1893 Columbian Exposition Issue, Complete Set

United States · 1893 · 1¢ to $5

This complete set of 16 stamps was issued to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's first voyage to the Americas and to promote the World's Columbian Exposition held in Chicago. Each stamp features a detailed engraving depicting a different scene from Columbus's life and voyages, from his initial pleas for funding to his eventual landing in the New World. The designs were based on famous paintings and are considered masterpieces of American engraving.

The Columbian Exposition issue was the first commemorative stamp series issued by the United States. Its release was a major event, generating significant public interest and establishing the concept of commemorative postage in American philately.