Scott #323 #324 #325 #326 #327 - Mint 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition Commemorative Set

Scott #323–327 – 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition Commemorative Set – Engraved US Classics 

This finely curated mint set of 1904 U.S. commemoratives (Scott #323–327) honors the centennial of the Louisiana Purchase, one of the most significant territorial expansions in American history. Issued for the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis, these engraved stamps showcase the artistry and precision of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing at the dawn of the 20th century.

Recognized as the first five-stamp commemorative issue produced by the BEP, this historic series combines classical portraiture, exceptional engraving, and cultural depth — a cornerstone for advanced collectors of early U.S. commemoratives.

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 Method: Intaglio (engraved)
• Perforation: 12
• Purpose: To mark the 100th anniversary of the 1803 Louisiana Purchase and celebrate American expansion, diplomacy, and progress

Each design highlights a central figure or symbol of the Louisiana Purchase legacy:

Scott #323 – 1¢ Green “Robert R. Livingston”
Portrays the U.S. minister to France who negotiated the treaty with Napoleon’s government, symbolizing the diplomatic foresight that doubled the nation’s size.

Scott #324 – 2¢ Carmine “Thomas Jefferson”
Features President Jefferson, whose vision and authorization of the Purchase forever changed the course of U.S. history.

Scott #325 – 3¢ Purple “James Monroe”
Depicts Monroe, Jefferson’s envoy to France, who helped finalize the acquisition, later serving as President himself.

Scott #326 – 5¢ Blue “William McKinley”
Honors President McKinley, whose administration began preparations for the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair.

Scott #327 – 10¢ Yellow Brown “Map of the Louisiana Purchase”
Displays a detailed map outlining the vast territory acquired from France, one of the earliest geographical designs in U.S. philately.

Condition

Mint, collector-grade examples with original gum, vivid color, and sharp impressions. Each stamp has been reviewed using EZStamp certification software, providing a non-official but reliable reference grade for collectors and investors seeking quality assurance. The photograph shown is representative of the sets available; each is comparable in centering, freshness, and overall presentation.

Collectible Significance

The 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition issue is a pillar of early 20th-century U.S. philately — the first full commemorative set of its era and among the most historically meaningful. Its engraved designs embody the craftsmanship and pride of BEP production at a time when U.S. stamp design reached new artistic heights. This mint set holds strong appeal for specialists in engraved U.S. classics, investment-grade philately, and commemorative series completions.

More About This Item

Released during the height of the St. Louis World’s Fair, the Louisiana Purchase series captured America’s spirit of expansion and innovation. Each stamp reflects the intersection of art, diplomacy, and national identity — a testament to the precision and vision that defined early commemorative engraving. These mint examples, preserved with original gum and vivid impression, represent a premium acquisition for discerning collectors and philatelic investors alike.

Only three curated mint sets are available. Each includes EZStamp grade certificates and has been carefully selected for eye appeal, freshness, and historical integrity, true to the examples pictured.