Stamps -> Topical-and-Specialty -> Famous People
The Marilyn Monroe stamp was released on June 1, 1995, on what would have been Marilyn’s 69th birthday. It joined the ranks of what the United States Postal Service calls “blockbuster” stamps, like the Elvis stamp, and some commemorative stamps like those honoring Civil War veterans. 400 million stamps were printed (almost as many as Elvis’ 500 million stamp print run), and while they’re popular with collectors, the value is generally no more than the face value of the stamp.
A stamp collector might enjoy owning a sheet of these stamps, or a single Monroe stamp, because they’re boldly colored, with Marilyn’s platinum hair, bright red lipstick and glitzy dress. And because they represent one of the most famous pin-up and movie stars of all time. But a Marilyn Monroe buff and collector will surely want these stamps in their collection because they’re just one more way to show that America never could get enough of Marilyn, and even over 30 years after her death they still feel the need to immortalize her beauty.
While Marilyn was a bonafide bombshell and movie star, maybe her humble beginnings and her struggle once she became popular help keep her an object of obsession and interest, one worthy of being honored with a Monroe stamp, after all these years. Born Norma Jean Baker, she started out in a way that few would associate with later fame. Childhood sexual abuse and poverty were just some of the tragedies of her early life. She lived in a series of foster homes and orphanages because her mother suffered from breakdowns that left her institutionalized.
She married at 16 to escape such a life, and soon began posing for pin-ups after her picture was taking while working in a factory. She didn’t get the name Marilyn Monroe until she was signed with RKO pictures, dyed her hair blonde and began appearing in small parts in films. Nude calendar photos in Playboy and a few starring roles shot her to fame in the early 1950s, and less than 10 years later she was dead of a sleeping pill overdose. Few stars are with us so short a time and then memorialized in ways like the Monroe stamp, but Marilyn captured the national consciousness and made people take notice.
A Marilyn fan and collector can find the Marilyn Monroe stamp on eBay or almost anywhere Marilyn memorabilia is sold. Chances are that a person wanting the stamp because it features Marilyn Monroe will care less about the stamp quality than the picture. So cancelled stamps, degummed stamps and other things that make it less desirable for a stamp collector are easy to find, and are relatively cheap.
But for those who want the stamp because it’s part of US stamp history, you’ll want to find a sheet of uncut stamps in excellent condition on eBay or elsewhere. Though given the date of its release, a Monroe stamp with a first day cancellation can be a great part of your collection.
Originally posted 2008-12-24 14:00:41. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
Related Posts -
India Stamps stamps -> Stamps -> Asia India stamps were first used in 1852, and were known as the Scinde Dawk stamps, during the country's postal system reform. This came after centuries of messages being carried in India on foot by runners who followed paths, and about a year of horses...... -
How to Store or Display your Valuable Stamps If you are collecting valuable stamps of any type, then you need to have a good understanding of how to store and display them. Your collection of valuable stamps is going to require a lot of attention as well as care. If you are investing time and money into the...... -
Ireland Stamps Stamps -> Europe -> Ireland When postage stamps were first issued in 1840, Ireland was still a part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain. Ireland used the stamps created by Britain until the Irish government took power in Ireland in 1922. Then they printed Irish text over the British...... - Post Office Stamps Stamps -> United States -> Collections Post office stamps are a great collectible for kids to enjoy, and luckily, it isn’t all that hard to start a collection. Before you start building your collection, it’s a good idea to make sure that you have all the supplies you’ll need. This......
- Valuable Stamps Stamps -> Worldwide -> Postal History If you are interested in stamp collecting as more than just a hobby, it is important to focus on finding valuable stamps. These are the ones that will enhance your personal collection and provide you with a solid investment that you can count on.......
Related Websites - Football Memorabilia Sports Memorabilia -> Autographs: Original -> Football-NFL Collecting football memorabilia is a passion for thousands of people and whether you are a huge fan of the sport, or you admire certain athletes, there are many different items that are considered to be highly collectible. It’s easy to enhance your personal......
- 5 Reasons E-Mail Isn't Dead E-mail isn’t dead because the Facebook hasn’t killed it yet and that’s the truth of the matter....
-
Royal Doulton Figurines Collectibles -> Decorative Collectibles -> Figurines Royal Doulton figurines are an incredibly popular collectible and once you see how intricate the designs are, it is easy to see why. These precious statues are manufactured by the Royal Doulton Company from England and there is quite a lot of history behind...... - My Favorite Last Minute Gifts Similar to last year's post, I still believe that Amazon gift cards are one of the best last minute gifts. If you've been out shopping today, you probably agree with me. The beauty of an Amazon gift card is that Amazon has nearly everything you can imagine. That's why I......
- Canadian Paper Money Money -> Paper Money: World -> Canada Canadian paper money has an interesting history. If many of us were handed an example of the first Canadian paper currency, we wouldn't recognize its significance. That's because the first bills issued in Canada weren't printed bills at all because paper was an......
- 1990s to present Popular, by decade Sheet Music Sheet Music Song Books
- 1970s Popular, by decade Sheet Music Sheet Music Song Books
- 1900 - 1909 Popular, by decade Sheet Music Sheet Music Song Books
- 1960s Popular, by decade Sheet Music Sheet Music Song Books
- 1950s Popular, by decade Sheet Music Sheet Music Song Books
