About This Stamp
Zachary Taylor (1784–1850), the 12th president of the United States, appears on the 12-cent denomination of the 1938 Presidential series. A bust displayed in the Rotunda of the Virginia State Capitol inspired the image. The Postal Service issued the violet stamp in sheet form on September 14, 1938.
A soldier for over 40 years, "Old Rough and Ready" supposedly never lost a battle. He became a national hero during the Mexican War (1846–1848), and this fame swept him into the presidency. He had served only 16 months (March 1849–July 1850) when he died from gastrointestinal illness. Vice President Millard Fillmore succeeded him.
The 12-cent stamp was widely used. Rates which could be paid with a single 12-cent stamp included the following: special delivery for a local letter (in effect March 26, 1944, through October 31, 1944); four times the domestic first-class rate (in effect July 1, 1932, through July 31, 1958); two times the 6-cent domestic airmail rate (in effect July 1, 1934, through March 25, 1944, and January 1949 through July 31, 1958); and two times the 6-cent WW II military airmail rate. Half-ounce letters prepaid with this 12-cent postage could be sent by air to El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, with rates in effect December 1, 1937, through March 31, 1946.