About This Stamp
Two stamps issued on February 25, 1959, honored Jose de San Martin (1778–1850), the "Hero of the Andes," as the fourth person to be featured in the Champions of Liberty series that honored men who fought for freedom in their homelands and offered a counterpoint to the totalitarianism of the Soviet Union. The First Day of Issue ceremony was a by-invitation-only event held in the Postmaster General's Reception Room in the Post Office Department building in Washington, D.C.
Jose de San Martin, an Argentine general, was a key leader in southern South America's struggle for independence from Spain. In 1817 he led a campaign across the Andes that led to the Chile's liberation.
The 4-cent San Martin stamps were perforated 10 1/2 x 11 and printed on the rotary Cottrell press from 280-subject engraved plates. Each 280-subject sheet was cut into four panes of 70 stamps for distribution to post offices. Four plates were used: 26238, 26239, 26240, and 26241.
William K. Schrage of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing modeled both the 4-cent and 8-cent San Martin stamps using a photograph of a bust of Jose de San Martin obtained from the Library of Congress. Matthew D. Fenton and John S. Edmondson engraved the die.