2014 $4 World War I 100th Anniversary, Mint Souvenir Sheet,War Slogan Poster, Tuvalu

Mint Sheet Commemorates 100th Anniversary of WWI

This neat mint Tuvalu souvenir sheet features the iconic Uncle Sam recruiting poster that inspired Americans during World War I.  The symbol of our country, Uncle Sam was modeled after Troy, N.Y., resident Sam Wilson, who supplied the United States Army with "U.S."-stamped barrels of provisions during the War of 1812.

Over the years, Uncle Sam was pictured in a variety of ways – including closely resembling Benjamin Franklin during the Civil War.  But it wasn’t until artist James Montgomery Flagg produced this poster that Uncle Sam was solidified as the image we know today.  Flagg’s image of  Uncle Sam as an elderly man with white hair, goatee, and red, white, and blue top hat struck a cord with Americans.  Flagg didn’t want to bother hiring a model, so instead based Uncle Sam on himself, aging his own features.

Flagg’s illustration was first shown publicly on the cover of Leslie’s Weekly magazine on July 6, 1916, with the caption “What Are You Doing for Preparedness?”  The following year the image was printed on thousands of Army recruiting posters, inspiring countless young men to join the fight and defend America.

Now you can add a piece of this history to your collection – order yours now.