Scott #323 #324 #325 #326 #327 - Canceled 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition Commemorative Grouping

Scott #323–327 – USED/Cancelled 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition Commemorative Set – Historic US Stamp Series 

This expertly curated five-stamp set of used/canceled 1904 US commemoratives (Scott #323–327) was issued for the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis, marking the 100th anniversary of the United States' historic territorial expansion of 1803. Engraved by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, these early 20th-century classics combine portraiture, artistry, and history in one of America's most celebrated commemorative series.

Set Overview

• Issue: 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition Commemoratives
• Scott Numbers: #323–#327
• Issued: April 30, 1904 – St. Louis, Missouri
• Printer: Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP)
• Printing: Intaglio (engraved)
• Perforation: 12
• Purpose: To honor the centennial of the Louisiana Purchase and its impact on US growth

Each design highlights a key figure or moment in the Louisiana Purchase story:

Scott #323 – 1¢ Green "Robert R. Livingston" – US minister to France, one of the architects of the Purchase.
Scott #324 – 2¢ Carmine "Thomas Jefferson" – Third President of the United States, whose leadership made the 1803 acquisition possible.
Scott #325 – 3¢ Purple "James Monroe" – Diplomat and later President, instrumental in concluding negotiations with France.
Scott #326 – 5¢ Blue "William McKinley" – Honored for his role in planning the St. Louis World's Fair and promoting national progress.
Scott #327 – 10¢ Yellow Brown "Map of the Purchase" – Shows the newly acquired territory, symbolizing American expansion and exploration.

Condition

Used, lightly canceled collector-grade examples with full design detail, deep color, and crisp impressions. Normal postal wear consistent with genuine early-century use. The photograph is representative of the sets available; each is comparable in quality and appeal.

Collectible Significance

A cornerstone of early US commemorative philately, the Louisiana Purchase set is prized for its historical depth and artistic engraving. These stamps bridge philately and postal history, showing how early commemoratives circulated during a defining period of national celebration.

More About This Item

Issued to commemorate both the centennial of the Purchase and the opening of the 1904 World’s Fair, this series embodies a new era of American pride and craftsmanship. With its refined portrait work and classical design, the set continues to captivate collectors focused on engraved US classics, turn-of-the-century commemoratives, and American expansion themes.

Multiple curated sets available, each selected for interesting cancellations, centering, and overall presentation, true to the examples pictured.