1980 Honoring Frances Perkins .15c (2)

Key Points

• This product is a 1980 Frances Perkins Official First Day Cover, featuring a stamp and a simple illustration of Perkins with colleagues.
• 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’ historic role as the first woman to serve in a U.S. presidential cabinet, as Secretary of Labor from 1933 to 1945.
• 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 item honoring a groundbreaking figure in American history. Featuring a minimalist illustration of Frances Perkins with two colleagues and a 15-cent U.S. postage stamp, this cover celebrates 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 an excellent addition for collectors of historical memorabilia, philatelists, and those interested in women’s history, providing a tangible connection to Perkins’ pioneering contributions.

Historical Context

Frances Perkins (1880–1965) served as U.S. Secretary of Labor from 1933 to 1945, becoming 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 was instrumental in shaping New Deal policies, including 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, aligning with the broader cultural focus on gender equality in the late 20th century.

Collectible Value

First day covers honoring historical figures, particularly those tied to significant social reforms, are valued by collectors for their historical significance. 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 trailblazing 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’ Advocacy for Immigrant Workers

An often-overlooked aspect of Frances Perkins’ tenure is her advocacy for immigrant workers. During her time as Secretary of Labor, she worked to improve conditions for immigrant laborers, including overseeing the deportation of fewer immigrants during the Great Depression compared to previous administrations, despite economic pressures. This cover, while focused on her broader legacy, indirectly honors her commitment to social justice for all workers, adding depth to its historical significance.

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, exploring 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 simple black-and-white illustration of Perkins standing with two colleagues, likely representing her work in government. The figures are dressed in period attire, with Perkins in the center wearing a hat, holding a document, symbolizing her role in policy-making. The text “Frances Perkins” is printed below the illustration, keeping the design minimalistic compared to other 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 became a social reformer after witnessing the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire of 1911, which killed 146 workers and fueled her commitment to labor rights. As Secretary of Labor, she played a key role in the New Deal, most notably as a primary architect of 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

This cover is a variant of another 1980 Frances Perkins first day cover you provided, which includes a more detailed illustration and additional text about her role in the Social Security Act. This version is more minimalistic, focusing solely on her name and a simple illustration, which may appeal to collectors who prefer a cleaner design. 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 those interested in political history and labor rights.

Unexpected Historical Detail: Perkins’ Advocacy for Immigrant Workers

An often-overlooked aspect of Frances Perkins’ tenure is her advocacy for immigrant workers. During the Great Depression, when anti-immigrant sentiment was high, Perkins worked to ensure fair treatment for immigrant laborers, overseeing fewer deportations than previous administrations despite economic pressures. She also supported policies to protect immigrant workers from exploitation, reflecting her broader commitment to social justice. This cover, while focused on her general legacy, indirectly honors her efforts to support marginalized workers, adding depth to its historical significance.

Table: Summary of Key Features

Conclusion

The 1980 Frances Perkins Official First Day Cover is a minimalist yet meaningful piece of history that celebrates the legacy of a pioneering woman in American politics. Its simple design, clear postmark, and connection to Perkins’ contributions to labor and social policy make it a notable 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.