1945 3¢ Alfred E. Smith #937
Alfred (Al) E. Smith US presidential candidate and Governor of New York
Al Smith lost to Roosevelt and Hoover, he also fought against FDR's new deal.
There were many objections to the issuance of this stamp as most
thought it was going over the top to issue a stamp for past political
figures of no particular historical significance . He is little remembered today.
3¢ Dark Lilac
Rotary Press Printing - Perf. 11 x 10½
309 million printed - Scott #937 - 1945
Value
Used: $0.01
No postmark with gum (MH): $0.01-$0.02
Full perfect gum, no postmark, no trace of stamp hinge mark (MNH): $0.01-$0.02
A first day cover of #937 dated November 26th 1945
There was pressure on the post office to release this stamp
on the first anniversary of the subjects death in October.
The postmaster general objected and issued the stamp in November instead. As there has to be a 15 day gap
between new issues it meant the 26th November was the earliest date available.
This is because the Coast Guard stamp was due to be issued on the 10th November.
A sheet of 100 of #937
Photo essays on white card, the essay on the left is the approved design
937E
Photo essay on white card, unapproved design
937PE
Source photograph for the design
Alfred E. Smith on top his new building, the Empire State Building
Al Smith was soundly beaten by Herbert Hoover during the 1928 presidential election.
Both him and the 45th president have a background as NY real estate moguls