1999 33c Celebrate the Century,1950s: Rocky Marciano, Undefeated

US #3187k
1999 Rocky Marciano, Undefeated – Celebrate the Century (1950s)

• Part of the sixth sheet in the Celebrate the Century stamp series issued from 1998-2000
• Commemorates legendary boxer Rocky Marciano
• Includes text on the back with historical details

Stamp Category: Commemorative
Series: Celebrate the Century
Value: 32¢ First Class Mail Rate
First Day of Issue: May 26, 1999
First Day City: Springfield, Massachusetts
Quantity Issued: 188,000,000
Printed by: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd.
Printing Method: Offset, Intaglio
Format: Panes of 15
Perforations: 11.5
Tagging: Block Tagging

Why the stamp was issued: To honor world heavyweight champion, Rocky Marciano and his unprecedented record.

About the stamp design: Pictures artwork by Dean Ellis of Marciano. Includes the following text on the back: “Boxer Rocky Marciano, the “Brockton Blockbuster,” held he world heavyweight title from September 1952 to April 1956, defending his crown six times. He is the only professional heavyweight boxing champion to retire undefeated.”

First Day City: The First Day of Issue Ceremony was held at the Civic Center in Springfield, Massachusetts, the hometown of Dr. Seuss.

About the Celebrate the Century series: The USPS launched the Celebrate the Century series in 1998 to mark the end of the 20th century and herald the arrival of the 21st. The series includes 10 sheets of 15 stamps (150 in total), with each honoring important moments from a different decade (1900s, 10s, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s). At the time of completion, it was the longest and most ambitious commemorative stamp series in US history.

History the stamp represents: Born Rocco Francis Marchegiano in Brockton, Massachusetts, Rocky Marciano (1923-1956) began boxing while serving in World War II with the US Army. He had his first professional fight in 1947.

At 5 feet 10½ inches tall, the stocky Marciano’s appearance wasn’t intimidating, but he is considered one of the hardest punchers in boxing history. He pummeled opponents with as many punches as he could throw, often not taking aim or placing shots. Few boxers lasted all 15 rounds with “The Brockton Blockbuster” – only six of his 49 professional bouts went the distance – and of those 49 victories, 43 were knockouts.

Marciano ended former world champion Joe Louis’ comeback in 1951 with a knockout in the eighth round. This win put him in line for a title fight. Marciano won the world heavyweight boxing championship in 1952 by knocking out Jersey Joe Walcott in the 13th round. Defending his title eight months later, Marciano again knocked out Walcott, this time in the first round. He successfully defended his title five more times.

In April of 1956, Marciano announced his retirement. He is the only world heavyweight champion to complete his career undefeated, and to never attempt a comeback. Rocky Marciano died in a plane crash near Newton, Iowa.