This stamp issue marked the inception of the new postal system under the direction of Postmaster General Winston M. Blount, whose aim was to provide a better mail service. Until this date, the postal service was a government operation. With the changeover, it is to be run more as a private business and is considered quasi -governmental. To many stamp collectors, because of the date of issue of this stamp, it is known as the "7-1-71" issue.