Scotts #773 US stamps

#773 1935 3¢ California Pacific Exposition

3¢ Light red violet, deep red violet, violet

Printing Method: Rotary Press
Subject: The California Pacific Exposition
Perforations: 11 x 10½
Number issued: 100,839,600
Scott #: 773
Issued: May 29th, 1935

Value

Used
5¢
No postmark with gum (MH)
5¢ - 10¢
Full perfect gum, no postmark
no trace of stamp hinge mark (MNH)
5¢ - 20¢

A full pane

A pane of 50 stamps, there were four panes to a sheet of 200

First Day Cover

A first day cover, dated May 29th, 1935

The Inspiration for the Design

The exposition was a celebration of the 400th anniversary of the discovery the pacific Southwest by the noted Spanish explorer Coronado. The stamp advertised the Exposition and was issued on the day of its opening.

Plate #'s

#773 was issued with the following plate #'s

Numbers
21405-10

Notable Sales

A selection of six photo essays

Sold February 2021 for $480

Explore Daniel Kelleher Auctions

California Pacific Exposition

The exposition was one of the more successful US expos. Almost gaining 100% profit. The exposition was held in San Diego, California during May 29, 1935–November 11, 1935 and February 12, 1936–September 9, 1936. The architecture was done in the old spanish style, they were so much loved that the temporary building were replaced by permanent copies. Most still stand in what is now Balboa Park

Cabrillo Avenue, the entrance road of the Exposition, then and now. In the original photo a tour bus is crossing the bridge. The entrance arch has remained the same.

The California Tower in the image of the San Diego Mission, the tower is the central monument in the stamp vignette. The location of the exposition is now Balboa Park in San Diego.

Arch of the future, demolished after the exposition

Plaza-de-Pacifico. The buildings from the 1915 fair were in Spanish Colonial Revival architecture style and the style kept for buildings that were added for the 1935 fair. Seen above are the then and now photos.

The Palace of the Arts. For the first time all five Spanish Grand Masters of Art had their paintings displayed in one place. It is now the San Diego Museum of Art.

The Organ Ampitheatre which had the largest outdoor organ in the world. The ampitheatre has been replaced by something much more pleasing

The circular Ford Building, generally regarded as the architectural wonder of the Exposition, now the home of the San Diego Air & Space Museum.

The botanical garden and lagoon, then and now

The Spanish village, then and now, it remains much the same as it was.

The Zocalo, the attractions area, and by far the most popular part of the Exposition. 'Ripley's Believe or Not' is seen in the background. All of the Zocalo area was deemed not worth saving. However in an nod to its best attraction, the Sky Ride, Balboa park boasts a Ferris wheel.