Detailed Description
It is a stock image only. If you want to see the picture of the actual stamp, please check with me before you bid or place the order.
This item consists of ONLY ONE of the four perforated blocks as shown in the picture, not all four blocks. I will send out any one block based on availability. If you want to specify any particular block, please check with me before you bid the item or place the order.
The Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp, originally issued in 1998, is being reissued in 2014. Mandated by Congress in 1997 and signed into law by President Bill Clinton, the 1998 Breast Cancer Research stamp was the first semipostal issued by the U.S. Postal Service®. Semipostals are stamps sold at a surcharge to raise money for a particular cause. Purchase of this stamp supports the Breast Cancer Research work of the National Institutes of Health and the Medical Research Program of the Department of Defense.
The stamp art depicts a woman standing with her right arm raised, reaching behind her head in the position recommended for breast self-examination. The drawing of the woman’s body is set against a background of pastel colors ranging from yellow to violet that cover the entire face of the stamp. Across the top of the stamp are the words “Breast Cancer.” Circling the figure’s right breast are the phrases, in all caps, “FUND THE FIGHT.” and “FIND A CURE.”
Art director Ethel Kessler, herself a breast cancer survivor, faced a challenge in designing the stamp. She wanted a design that brought awareness to the importance of Breast Cancer Research while offering a positive and uplifting image. After working with variations on the theme of pink ribbons-the symbol of breast cancer awareness-and photographs that struck her as too melancholy, Kessler turned to artist Whitney Sherman for other ideas.
Sherman produced many sketches, but one stood out from the others. A woman stands with her right arm raised, reaching behind her head in the position recommended for breast self-examination. The pose reminded the artist of depictions of the ancient Greek goddess of the hunt, Artemis (Diana to the Romans), reaching back to pull an arrow from the quiver hanging from her shoulder. The archetype represented by Artemis signifies strength, courage, survival, and hope, all the emotions that the art director and artist hoped to capture in the stamp art.
Each Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp is valid for postage at the First-Class Mail®, single-piece, first-ounce rate in effect at the time of purchase. To date, the stamp has raised more than $78 million for Breast Cancer Research.
Abbreviations
Multiple Variations
If you see a OR sign in the picture, this means there are multiple variations available for this item. The item consists of ONLY ONE of the variations as shown in the picture, not all variations. I will send out any one based on availability. If you want to specify any particular variation, please check with me before you bid the item or place the order.
Pre-order item
For any pre-order item, I will always ship it out together with everything on the same invoice once it is available. If you want other items arrive earlier, please let me know and I will split the invoice before you pay.
Large/Special Order
If you have any special order (large quantities, special stamps), please check with me directly. I have not posted everything due to the limited eBay store space.
Shipping & Handling Time
Most of the items (except Pre-order items and FDC) will be sent out within 1 business day after you pay the invoice. Please review the positive feedback from the buyers. The actual delivery time varies due to the destination.
Shipping & Handling Fee
I am trying to offer the lowest shipping fee if possible. The item will be sent out via USPS standard mail (or first class mail) with no tracking number. I will take a picture of the package as proof of delivery. The shipping fee is listed as below -
Combined Shipping Discount
The combined shipping discount can be applied only on the items showing up in the same invoice. Each eligible additional item will be charged an additional of USD $0.10 as the shipping fee. If you have any question, please check with me before you pay. I will always get back to you within 12 hours.
Important tips to save shipping fee -
If you are purchasing multiple stamps through "Buy it now" option, please make sure all the items are in the basket before any payment. Please review the invoice carefully to ensure all the items are listed there so that eBay System can apply the combined shipping discount properly.
Otherwise, eBay / PayPal will charge the FULL shipping fee for each item and they withhold the transaction fee & commission based on FULL shipping payment. There is no easy way to refund the difference unless we cancel all the transactions one by one.
If you have any question, please check with me before any payment.
Package Loss Responsibilities
In order to provide the lowest shipping fee, I am sending all items by USPS standard mail without tracking number. I cannot hold responsible if the packet is lost due to postage. If you need extra shipping protection, please consider the following options and let me know before you pay -
US Stamps Plate Number
The actual plate number of the US Stamps may vary unless it is specified in the Item description / title. If you need the exact plate number shown in the picture, please check with me before you place the order.
US Stamp Sheets Plate Position
The actual plate position of the US Stamp Sheets may vary unless it is specified in the Item description / title. If you need the exact plate position shown in the picture, please check with me before you place the order.