Author Archives: VSC

The Old Vic (UK 2018)

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[from Royal Mail]
Issue Date: Friday 30th August 2018

Products/Price/Code

  • 8 Special Stamps (2x 1st, 2x 1.25, 2x 1.45, 2x 1.55) £9.84 AS3967
  • First Day Cover Stamps £12.23 AF437
  • Presentation Pack £10.35 AP450
  • Stamp Souvenir £12.23 AW083
  • First Day Envelope £0.30 AE392
  • Set of 8 Postcards £3.60 AQ267

Reason and Inspiration:
To mark the bicentenary of one of the most important venues in the UK’s performing history, where most of our greatest actors have played.

The Old Vic has played an important part in the development of modern British theatre, with many great actors making their names on its influential stage. This stamp issue commemorates eight of these actors in some of their greatest performances at The Old Vic, from the 1950s to modern day:

  • Richard Burton – Henry V, 1955
  • Judi Dench and John Stride – Romeo and Juliet, 1960
  • Laurence Olivier – The Dance of Death, 1967
  • Maggie Smith – Hedda Gabler, 1970
  • Ralph Richardson and John Gielgud – No Man’s Land, 1975
  • Albert Finney – Hamlet, 1975
  • Sharon Benson – Carmen Jones, 1991
  • Glenda Jackson – King Lear, 2016

About the subjects:

The Dance of Death, 1967
By August Strindberg
Translated by CD Locock
Directed by Glen Byam Shaw
Starring Laurence Olivier (featured on stamp).

King Lear, 2016
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Deborah Warner
Starring Glenda Jackson

 

Hamlet, 1975
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Peter Hall
Starring Albert Finney

 

Hedda Gabler, 1970
By Henrik Ibsen
Translated by Michael Meyer
Directed by Ingmar Bergman
Starring Maggie Smith

 

No Man’s Land, 1975
By Harold Pinter
Directed by Peter Hall
Starring John Gielgud and
Ralph Richardson

Carmen Jones, 1991
By Oscar Hammerstein II
Directed by Simon Callow
Starring Sharon Benson

 

Romeo and Juliet, 1960
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Franco Zeffirelli
Starring Judi Dench and
John Stride

Henry V, 1955
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Michael Benthall
Starring Richard Burton

 

Technical details:

  • Number of stamps: Eight
  • Value of Stamps: 2 x 1st class, 2 x £1.25, 2 x £1.45, 3 x £1.55
  • Design: hat-trick design
  • Acknowledgements: The Dance of Death – photograph of Laurence Olivier © Zoë Dominic, used with kind permission of Catherine Ashmore; costume design by Motley; King Lear – photograph of Glenda Jackson © Marilyn Kingwill/ArenaPAL; costume design by Zeb Lalljee; content used with kind permission of The Old Vic; Hamlet – photograph of Albert Finney © Donald Cooper/Photostage; costume design by John Bury; Hedda Gabler – photograph of Maggie Smith © Zoë Dominic, used with kind permission of Catherine Ashmore; costume design by Mago; No Man’s Land – play by Harold Pinter used with kind permission of FPinter Limited; photograph of Sir John Gielgud and Sir Ralph Richardson © Nobby Clark /ArenaPAL; costume design by John Bury; Carmen Jones – play by Oscar Hammerstein II used with kind permission of Hammerstein Properties LLC; photograph of Sharon Benson © Neil Libbert/ ArenaPAL; costume design by Bruno Santini; Romeo and Juliet – photograph of Dame Judi Dench and John Stride © Express Newspapers/N&S Syndication; costume design by Peter J Hall; content used with kind permission of The Royal Victoria Hall Foundation; Henry V – photograph of Richard Burton by Angus McBean © Houghton Library, Harvard University; content featured with kind permission of The Royal Victoria Hall Foundation; costume design by Audrey Cruddas
  • Stamp Format: Portrait
  • Stamp Size: 35mm x 37mm
  • Number per sheet: 30/60
  • Printer: International Security Printers
  • Print Process: Lithography
  • Perforations: 14.5 x 14
  • Phosphor: Bars as appropriate
  • Gum: PVA

Birds of Canada (Canada 2018)

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[press release]
Birds of Canada stamp series ends with homage to plumage
Five unmistakeable species spotted stretching wings on last issue

VANCOUVER – One bears our country’s name and migrates in formations that point the way from one passing season to the next. Another, bold and curious, given a name that imitates its song, will perch on your outstretched arm. A third stands as an example of a single population thriving in Canada even though the species is endangered.

