# WS1 - 1917 25c War Savings stamp, deep green, unwatermarked
War Savings Stamps Issued To Fund WWI
When America entered World War I in April 1917, there was an immediate push to support the war effort. Weapons were needed, as well as clothing, food, and supplies for the men fighting overseas. In the coming months, the US government instituted a number of programs to encourage the public to donate what they could, including war bonds and liberty bonds.
Issued by the Treasury Department, War Savings Stamps were sold in many convenient places. Not only were these stamps sold at banks and post offices, but they were available at the train station or they could be purchased from the milkman on his delivery route. In 1918, these stamps were available in 45,000 different places in Texas alone.
The stamps issued during World War I were available in 25¢ and $5 denominations. The $5 War Savings stamp cost $4.12 when issued and earned 4% interest, or a penny a month. When they matured five years later, they could be redeemed for $5.
The Treasury Department used clever ads to encourage people to buy the stamps. One claimed, “An idle Quarter is a slacker Quarter.” Many posters also used patriotism to spur purchases. President Woodrow Wilson supported the drive, calling upon “every man, woman, and child” to save for the war. He also proclaimed June 28, 1918, to be National War Savings Day. Click here to see a selection of WWI posters, including several for War Savings Stamps.
The program was successful in raising money for the war effort. By September of 1919, over $1.1 billion worth of stamps had been sold. The low 25¢ cost allowed almost anyone to “Help Lick the Kaiser.”
The first round of War Savings stamps were issued through 1920. The program was begun again in 1942 after America joined World War II. Denominations of 10¢, 50¢, and $1 were added. The War Savings stamps of World War II earned no interest and were redeemable in the form of US Treasury War Certificates, Defense Bonds, or War Bonds.
The design of the World War II stamps featured the famous “Minuteman Statue” in Concord, Massachusetts. It was made to commemorate the Battle of Lexington and Concord – the first conflict of the American Revolution. The statue shows a farmer standing next to his plow, holding a musket. It represents the willingness of the common man to serve the cause of freedom – just like those who fought at Concord and Lexington.
War Savings Stamps Issued To Fund WWI
When America entered World War I in April 1917, there was an immediate push to support the war effort. Weapons were needed, as well as clothing, food, and supplies for the men fighting overseas. In the coming months, the US government instituted a number of programs to encourage the public to donate what they could, including war bonds and liberty bonds.
Issued by the Treasury Department, War Savings Stamps were sold in many convenient places. Not only were these stamps sold at banks and post offices, but they were available at the train station or they could be purchased from the milkman on his delivery route. In 1918, these stamps were available in 45,000 different places in Texas alone.
The stamps issued during World War I were available in 25¢ and $5 denominations. The $5 War Savings stamp cost $4.12 when issued and earned 4% interest, or a penny a month. When they matured five years later, they could be redeemed for $5.
The Treasury Department used clever ads to encourage people to buy the stamps. One claimed, “An idle Quarter is a slacker Quarter.” Many posters also used patriotism to spur purchases. President Woodrow Wilson supported the drive, calling upon “every man, woman, and child” to save for the war. He also proclaimed June 28, 1918, to be National War Savings Day. Click here to see a selection of WWI posters, including several for War Savings Stamps.
The program was successful in raising money for the war effort. By September of 1919, over $1.1 billion worth of stamps had been sold. The low 25¢ cost allowed almost anyone to “Help Lick the Kaiser.”
The first round of War Savings stamps were issued through 1920. The program was begun again in 1942 after America joined World War II. Denominations of 10¢, 50¢, and $1 were added. The War Savings stamps of World War II earned no interest and were redeemable in the form of US Treasury War Certificates, Defense Bonds, or War Bonds.
The design of the World War II stamps featured the famous “Minuteman Statue” in Concord, Massachusetts. It was made to commemorate the Battle of Lexington and Concord – the first conflict of the American Revolution. The statue shows a farmer standing next to his plow, holding a musket. It represents the willingness of the common man to serve the cause of freedom – just like those who fought at Concord and Lexington.