US Commemorative Stamps- American Toleware

Updated August 29, 2026

Ned R McWherter May 31, 2002 Ned Ray McWherter – American Toleware U.S. Stamps An exceptional piece from the personal USPS stamp collection of Tennessee Governor Ned Ray McWherter! This American Toleware U.S. stamp issue comes directly from Governor McWherter's extensive personal United States Postal Service stamp collection. The 5-cent American Toleware stamp was originally issued in 2002 and was the first stamp in the USPS American Design series. Its artwork features a detail of a decorative black toleware coffeepot believed to have been made in Philadelphia between 1850 and 1875. The original coffeepot is part of the Winterthur Museum collection. Toleware refers to painted or varnished tinware, often beautifully decorated with colorful flowers, fruits, and leaves, giving this stamp particularly nice crossover appeal for collectors of American folk art, antiques, decorative arts, and early American design. What makes this example especially remarkable is its personalized provenance. These pieces were sent directly to Governor McWherter through the United States Postal Service, with his name appearing on the original mailing/envelope when applicable, providing a direct connection to the former Tennessee Governor. Constant Auctions was entrusted with an extraordinary collection containing U.S. Postal Service stamp issues spanning approximately 1990 through 2008, and we are now offering pieces from this remarkable collection to the public. This isn't simply another collectible U.S. stamp issue — this was part of Governor Ned Ray McWherter's own personal collection. Issue: American Toleware Denomination: 5¢ Series: American Design Original Issue: 2002 Theme: American Folk Art / Decorative Arts Collection: Governor Ned Ray McWherter Personal USPS Collection Provenance: From the personal collection and estate of Ned Ray McWherter, 46th Governor of Tennessee (1987–1995). An outstanding opportunity for collectors of U.S. stamps, postal history, American folk art, toleware, antique decorative arts, Tennessee history, political memorabilia, and Governor McWherter memorabilia. Be sure to browse the entire auction for additional pieces from Governor McWherter's remarkable USPS stamp collection!

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