1998 1c,$2 Trans-Mississippi Souvenir Sheet

Issue Date: June 18, 1998
City: Anaheim, CA
Quantity: 2,200,000

Printed By: Banknote Corporation of America

Printing Method: Lithographed, engraved

Perforations: 12 x 12.4

Color: Multicolored

 

This souvenir sheet was issued to honor the 100th anniversary of the issuance of the Trans-Mississippi commemoratives.

 

The Trans-Mississippi Exposition was held in Omaha, Nebraska, June 1 through November 1, 1898. Its goal was to further the progress and development of resources west of the Mississippi.

 

To publicize this event, a set of nine commemorative stamps was issued. Each was printed in a single color and featured an engraving depicting a different western scene.

 

The original intent for the 1898 issues was to print them in two colors. However, due to the Spanish-American War and the increased demand for revenue stamps, resources were re-allocated and the stamps were printed in one color. The 1998 issues have been printed in two colors, using the only existing original bi-color dies.

 

One of these stamps, Western Cattle in Storm, is still considered one of the most beautiful, finely engraved stamps ever issued.