Jonas Salk Stamp Value: 1995 Commemorative & Collecting Guide (2024)

Stamp Details

• Issue: 1995, 32¢ commemorative
• Subject: Dr. Jonas Salk (1914–1995), polio vaccine developer
• Design: Portrait + "Jonas Salk • 1995" + "Polio Vaccine"
• Print run: ~140 million (large for commemorative)
• Scott Catalogue #: 3087 (US)

Current Market Values (2024)

Condition	Value Range	Notes
Mint Never Hinged (MNH)	$0.50 – $1.50	Face value 32¢; premium for perfect centering/gum
Mint Hinged (MH)	$0.30 – $0.75	Hinge mark on gum
Used / Cancelled	$0.20 – $0.50	Postally used; heavy cancel reduces value
First Day Cover (FDC)	$2 – $8	Cacheted (illustrated) > uncacheted; cancel city matters
Plate Block (4 stamps + margin numbers)	$3 – $10	Position (UL, UR, LL, LR) affects price
Errors / Varieties	$20 – $500+	Missing colors, perf shifts, tagging errors – rare

Value Drivers

• Condition is king: Centering, gum, fresh color, no faults (thins, creases, stains).
• Grading: PSE, PF, SAGA certification adds value for high-grade items.
• Demand: Medical/history topical collectors; polio eradication theme.
• Supply: 140M printed → abundant supply keeps prices modest.

Where to Buy/Sell

• Stamp dealers (APS members)
• eBay / HipStamp / Delcampe (check seller feedback)
• Stamp shows / club auctions
• Auction houses (Siegel, Cherrystone, etc.) for high-value items

Collecting Context

• Part of "Great Americans" or "Medical Science" series depending on classification.
• Commemorates 100th birth anniversary (1914–1995? Actually issued 1995 for 1914 centennial).
• Salk declined patent: "Could you patent the sun?"

Values are retail estimates; dealer buy prices are 40–60% of retail. For insurance/appraisal, consult a certified philatelic appraiser.