Celebrating 100 Years: America’s First Souvenir Sheet
In 2026, this landmark philatelic item marks its centennial — and the battle it commemorates marks its 250th anniversary.
On October 16, 1926, the Second International Philatelic Exhibition opened at the Grand Central Palace in New York City, with President Calvin Coolidge turning a golden key from the White House to formally inaugurate the show. The centerpiece of the exhibition was Scott #630 — a miniature sheet of 25 of the 2-cent carmine rose Battle of White Plains commemorative, printed with the inscription “International Philatelic Exhibition, Oct. 16th to 23rd, 1926” in the selvage. It was America’s first souvenir sheet, and it launched a philatelic tradition that continues worldwide to this day.
The sheet was also a historic first in another way: the Bureau of Engraving and Printing authorized these stamps to be printed on a press at the exhibition itself — the first time stamps were printed outside the Bureau’s Washington headquarters. Only 107,398 sheets were produced, roughly half of one percent of the normal quantity for 1920s commemoratives. In the century since, many sheets have been broken up, making complete surviving examples increasingly scarce.
The stamps themselves commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Battle of White Plains, fought on October 28, 1776 — a significant engagement during the American Revolution. In 2026, that battle reaches its 250th anniversary, adding another layer of historical resonance to this already iconic sheet.
This example is printed from Plate #18774. It is in mint condition with original gum, never hinged, grading Fine-Very Fine. Please note: the sheet has some perforation separations and a corner crease. These faults are visible in the photographs. Priced accordingly below catalog.
Specifications:
- Scott Number: 630
- Issue date: October 18, 1926
- Denomination: 2¢ carmine rose
- Format: Souvenir sheet of 25
- Plate Number: 18774
- Total printed: 107,398 sheets
- Condition: Mint OG NH
- Grade: F-VF
- Condition notes: Some perforation separations; corner crease
- Scott Catalog Value: $575
Ships in a protective sleeve with backing board via USPS Priority Mail.
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