# 851 - 1939 3c Thomas Jefferson, purple

Issue Date: January 27, 1939
First City: Washington, D.C.
Quantity Issued: 28,309,771,500 (total of both coil types)
Printed by: Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Printing Method: Rotary Press
Perforation: 10 horizontally
Color: Deep violet

 

Although Thomas Jefferson is best known for writing the Declaration of Independence, he was also instrumental in establishing the Bill of Rights. Upon seeing the first draft of the Constitution, he objected to the lack of a bill of rights and wrote to James Madison, urging one. As a result, Madison introduced the first ten amendments to the Constitution – The Bill of Rights.

 

Known affectionately as the “Prexies,” the 1938 Presidential series is a favorite among stamp collectors. 

 

The Presidential Series was printed on rotary press and perforated 11 x 10.5. In 1939, the 1¢ to 10¢ denominations were issued as coil stamps with 10 gauge perforations vertically. The 1¢ to 3¢ denominations were also issued with horizontal perforations.

 

The series was issued in response to public clamoring for a new Regular Issue series. The series that was current at the time had been in use for more than a decade. President Franklin D. Roosevelt agreed, and a contest was staged. The public was asked to submit original designs for a new series picturing all deceased U.S. Presidents. Over 1,100 sketches were submitted, many from veteran stamp collectors. Elaine Rawlinson, who had little knowledge of stamps, won the contest and collected the $500 prize. Rawlinson was the first stamp designer since the Bureau of Engraving and Printing began producing U.S. stamps who was not a government employee.