1993 29c Circus: Elephant

U.S. #2753
1993 29¢ Elephant
American Circus

Issue Date: April 6, 1993
City: Washington, DC
Quantity: 65,625,000

Printed By: Ashton-Potter America

Printing Method: Lithographed

Perforations: 11

Color: Multicolored

This stamp is part of a colorful block of four issued to honor the 200th anniversary of the first circus performance in the U.S., which was held in Philadelphia in 1793. Named after the circular arenas of ancient Rome, early circuses featured equestrian riders, acrobats, and clowns. In 1871, P.T. Barnum established his own circus, thus beginning the golden age of circuses. He later joined with James A. Bailey in 1881, and in 1907, their show was combined with the Ringling Brothers' to create the "greatest show on earth" - the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus.