Scotts #738 US stamps

#738 1934 3¢ Mothers of America Issue P11

3¢ Bright violet, deep bright violet

Printing Method: Flat plate
Subject: Whistler's Mother
Perforations: 11 x 11
Number issued: 15,432,200
Scott #: 738
Issued: May 2nd, 1934 (Mother's Day was May 13th)

Value

Used
25¢
No postmark with gum (MH)
25¢ - 50¢
Full perfect gum, no postmark
no trace of stamp hinge mark (MNH)
50¢ - $1

First Day Cover

A first day cover, dated May 2nd, 1934

Plate #'s

#738 was issued with the following plate #'s

Number only
21204-09

The Story Behind the Stamp

'Arrangement in Grey and Black: The Artist’s Mother'
James Abbott McNeill Whistler painting, 1871

President Roosevelt’s original hand drawn design

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt heartily received the suggestion from the 'American War Mothers' that a stamp honoring the mothers of America should be issued for Mother's Day, May 13th.

As will be seen from the image above the basic design of the stamp was drawn out by President Roosevelt. In the design the President had drawn out the full image of the mother as Whistler had painted (image shown above). The post office decided that a closer image of the mother would more accurately describe the mother and be less about Whistlers painting.