1988 25c Great Americans Series: Jack London, Booklet Single, First Day Cover

U.S. #2182
1988 25¢ Jack London
Great Americans Series

Issue Date: January 11, 1988
City: Glen Ellen, CA
Quantity: 59,850,000
Printed By: Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Printing Method: Engraved
Perforations: 11
Color: Blue

An opium smuggler, seal hunter, oyster pirate, and Klondike miner, Jack London had many colorful experiences upon which to base his books. Many of his stories and novels were autobiographical, drawn from his adventures as a miner in the Alaskan gold rush. He achieved instant success with his novel "Call of the Wild" and became the highest paid, most-popular writer of his day.

Issued between 1980 and 1999, the Great Americans definitive series features 63 designs, making it the larges set of face different Regular Issue stamps issued in the 20th century. One stamp honors a couple (Lila and Dewitt Wallace) while the remaining 62 commemorate individuals.

The series is characterized by a standard definitive size, simple design and monochromatic colors. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing produced most of the stamps, but some were printed by private firms. Several stamps saw multiple printings. The result is many different varieties, with tagging being the key to understanding them.