U.S. #2256
8.4¢ Wheel Chair
Transportation Series Coil Stamp
Issue Date: August 12, 1988
City: Tucson, AZ
Quantity: 321,624,000
Printed By: Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Printing Method: Engraved
Perforations: 10 vertically
Color: Deep claret
President Franklin D. Roosevelt probably used a wheelchair similar to the 1928 model pictured on this stamp. Developed in 1640 by a paraplegic German watchmaker, the first wheelchairs were cumbersome and expensive. In the early 20th century, it was redesigned to be more lightweight, less expensive, and easier to maneuver. Today, it allows thousands full participation in life, despite their physical disabilities.
The Transportation Series
A ground-breaking stamp was quietly issued on May 18, 1981. For the first time in U.S. history, a coil stamp featured its own unique design rather than simply copying that of the current definitive stamp. Fifty more coil stamps would be issued over the course of the next 15 years, each picturing a different mode of transportation.
The various denominations provided face values to exactly match the rates for several categories of Third Class mail (bulk rate and quanity-discounted mail). As the rates changed, new stamps with new values were added. Never before had a stamp series included so many fractional cent values.
Most of the stamps in the Transportation Series were printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, although a few were printed by private contractors. All but a few of the later stamps were produced by engraved intaglio. Differences in precancels, tagging, paper and gum provide a large number of varieties.