Honoring the importance of industry in the western part of America, the 25-cent stamp was issued on November 27, 1912. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing produced 1,053,273 million of the 25-cent stamp.
The stamp is part of the third set of the series honoring the various industries which might use the Parcel Post service. The public and the postmasters found the issue confusing at first, not understanding the specific requirement that these stamps be used solely for parcel post rates. The stamp was invariably used to pay regular postage rates. By July 1, 1913, the Post Office Department acquiesced to the confusion and allowed all the stamps to pay the regular rates. This is the only series of stamps that can claim that distinction.
Alan Berkun
