Scotts #718 US stamps

#718 1932 3¢ Olympic Issue

3¢ Violet, light violet

Printing Method: Rotary Press
Subject: Runner in starting position
Perforations: 11 x 10½
Number issued: 166,900,400
Scott #: 718
Issued: June 15th, 1932

Value

Used
15¢ - 20¢
No postmark with gum (MH)
25¢
Full perfect gum, no postmark
no trace of stamp hinge mark (MNH)
25¢ - $1

First Day Covers

A first day cover, dated June 15th, 1932.

Plate #'s

#718 was issued with the following plate #'s

Number only
20864-65
20906-09

The Story Behind the Stamp

J. A. le Coney of Lafayette College, intercollegiate Sprint Champion. A photo of him was used for the vignette.

The stamp was designed whilst the standard 1oz postage rate was 2¢. After the essays below were completed the Congress changed the postal rate to 3¢. The Post Office waited for the president to sign this into law, and waited and waited. With the Olympics just around the corner it was decided to release the stamp at 3¢ rate despite the fact that the standard rate was still 1oz. It was thought the stamp would make a good advertisement for the forthcoming Olympics.