The first non-denominated stamp (also called no value indicated) was used in 1975. There was the uncertainty of a rate increase and Christmas stamps are usually printed in advance of the holiday.
By not putting denomination on this stamp, it gave the Postal service the flexibility of not having to reprint millions of stamps if the rate increase went into effect before the holiday. The stamp's value was 10 cents because the rate increase did not take place until December 31, 1975. This stamp was issued on October 14, 1975, in Washington D.C.
This stamp was designed by Bradbury Thompson after a painting of Madonna and Child by Domenico Ghirlandaio. Ghirlandaio was a 15th-century Italian artist of the Florentine Renaissance. Michelangelo was an apprentice of Ghirlandaio. This work of art is hanging in the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC.
Class activities:
1. What other stamp does not have a value indicated on it? Why did it not have a value indicated on it?
2. What is your favorite Christmas stamp and why?
3. Draw and color your own Christmas stamp.
4. Find out more about Domenico Ghirlandaio and share it on a poster or a scrapbook page.
5. Find out more about Michelangelo and share it on a poster or a scrapbook page.
6. Research about the Florentine Renaissance. Give 5 interesting facts about it.
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