Front:
Official Mail USA
Official Mail USA
Penalty for private
NGTORN
USA 14
Pealty for private use $300
JUL
1989
20066
Chuis Calle
DC
Back:
AMERICA'S EAGLE
First Day of Issue: July 5, 1989
First Issue Location: Washington, D.C.
On June 20, 1782, the infant American government
adopted The Great Seal of the United States. A symbol of
the nation's independence and equality, the Seal bears
the figure of an eagle, chosen to grace the Seal because of
its self-reliance and proud bearing. Its presence on the
face of the Great Seal of the United States made the noble
eagle the symbol of the country, and also made it synony-
mous with strength, integrity and allegiance. The eagle
on the 1¢ Penalty Mail Stamp is much like the one that
graces the Great Seal. Both are displayed in heraldic
style. Each holds an an olive branch in its right talons and
a bundle of arrows in its left, signifying a preference for
peace but the capability to wage war if necessary. The
eagle on the Seal holds in its beak a scroll bearing the
inscription E pluribus unum — One out of many. As the
eagle has proved a fitting representative of a proud
country, so these words have proved a fitting pledge for
the melting-pot that has evolved into one of the most
powerful nations the world has known.
No. 89-19
©1989 The Maximum Card Collection
A Division of Unicover Corporation Cheyenne, WY 82008-0007
Original painting by Chris Calle
