1933 50c Century of Progress Issue

U.S. #C18
1933 50¢ Zeppelin at Chicago Expo
Century of Progress Issue

Issue Date: October 2, 1933
City: New York, NY
Quantity: 324,070
Printed By: Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Printing Method: Flat plate printing
Perforations: 11
Color: Green

Issued in New York City on October 2, 1933, U.S. #C18 occupies a unique place in the Zeppelin stamp story. With a face value well below the earlier Zeppelin issues (#C13–15), it quickly adopted the nickname "Baby Zepp" among collectors and is considered one of the most attractive airmails ever issued.

A Historic Flight Makes for a Limited Issue

In the 1920s, Germany's Luftschiffbau Zeppelin company offered to build the U.S. a dirigible as payment for World War I debt. America agreed, with the stipulation that the airship prove itself in a transatlantic journey. On October 16, 1924, the LZ 126 arrived in New Jersey, marking the beginning of Graf Zeppelin flights between the U.S., South America, and Europe — carrying mail to all stops along the way.

Three Zeppelin stamps (#C13–15) were issued in 1930 to subsidize these flights. A fourth stamp (#C18) followed in 1933 to help fund a Graf Zeppelin flight to Chicago, where the city was hosting the Chicago World's Fair, titled "A Century of Progress." Held on the shore of Lake Michigan, this gigantic fair celebrated the 100th anniversary of Chicago's incorporation and featured outstanding science and industry exhibits — a welcome economic boost during the Great Depression.

On August 18, post office officials agreed to issue the 50¢ stamp, with 42½¢ from each stamp going to the Zeppelin Company. Because its face value was significantly lower than that of the previous Zeppelin stamps, #C18 became known as "Baby Zepp." It satisfied the 50¢ postage rate for ½-ounce mail traveling aboard the enormous Graf Zeppelin for each leg of the trip.

Victor McCloskey Jr., a Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) employee, designed the stamp. It pictures the Graf Zeppelin flying over the Atlantic Ocean, with the Federal Building representing the World's Fair on the left and the zeppelin's hangar in Friedrichshafen, Germany — where the flight originated — on the right.

The BEP had just six weeks to produce and distribute the stamp so mail could travel by steamer to Germany and then return to the U.S. on a special flight. It was issued in five U.S. cities on different days, beginning in New York on October 2 and concluding in Chicago on October 7.

On the Century of Progress flight, the Graf Zeppelin traveled from Friedrichshafen to Brazil, then on to Miami — where it was supplied with hydrogen — before making a refueling stop in Akron, Ohio, en route to Chicago. At each destination, huge crowds greeted the great airship. The Graf Zeppelin arrived at the fairgrounds on October 26 to great fanfare, circling the exposition for two hours before making a brief 25-minute landing and ascending once more. It was a day all in attendance would never forget.

Despite its attractive design and historic importance, #C18 sold poorly in 1933 — eventually, 90% of the stamps were destroyed, leaving a mere 324,000 for modern collectors. It is scarce today in any condition.

The Graf Zeppelin was later grounded following the Hindenburg disaster on May 6, 1937. But during its remarkable service, the Graf established an extraordinary record: 590 flights, including 144 ocean crossings, covering more than one million miles and carrying over 13,000 passengers and 235,300 pounds of mail and freight.

Add the "Baby Zepp" to Your U.S. Collection

Rich in history and short in supply, #C18 is a scarce stamp with a direct connection to the golden age of dirigibles and grand world expositions. It's not too late to add it to your collection — take advantage of this rare opportunity and own the sought-after #C18 today. And remember, when you buy from Mystic, your satisfaction is always guaranteed. If you're not satisfied, simply return it within 90 days for a credit voucher or refund, whichever you prefer.

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