Perfect for fans of the AMA, for mailings to or from the new MD, or for stamp collectors! This is a sheet of 50 beautifully detailed, never used 3 cent stamps. 

U.S. Scott Catalog #949 Full Mint Sheet 3¢ Doctors/American Medical Association


Issue Date: June 9, 1947

City: Atlantic City, NJ

Quantity: 132,902,000

Printed by: Bureau of Engraving and Printing

Printing Method: Rotary Press

Perforations: 11 x 10 1/2

Color: Brown violet


The Story
The Stamp features a finely detailed reproduction of Sir Luke Fildes’ 1891 painting, “The Doctor” which depicts a Victorian doctor observing the critical stage in a child's illness while the parents gaze on helplessly from the periphery. Different theories exist as to the painting's origin but it is likely based upon Fildes' own experience of the death of his son. Fildes omitted common medical equipment of his era in order to focus on the relationship between physician and patient.


The stamp honors the American Medical Association (AMA), founded on May 7, 1847, thanks to Nathan Smith Davis. Born in a log cabin, Davis (1817-1904) had just six months of higher education before beginning  medical apprenticeship. He graduated three years later and worked in general practices in New York while working to improve the quality and length of US medical education. As a New York Medical Society officer, he authored a resolution to create a national medical association, and in 1847, MDs from various medical societies met in Philadelphia and formed the American Medical Association. This stamp commemorated the 100th anniversary of that beginning. 


At the time of listing, I have 4 of these mint sheets available and am happy to provide a quantity discount and combined shipping upon request. (Flat rate shipping available only in the US.)