Canada Post’s Birds of Canada stamp series took flight three years ago and now glides to a smooth landing with a final issue that features five birds:

Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) – Named for its hat-like marking and cheery “chickadee-dee-dee” call, the black-capped chickadee is found across most of Canada but holds a special place in New Brunswick, where it earned official status after a provincial Federation of Naturalists contest. Campers and hikers know this ever-curious bird will come perch nearby – or on your arm.

Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus) – Chosen by Quebec as a symbol of its dedication to wildlife protection, the snowy owl nests on the Arctic tundra and feeds mainly on lemmings.

Steller’s Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri) – Declared the avian emblem of British Columbia after a province-wide vote, the brilliant-blue Steller’s jay is a common sight in campgrounds and coniferous forests in western Canada.

Canada Goose (Branta Canadensis) – Seen nationwide, the Canada goose is known for its noisy honk and V-shaped flight formation during migration, a sign of the changing seasons.

Whooping Crane (Grus Americana) – The largest and only self-sustaining population of the endangered whooping crane – once one of the rarest bird species in the world – nests in Wood Buffalo National Park, located in Alberta and the Northwest Territories.

The first three birds on the list above are official provincial birds; the three-year series has now celebrated the official bird of each province and territory.

The Official First Day Cover is cancelled in Vancouver, the location of the 27th International Ornithological Congress. The conference, held every four years, is bringing roughly 2,000 avian researchers and conservationists from around the world to the city.

The stamps are available for purchase on canadapost.ca and at postal outlets across Canada – and can be easily spotted without binoculars and identified without a guide book.

Emergency Responders (Canada 2018)

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See the stamp designs and descriptions below the postmarks .

[Media Advisory]
Canada Post is paying tribute to emergency responders with five stamps to be unveiled at events across Canada

OTTAWA, Sept. 4, 2018 /CNW/ – Over five consecutive days starting Monday, September 10, Canada Post will unveil a stamp issue to pay tribute to five groups of Canada’s emergency responders. One stamp will be unveiled each day at a separate event across the country to honor a different kind of emergency responder.

The stamps express the respect and gratitude of Canadians to emergency responders, professional and volunteer. With their skills, with their service and by their sacrifices, they find and rescue the lost; treat and save the seriously ill and injured; and protect us, our homes, businesses, and communities.

What: Canada Post’s iconic stamp program is paying tribute to emergency responders with five stamps

Who, When, and Where:

  • Paramedics: Monday September 10 – Fredericton, New Brunswick
  • Canadian Armed Forces: Tuesday, September 11 – Valcartier, Quebec
  • Search and Rescue: Wednesday, September 12 – Banff, Alberta
  • Firefighters: Thursday, September 13 – Halifax, Nova Scotia
  • Police: Friday, September 14 – Ottawa, Ontario

All events will begin at 10.30 am local time. You can read more on the stamps and emergency responders in the Canada Post online magazine.

Here are the first-day postmarks:
Updated September 10th:

Paramedics

From Canada Post:
Canada’s highly trained paramedics deliver life-saving care to individuals experiencing medical emergencies in the critical minutes before they arrive at a hospital. They’re ready to face almost any situation – from heart attacks and drug overdoses to accidents, natural disasters and incidents involving multiple casualties. As front-line medical experts, they make a vital contribution to public health and safety. From treating patients and transporting them to health care facilities to delivering community paramedicine programs in areas of need, the duties of paramedics put them at the centre of our most vulnerable moments. Thanks to their courage, compassion and expertise, we know we’re in good hands.

[press release]
Canada Post stamp honours the country’s paramedics
This is the first of five stamps to be unveiled this week to reflect Canadians’ gratitude for all emergency responders

FREDERICTON, N.B. – Canada Post today unveiled a stamp that honours the country’s paramedics for providing life-saving medical care to Canadians.

These skilled, highly-trained and compassionate front-line emergency responders provide medical care on the scene and en route to hospital. They respond to natural disasters and emergencies in our communities. They attend virtually any situation – from heart attacks, drug overdoses, trauma events, and incidents involving multiple casualties. Once dispatched to an emergency, paramedics have some daunting expectations to meet, including arriving quickly, assessing and treating their patients with urgency, expertise and empathy, and co-ordinating with other emergency responders. Their expertise and professionalism has saved countless lives.

