About This Stamp
A 3-cent regular stamp honoring American statesman Henry Clay was issued July 13, 1983, in Washington, D.C. The First Day of Issue ceremony was held in the Old Senate Chamber of the United States Capitol. The chamber, in use from 1810 to 1859, was the site of many of Clay's most memorable addresses.
Henry Clay, known as the "Great Compromiser," launched his long political career in the Kentucky legislature in 1801. Over the next 50 years, his public service at the national level included the positions of speaker of the house, secretary of state, and U.S. senator.
Ward Brackett, of Westport, Connecticut, based his design for the Henry Clay stamp on several images produced around 1845. The stamp was the 12th issue in the Great Americans series that was begun in 1980.
The stamp was printed in the intaglio process and issued in panes of 100. The modeler was Clarence Holbert, and the engravers were Gary J. Slaght (lettering and numerals) and Joseph S. Creamer, Jr. (vignette).