| Added by |
 Alain Martineau
|
| General Description : | Commemorative issue + Air mail Philip Mazzei's contributions to the colonists' efforts is a different story than that most recounted in histories of the United States. Mazzei came to the United States in 1773 to grow grapes and olives. He established his experimental farm near Thomas Jefferson's home, and the two became friends. Virginia governor Patrick Henry commissioned Mazzei to seek a loan from the Duke of Tuscany. Mazzei was captured by the British while on this mission and spent three months in jail. Finally arriving in Europe to complete his task, he found he was blocked in his efforts by Benjamin Franklin, who believed that only the national government should contract foreign debts, not individuals. Mazzei remained in Europe until 1783, gathering valuable information for Jefferson. Following a brief return to the United States, Mazzei went to Europe and became an adviser to Stanislow II, the last king of independent Poland, in 1792. In 1802 Mazzei began to receive a pension from Russia. |
| Face value | 40 Cents |
| Catalog code (Michel) | US 1449A |
| Stamp colour | multicolor |
| Stamp use | Airmail stamp |
| Issue date | 13/10/1980 |
| Designer | Sante Graziani |
| Print technique | photogravure |
| Perforation | comb 11¼ |
| Height | 40.00 mm |
| Width | 26.00 mm |
| Catalog prices | No catalog prices set yet |
