SESQUICENTENNIAL OF CONSTITUTION COMMEMORATIVE POSTAGE STAMPÂISSUE OF 1937
This special stamp was authorized to commemorate the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution.
The stamp is 84/100 by 1 44/100 inches in dimension, arranged horizontally. It was printed in purple by the rotary process and issued in sheets of 50.
The central design is a reproduction of the painting by Stearns depicting the signing of the Constitution. In a narrow panel with dark ground at the top of the stamp is the wording "Constitution Sesquicentennial" in white Roman letters, below which is a white ribbon panel with folded ends containing the inscription "Signing of the Constitution in the Philadelphia Convention, September17, 1787-Independence Hall", arranged in three lines, in dark Gothic. Opposite this panel are the dates "1787" at the left, and "1937" at the right, in dark figures. In an upright panel at the left edge of the stamp is a representation of the Roman fasces, symbol of power, and in a corresponding panel at tbe right is a reproduction of the flaming torch, emblem of enlightenment. In shield. shaped panels in each lower corner of the stamp is the denomination designation "3c" in white on a dark ground. In a narrow panel along the bottom of the stamp is the wording "United States Postage" in white Roman, on either side of which are straight line ornaments. Resting on the bottom panel at the center is a decorative scroll.
This commemorative issue was first placed on sale at the Philadelphia, Pa., post office on September 17, 19.37.