Rotary press dry printing
Perforations: 11 x 10.5
Color: Brown red

U.S. #1050 honors John Marshall. Marshall (1755-1835) was a jurist and statesman who shaped American constitutional law. As Chief Justice, Marshall established the exercise of judicial review, which gives the Supreme Court the power to strike down laws made by other branches of government that are “repugnant” to the Constitution.

The Liberty Series
Issued to replace the 1938 Presidential series, this patriotic set of stamps honors guardians of freedom throughout U.S. history. Eighteenth Century America is represented by Revolutionary War heroes and statesmen such as Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, Hamilton, Henry, Jay, and Revere.

Leaders of the 19th century including Monroe, Lincoln, Lee, Harrison, and Susan B. Anthony make an appearance. The 20th century is represented by Teddy Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, and General Pershing.

The Liberty Series also features famous locations important to America’s democratic history, such as Bunker Hill, Independence Hall, and the Alamo.

“Wet” versus “Dry” Printing
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing began an experiment in 1954. In previous “wet” printings, the paper had a moisture content of 15 to 35 percent. In the experimental “dry” printings, the paper had a moisture content of 5 to 10 percent. This process required stiffer, thicker paper, special inks, and greater pressure to force the paper through the plates.

Stamps produced by dry printing can be distinguished by whiter paper and higher surface sheen. The stamps feel thicker and the designs are more pronounced than on wet printings. The experiment was a success, and all U.S. postage stamps have been printed by the dry method since the late 1950s.