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The Postal Service has announced some 30 issues but more are possible (as the March announcements of Betty Ford and Hank Aaron stamps shows). The program so far emphasizes flowers, beauty, preservation and Black History, but some of the issues are just for fun.
  • U.S. 2024 Stamp Program
  • Last Updated March 9: Adds Hank Aaron stamp.
  • USPS rates have gone up. Letters are now 68¢. Other rates are here.

    Canada's 2024 Stamp Program
    Canada's newest stamps feature "environmentally-important wildflowers." Canada Post hasn't announced all the details, but promises this year's stamp program is one "that shines a light on truth and reconciliation, the natural world, accomplished Canadians, a rare" natural phenomenon, and more. Last Updated March 2.
    Meanwhile, we have a sneak peak at Total Solar Eclipse and Eid.
  • Canada Post seeks May rate increase: Letters would go to 99¢

    Philately's Chief Cheerleader Dies
    Randy Neil was more than just a past president of the American Philatelic Society. He brought a sense of fun and friendship to the hobby's highest levels. We remember, and salute, our friend. We hope you'll leave your memories of Randy here, too.

    Britain's Age Of Dinosaurs
    The eight stamps and miniature sheet mark the 200th anniversary of the naming of the first dinosaur, and the minisheet to Mary Anning, one of the first professional fossil hunters. Read more here.

    Major Flower Garden Anniversary
    When you think of the Netherlands, you think of cheese, windmills and flowers — especially tulips. The 75th anniversary of one of the world's largest flower gardens is celebrated on new diecut stamps from PostNL.
  • Netherlands 2024 stamp program

    2024's Spring Postal Bouquet
    "The flowers that bloom in the spring, tra-la" are on many new stamps. Here's a sampling:
  • U.S. Garden Delights
  • U.S. Wedding Blooms
  • U.S. Celebration Blooms
  • Canada: Wildflowers
  • Netherlands: Keukenhoff flower garden

    Showing Off
    Most collectors are proud of their collections and what better way to show their passion than by exhibiting, says columnist John Hotchner.

    Third Block of GASS Rooms Added
    This third block of rooms for the big U.S. summer stamp collecting show is at the Capitol Hotel, still on the free DASH shuttle route from the show site. But how long will these rooms be available? And if they sell out, will there be more? Check in here for the latest.

    Zais to Steer AFDCS Publications
    A former educator at the highest levels, he will seek and encourage new handbooks, catalogues and other books and pamphlets for first day cover collectors.

    Editorships Edited
    Scott Tiffney is moving from the APRL to Linn's and Scott Publishing. Andrew Kelley is the new editor of the U.S. Stamp Society's The Specialist. Can't tell the players without a scorecard!

    "Help! I just inherited this stamp collection!"

    Just been given Aunt Matilda's old stamp collection and don't know what to do with it? We can help.

    Want to Know What Other Collectors Think?
    The Virtual Stamp Club has its own comments section as well as a Facebook Group. Or visit the former home of The VSC (1996-2013), now called The Stamp Collecting Forum.

    Quotable:
    "Bend down and lower your perspective so you’re not looking down on the flowers, but straight at them, and that opens up a whole new world."
                — Keukenhof stamp designer Maud Van Rossum

    Last Updated March 9





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