About This Stamp
The third stamp in the American Credo series was issued on May 18, 1960, at Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. Monticello is located near Charlottesville, Virginia. The 4-cent stamp features Jefferson's words, "I have sworn hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man," from his Collected Writings, Vol. 10. Like the other stamps in this series, the 4-cent Jefferson paid the postage for a one-ounce domestic-rate letter.
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing printed the stamp, perforated 11, from 200-subject plates on the multicolor Giori Press. The 200-subject sheets were divided into panes of 50 for distribution to post offices. Six plates were used to print the stamp: 26608, 26611, 26618, 26623, 26628, and 26629.
Frank P. Conley designed the stamp, and Charles R. Chickering modeled it. Robert J. Jones engraved the die's frame, and William R. Burnell engraved the vignette.