Scotts #754 US stamps

#754 1935 3¢ Mothers of America Imperf

3¢ Green, bright green
WITHOUT GUM

Printing Method: Flat Plate
Subject: Whistler's Mother
Perforations: Imperforate
Number issued: 2,389,288
Scott #: 754
Issued: March 15th, 1935

Value

Used
25¢
No postmark with gum (MH)
50¢ - 75¢
Full perfect gum, no postmark
no trace of stamp hinge mark (MNH)
75¢ - $1

First Day Cover

A first day cover, dated March 15th, 1935

Plate #'s

#754 was issued with the following plate #'s

Number only
27202-05

Centerlines

There are four panes of 50 to a sheet, each pane is separated by a line. Where the four panels joined the lines would have crossed. A block of four with the crossed lines (shown above) has a MNH value between $4 and $7.

The Story Behind the Stamp

'Arrangement in Grey and Black: The Artist’s Mother'
James Abbott McNeill Whistler painting, 1871

President Roosevelt’s original hand drawn design

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt heartily received the suggestion from the 'American War Mothers' that a stamp honoring the mothers of America should be issued for Mother's Day, May 13th.

As will be seen from the image above the basic design of the stamp was drawn out by President Roosevelt. In the design the President had drawn out the full image of the mother as Whistler had painted (image shown above). The post office decided that a closer image of the mother would more accurately describe the mother and be less about Whistlers painting.