2001.06.29    USA Atlas Statue Coil Definitive

This Atlas statue was made by Lawrie in 1937. The complex armillary sphere that sits atop Atlas' shoulders was created by Kenneth Lynch containing the 12 signs of the zodiac. The stamp's design is based on a snapshot by German photographer Horst Hamann.

In the annals of Greek mythology, Atlas was a member of the Titans, a group of immense deities who ruled the world following the defeat of their father Uranus, the first ruler of the universe. Atlas supported the heavens using a pillar on his shoulders. Chicanery permanently saddled Atlas with his enormous load. Eurystheus tasked Heracles with finding the Golden Apples of the Hesperides. Atlas' brother Prometheus, however, counseled Heracles to send Atlas to retrieve the apples instead. Heracles offered to support the heavens while Atlas retrieved the apples. When Atlas returned with his prize, he decided to deliver the apples to Eurystheus himself.  Not wanting Atlas to take credit for the impressive feat of finding the apples, Heracles asked Atlas to hold the sky, ostensibly so Heracles could cushion his head and shoulders against the weight of the heavens. After Atlas was straining against his burden once again, Heracles made off with the Golden Apples.

This Atlas coil, along with the lion coil issued 1999, will serve as the main stream for bulk mails in the following years, in replace of Green Bicycle coil stamps of 1998, and the various Eagle and Shield coil stamps issued throughout the 1990s. The Lion, Atlas and other U.S. service-inscribed coil stamps printed in recent years are intend to give lower rates to mailers who prepare automation-compatible mail or mail that bypasses postal operations, regardless of mailing size and are used primarily by companies that send out large volumes of standard (formerly bulk-rate) mail.