A reformer and feminist, suffragette Susan B. Anthony (1820-1906) was honored with a 3-cent purple stamp, issued on August 26, 1936, coincident with the 16th anniversary of ratification of the 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Ms. Anthony was a tireless worker for equal rights for women and helped spearhead the woman suffrage movement, which culminated in the amendment in 1920, fourteen years after her death. In honor of her efforts, the 19th amendment has often been called the 'Anthony amendment'.
The stamp design is simple, featuring a profile portrait of Ms. Anthony in the small size used for regular issue stamps.
The stamp issue received some criticism from those who felt that it was politically motivated. 1936 was an election year, so the stamp was seen as an appeal by the incumbents for women's votes.
Gordon T. Trotter
