United States 1893 Columbian Exposition Issue

United States · 1893 · 1¢ to $5

This series of sixteen stamps commemorates the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's first voyage to the Americas. The designs depict various scenes from his life and voyages, from his initial plea to Queen Isabella to his landing in the New World. The set was issued to promote the World's Columbian Exposition held in Chicago in 1893.

Considered the first commemorative stamp series issued by the United States, the Columbians set a new precedent for stamp production and collecting, celebrating a national event rather than just serving postal needs.