First steamship on U.S. stampIn 1869, a pictorial green 5-cent stamp was first used*, the first in the U.S. showing a steamship, a symbol of fast ocean navigation. The public, accustomed to traditional head vignettes, praised James Smillie's depiction of the S.S. Adriatic. Another innovative design, a locomotive design issued a few days earlier 27 Mar 1869 brought unexpected scorn. Some critics surmised the locomotive design was "to represent how Congressmen make money." Their theme of fast communication was accompanied by a 2-cent stamp showing postal carrier on horseback. «(*With no formal date of issue in early years, a stamp is dated by its earliest known use.) |
