1946 US Stamp #943 MINT SHEET of 50 3 Cent Stamps Smithsonian Institution MNH

Description: Issue Date: August 10, 1946 City: Washington, D.C. Quantity: 139,209,500 Printed by: Bureau of Engraving and Printing Printing Method: Rotary Press Perforations: 11 x 10 1/2 Color: Violet brown Very Good to excellent condition. Undisturbed gum and perforations. Never hinged. Has been stored in glassine in humidity controlled environment. I provide a 10% discount on multiple purchases and also combine shipping on items purchased at the same time. Contact me for revised pricing. U.S. #943 commemorates the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Smithsonian Institution. The stamp pictures the Smithsonian Institution and the words, “For the Increase and Diffusion of Knowledge Among Men.” Background: James Smithson (1764-1829), an English scientist who never set foot in America, left his entire estate to the United States to found an “establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men.” It has never been clear why Smithson left the fortune to a country with which he had no connection. Speculation focuses on his not being allowed to use his family name, due to his illegitimate birth (to the Baronet of Stanwick, north Yorkshire). The estate only passed to the U.S. after Smithson’s first beneficiary, Henry James Hungerford, died without heirs. First accepted by President Andrew Jackson, the fortune ($500,000 American dollars) was placed in a trust for the founding of the Smithsonian Institution, passed by Congress and signed by President Polk in 1846. Architect James Renwick designed the building and construction was completed in 1855 on “the Castle.” After more than 150 years, the institution has grown to 19 museums, a zoo, and nine research centers.

Price: 11.15 USD

Location: Charlotte, North Carolina

End Time: 2024-12-19T05:41:24.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD