1980 Honoring Frances Perkins .15c

Key Points

• This product is a 1980 Frances Perkins Official First Day Cover, featuring a stamp and an illustration honoring the first woman to serve in a U.S. presidential cabinet.
• It includes a single 15-cent U.S. postage stamp depicting Frances Perkins, postmarked on April 10, 1980, in Washington, D.C.
• The cover commemorates Frances Perkins’ tenure as Secretary of Labor (1933–1945) and her role in shaping the Social Security Act.
• As a collectible, it is likely valued between $5 and $15, depending on condition and market demand.

Product Overview

The 1980 Frances Perkins Official First Day Cover is a philatelic treasure celebrating a trailblazing figure in American history. Featuring a detailed illustration of Frances Perkins and a 15-cent U.S. postage stamp, this cover honors her legacy as the first woman to serve in a U.S. presidential cabinet, as Secretary of Labor under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It’s a perfect addition for collectors of historical memorabilia, philatelists, and those interested in women’s history, offering a tangible connection to Perkins’ groundbreaking contributions.

Historical Context

Frances Perkins (1880–1965) served as U.S. Secretary of Labor from 1933 to 1945, making her the first woman to hold a cabinet position and the longest-serving Labor Secretary in U.S. history. Appointed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Perkins played a pivotal role in shaping New Deal policies, most notably as a key architect of the Social Security Act of 1935, which established a safety net for American workers. The 1980 issuance of this first day cover reflects a growing recognition of women’s contributions to government and social reform during a period of increased focus on gender equality and historical legacy.

Collectible Value

First day covers honoring historical figures, especially those tied to significant social reforms, are prized by collectors. This Frances Perkins cover, with its clear postmark and well-preserved condition, is likely valued between $5 and $15, based on typical market trends for similar items. Its association with a pioneering woman in politics and its connection to the New Deal era enhance its appeal to collectors of both philatelic and historical memorabilia.

Unexpected Detail: Perkins’ Role in Labor Rights

An often-overlooked aspect of Frances Perkins’ legacy is her advocacy for labor rights beyond Social Security. She was instrumental in passing the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, which established the federal minimum wage, the 40-hour workweek, and child labor laws. This cover, while focused on her role in the Social Security Act, indirectly honors her broader impact on American workers’ rights, making it a significant piece of history.

Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of the 1980 Frances Perkins Official First Day Cover

This section provides a comprehensive examination of the 1980 Frances Perkins Official First Day Cover, delving into its features, historical context, and collectible value. The cover, analyzed through the provided image, is a philatelic item that celebrates a pioneering woman in American politics, making it a valuable piece for collectors of both stamps and historical memorabilia.

Product Description and Features

The 1980 Frances Perkins Official First Day Cover is a collectible envelope designed to honor Frances Perkins, the first woman to serve in a U.S. presidential cabinet. The cover features a black-and-white illustration of Perkins, depicted in a formal portrait wearing a hat and pearls, alongside a smaller image of her with President Franklin D. Roosevelt signing the Social Security Bill. The background includes faint images of other figures, likely representing her colleagues or the workers she advocated for. The text “Honoring Frances Perkins – Secretary of Labor 1933-1945 – First Woman to Serve in a Presidential Cabinet” is printed below, along with the ArtCraft logo, a well-known producer of first day covers.

Affixed to the cover is a single 15-cent U.S. postage stamp (Scott #1821), depicting Frances Perkins in a blue-toned illustration. She is shown in a formal pose, wearing a hat and pearls, with her name printed above. The stamp is postmarked with a circular cancellation reading “Washington, D.C. Apr 10 1980,” alongside the text “First Day of Issue,” confirming its philatelic status. The cover’s condition appears excellent, with no visible tears, stains, or creases, preserving its aesthetic and collectible value.

Historical Significance and Context

Frances Perkins (1880–1965) was a transformative figure in American history, serving as U.S. Secretary of Labor from 1933 to 1945 under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Born in Boston, Perkins was educated at Mount Holyoke College and later worked as a social reformer in New York, where she witnessed the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire of 1911—a tragedy that killed 146 workers and galvanized her commitment to labor rights. As Secretary of Labor, she was a driving force behind many New Deal programs, most notably the Social Security Act of 1935, which established unemployment insurance, old-age pensions, and aid for the disabled, fundamentally reshaping the American social safety net.

Perkins also championed the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, which set a federal minimum wage, established the 40-hour workweek, and banned most child labor, significantly improving working conditions for millions of Americans. Her appointment as the first woman in a presidential cabinet broke gender barriers, paving the way for future women in government. The 1980 issuance of this first day cover, postmarked in Washington, D.C., reflects a growing recognition of women’s contributions to politics and social reform, especially during a period when the women’s movement was gaining momentum in the late 20th century.

Collectible Value and Market Analysis

First day covers honoring historical figures, particularly those tied to significant social reforms, are popular among collectors for their cultural and historical significance. The 1980 Frances Perkins cover, with its clear postmark and well-preserved condition, is likely valued between $5 and $15, based on market trends for similar items. For example, first day covers from this era often sell on platforms like eBay or through stamp dealers in this price range, with variations depending on condition, rarity, and the popularity of the featured figure. The cover’s value is enhanced by its association with a pioneering woman in politics and its connection to the New Deal era, making it appealing to collectors of both philatelic and historical memorabilia.

Detailed Stamp Analysis

The 15-cent stamp on the cover (Scott #1821) was issued to honor Frances Perkins and her contributions to American labor and social policy. The stamp features a portrait of Perkins, likely based on a historical photograph, depicted in a blue and white color scheme. She is shown wearing a hat and pearls, a style reflective of her era, with her name printed above. The stamp’s design is simple and dignified, fitting the tone of stamps honoring historical figures, which often use classical imagery to convey respect and gravitas. The 15-cent denomination aligns with the first-class postage rate for postcards in 1980, as the standard letter rate had increased to 15 cents in 1978, with a subsequent increase to 20 cents in 1981.

Comparative Analysis with Other Collectibles

Compared to other historical memorabilia, such as signed letters or photographs of Frances Perkins, this first day cover offers a more accessible entry point for collectors. A signed letter from Perkins could fetch hundreds of dollars, while this cover provides a more affordable way to own a piece of her legacy. Compared to other first day covers, such as the 1980 Edith Wharton cover (valued at $5–$15), this Frances Perkins cover holds similar value but appeals to a different audience—those interested in political history and labor rights rather than literature.

Unexpected Historical Detail: Perkins’ Role in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire Aftermath

An often-overlooked aspect of Frances Perkins’ life is her direct connection to the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire of 1911, which she witnessed while in New York City. The disaster, which killed 146 garment workers due to unsafe working conditions, profoundly influenced her career. Perkins became a leading advocate for workplace safety, serving on the New York State Factory Investigating Commission, which led to sweeping labor reforms. This experience shaped her approach as Secretary of Labor, making her a fierce advocate for workers’ rights. This cover, while focused on her role in the Social Security Act, indirectly honors her broader legacy as a champion of labor reform.

Table: Summary of Key Features

Conclusion

The 1980 Frances Perkins Official First Day Cover is a beautifully crafted piece of history that celebrates the legacy of a pioneering woman in American politics. Its combination of a detailed stamp, a clear postmark, and a meaningful connection to Perkins’ contributions to labor and social policy makes it a standout piece for collectors of historical memorabilia and philately. Whether you’re interested in women’s history, the New Deal era, or stamp collecting, this cover offers a unique blend of cultural and historical value, reflecting Perkins’ enduring impact on American society.