1998 32c Wisconsin

US #3206
1998 Wisconsin Statehood

• Commemorates the 150th anniversary of Wisconsin’s statehood
• Originally sold in post offices only in Wisconsin
• Contains hidden image only visible through decoder lens
  
  

Stamp Category:  Commemorative
Value:  32¢, First Class Mail Rate
First Day of Issue:  May 20, 1998
First Day City:  Madison, Wisconsin
Quantity Issued:  32,000,000
Printed by:  Sennett Security Products
Printing Method:  Photogravure, Scrambled indicia
Format:  Pane of 20
Perforations:  10.7 X 10.9 (Die cut)

Why the stamp was issued:  This stamp was issued in honor of the 150^th anniversary of Wisconsin joining the Union.

About the stamp design:  The image of a quiet rural scene is a detail from a photo taken by Zane Williams.  She took the picture while traveling around Wisconsin collecting images for her book Wisconsin.  The stamp is a reflection of Wisconsin’s farming industry.

Special design details:  As a security feature, the design contains a hidden image known as Scrambled Indicia.  A special decoder lens, sold by the US Postal Service, is needed to see the image of a badger.

First Day City:  The First Day of Issue ceremony took place outside the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison on the opening day of the 150^th anniversary celebrations.

Unusual fact about this stamp:  Originally, 16,000,000 stamps were printed because statehood stamps don’t usually sell well outside the state.  Officials in Wisconsin objected to the small run, so the postal service added 16,000,000 more.  In addition, the stamp was only distributed to post offices in Wisconsin.  Collectors outside of the state could order them through Stamp Fulfillment Services.

History the stamp represents:  America’s 30th state, Wisconsin, has been known for many things. Its name is derived from an Indian word that has several possible meanings, including gathering of waters, wild rice country, and home land. Wisconsin is known as the Badger State – the nickname “badger” was first used for the lead miners who flocked there in the 1820s. The state’s huge output of dairy products has also earned it the nickname “America’s Dairyland.”
Despite its agricultural strength, since World War II, manufacturing has become Wisconsin’s primary source of revenue.  It is a leading manufacturer of machinery, electrical components, paper goods, and food products.  Wisconsin produces a third of the nation’s cheese and a fourth of its butter.  One of our most progressive states, the state motto “Forward” describes its economic, political, social, and educational philosophies.
Wisconsin was first claimed by France, with England taking control after the French and Indian War.   It became a US territory after the Revolutionary War and was part of the Northwest Territory until 1800.  Ownership was later transferred to Indiana, Illinois, and then Michigan.  Independent territory status came in 1836.  The present boundaries and capital, Madison, were established at the time of statehood on May 29, 1848.