US B5a Breast Cancer imperf NDC header gutter block 20 MNH 2014

Detailed Description

I only sell authentic stamps and covers in my store. I purchase most of the modern stamps directly from USPS, Royal Mail, Canada Post, Hong Kong Post Office and Authorized Dealer of China Stamps.

Since I have multiple copies of the same item in my inventory, the picture is the scan of any one of them. If you have any particular question about the stamp(s), please send me a message before you bid 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.

Abbreviations

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.

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.

US Domestic Delivery Options

International Delivery Options

** eBay does not list USPS Priority Mail, USPS Express Mail and International Registered Mail as delivery option. Buyer should request the invoice explicitly so that we can add the surcharge,

in the same invoice I will always get back to you within 12 hours.

If you are purchasing multiple stamps through "Buy it now" option, please make sure all the items 

If you have any question, please check with me before any payment.

Package Loss Responsibilities

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.