1979 15c John Paul Jones

U.S. #1789
1979 15¢ John Paul Jones
Issue Date: September 23, 1979
City: Annapolis, Maryland
Quantity: 160,000,000
Printed By: American Banknote Company and J.W. Fergusson and Sons
Printing Method: Photogravure
Perforations: 11 x 12
Color:  Multicolored

This stamp marks the 200th anniversary of the 1779 sea battle between John Paul Jones' warship the Bonhomme Richard and the British HMS Serapis off Northern England. It was during this famous battle that Jones uttered the long-remembered words, "I have not yet begun to fight."

Issued September 23, 1979, this bold and dramatic commemorative stamp honors John Paul Jones, the Scottish-born naval commander who became one of America's greatest Revolutionary War heroes. The stamp was issued as part of the ongoing U.S. Bicentennial commemorative series and features a portrait of Jones in full naval uniform, reproduced from a painting by Charles Willson Peale. Dominating the design is Jones's immortal battle cry — "I have not yet begun to fight" — the defiant words he reportedly shouted when asked to surrender during his legendary 1779 engagement between his ship, the Bonhomme Richard, and the British warship Serapis. Though his vessel was battered and sinking, Jones fought on and ultimately captured the enemy ship in one of the most celebrated naval battles in American history.

Printed in a distinctive cream, black, and red color scheme, the stamp's typography-forward design was considered quite modern for its era and gives it an enduring graphic appeal that stands out in any collection. Scott #1789 was issued with a perf 11 and also exists as Scott number 1789A.