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1955 US Stamp Design Legal?

1.8K views 11 replies 8 participants last post by  AustinJeff  
#1 ·
I'm considering printing a 1955 US stamp design on a shirt. I just wanted to make sure this is legal. I do own the stamp, but I don't think that would really make a difference.

Thanks
 
#5 ·
Stamps are actually consider legal tender and are issued to you by the Govt. via the post office. Old or not, you technically don't own it. Just like you don't own money. Furthermore the image is most likely copyrighted by the government or they were licensed to print it.

You'll have to find who the copyright holder is on it and ask for permission.
 
#6 ·
Thanks for the help guys; I didn't know that currency and stamps, etc. weren't public domain. However, I did some research and I think I may be in the clear with this one. Wikipedia says that US stamps made before Dec. 31 1978 are public domain. I linked to the article below if you're interested.
Also, I just wanted to make sure that I am indeed interpreting this right. Public domain does refer to the design, and not anything else right?

Commons:Stamps/Public domain - Wikimedia Commons
 
#11 ·
I really appreciate the help guys.

For the record. I happen to love wikipedia. I agree that it shouldn't be used as a one-stop definitive source but it's a great place to start when you're researching something. However, it's necessary to be aware that it can be manipulated, lest you become a victim of wikipedia misinformation. Accordingly, I'll be checking out queerrep's link to ensure that the design is okay.