Mint. MNH. No flaws. From a Smoke-free and Pet-free Environment.

The U.S. Postal Service first issued this non-denominated Breast Cancer Research semi-postal stamp on July 29, 1998 in Washington, DC to raise public awareness and give energy to the pressing fight to find a cure for breast cancer. These semi-postal stamps offered the public a way to contribute funding for breast cancer research. The stamp was valid for postage at the First-Class rate plus a surcharge (transferred to fund breast cancer research at the National Institute of Health and the medical research program of the Department of Defense). This was the first US semi-postal stamp in USPS history, and was mandated by an act of Congress.

The illustration on these stamps is by Whitney Sherman of Baltimore, MD, who described her art as follows: "After many sketches, one idea was taken to final, the image of Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt in line over a field of vibrant color. I struck on this idea of mythology to help represent a figure larger than any one nationality, race or age. After developing the line work of Artemis reaching back for her arrow [to strike the disease], I realized she was also mimicking the stance taken to do a breast self-examination, a real visual bonus." The archetype 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, signifies strength, courage, survival, and hope.

Collectible Stamps, Great Gift for Friends or Family Struggling with Breast Cancer or Survivors, or Use for Postage (current face value of 68¢ each) to Raise Awareness and Add Beauty to Your Envelopes and Packages.

[Scott Catalog # B1]

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