The 1970 United States 6-cent Edgar Lee Masters commemorative postage stamp (Scott #1395) honors the renowned American poet Edgar Lee Masters, best known for his influential work Spoon River Anthology. This issue celebrates Masters’ lasting contribution to American literature and his unique voice in early 20th-century poetry.
The stamp features a dignified portrait of Masters, reflecting his legacy as a writer who captured the lives, struggles, and stories of everyday Americans. Spoon River Anthology remains one of the most important and widely studied works in American poetry, praised for its innovative style and honest portrayal of small-town life.
Issued as part of the U.S. Postal Service’s tribute to notable American figures, this commemorative stamp highlights the cultural importance of literature and the arts. Produced by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, it showcases the clean and detailed design style typical of late 20th-century U.S. stamps.
This stamp is a meaningful collectible for philatelists, literature enthusiasts, and collectors of American cultural history. Its connection to one of America’s most distinctive poetic voices gives it lasting appeal.
Key Details
• Scott Catalog Number: 1395
• Issue Year: 1970
• Denomination: 6 Cents
• Honoree: Edgar Lee Masters
• Notable Work: Spoon River Anthology
• Theme: Literature / American Culture
• Printed By: Bureau of Engraving and Printing
• Printing Method: Lithography
• Perforation: 11
• Color: Multicolor
• Quantity Issued: Large production (mass circulation)
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Its true value lies in its cultural significance, honoring a major figure in American poetry and preserving his legacy through philately.
