U.S. #901
3¢ Torch of Freedom
National Defense Issue
Issue Date: October 16, 1940
City: Washington, D.C.
Quantity: 8,384,867,600
Printed by: Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Printing Method: Rotary Press
Perforations: 11 x 10.5
Color: Bright violet
U.S. #901 was the third in a 3-stamp series issued to raise consciousness of the need for a strong national defense, which President Franklin Roosevelt considered especially important as World War II raged in Europe. The stamp pictures a raised torch, representing enlightenment.
National Defense Issue
On October 16, 1940, the US Post Office Department issued a set of three stamps to raise support for a strong national defense.