The stamp was unveiled at the Ambulance New Brunswick headquarters in Fredericton.

Canada Post and the stamp designers consulted with the Paramedic Association of Canada, which represents more than 20,000 practitioners, to ensure the stamp image is representative of paramedics in Canada.

The five Emergency Responders stamps

The other Emergency Responders stamps pay tribute to the Canadian Armed Forces, search and rescue experts, firefighters and police. All five stamps reflect Canadians’ respect and gratitude for the skills, service and sacrifices of the men and women who protect Canadians, sometimes by risking their own lives.

The stamp honouring members of the Canadian Armed Forces will be unveiled at Base Valcartier in Quebec tomorrow. A stamp honouring search and rescue experts will be unveiled in Banff, Alta. on Wednesday. The firefighters stamp will be unveiled in Halifax on Thursday and a stamp paying tribute to police officers will be unveiled in Ottawa on Friday.

The stamps will be available for purchase on canadapost.ca and at postal outlets across Canada as of Friday, September 14.

Updated September 11th: From Canada Post:
Floods, forest fires, ice storms and other natural disasters sometimes cause so much destruction that local emergency-response efforts become overwhelmed. Members of the Canadian Armed Forces are then ready to assist. Deployed around the world in international combat operations and peacekeeping missions, the Forces serve as a critical last line of defence at home. Experts in such areas as engineering, health services, aviation, logistics and the use of specialized equipment, regular and reserve members help conduct evacuations, deliver aid, provide transportation, execute search and rescue missions, and perform other critical tasks during emergencies in Canada and abroad.

[press release]
Canada Post honours Canadian Armed Forces as “last line” of help in emergencies
This is the second of five stamps to be unveiled this week that reflect Canadians’ gratitude for all emergency responders

BASE VALCARTIER, Que. – Canada Post today unveiled a stamp that pays tribute to members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) for their critical role in responding to emergencies across Canada, such as wildfires, floods and ice storms.

Dedicated members of the CAF, both Regular and Reserve members, are a last line of defence when natural disasters occur. Trained in engineering, health services, aviation, logistics and the use of specialized equipment, they conduct evacuations, deliver aid, provide transportation, execute search and rescue missions, among many other tasks. Following Government of Canada approval to a provincial or territorial government request, the CAF can deploy members and assets – including ships, aircraft and vehicles – from the Canadian Army, the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Royal Canadian Navy. These missions are known as Operation LENTUS.

This year alone, the CAF have answered the call for help in August (almost 600 forest fires in B.C.); May (the evacuation of 140 people threatened by fire in Manitoba, and flood relief in B.C. and New Brunswick); and April (floods at Kashechewan First Nation in Ontario).

The stamp was unveiled at 2nd Canadian Division Support Base Valcartier, near Quebec City, which is home to roughly 6,000 members mainly from the 5 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group and the 2nd Canadian Division Support Group. Members from the base have assisted in Operation LENTUS missions, most recently in the spring floods of 2017 in Quebec.

The five Emergency Responders stamps

The other Emergency Responders stamps pay tribute to paramedics, search and rescue experts, firefighters and police officers. The paramedics stamp was unveiled at the Ambulance New Brunswick headquarters in Fredericton, N.B. yesterday. The next stamp will be revealed in Banff, Alta., tomorrow, and all five will be unveiled by Friday.

The stamps will be available for purchase on canadapost.ca and at postal outlets across Canada as of Friday, September 14. Click here for high resolution images of the announced stamps and their Official First Day Covers.
For more details on Operation LENTUS, see http://www.forces.gc.ca/en/operations-canada-north-america/op-lentus.page

From Canada Post September 12th:Visit Canada’s magnificent coastlines, mountains, forests and waterways and you’ll see why they attract so many outdoor enthusiasts. But changing weather, challenging terrain and human error can sometimes spell disaster. When that happens, Canada’s search and rescue technicians are there to help, trained extensively in survival, first aid, parachuting, diving and mountain climbing. Whether from the Canadian Coast Guard, Canadian Armed Forces, Parks Canada or a provincial, territorial or volunteer organization, these elite experts do their best to find and save those who are lost, hurt or stranded.

[press release]
Stamp honours Canada’s search and rescue experts
This is the third of five stamps to be unveiled across Canada this week to reflect Canadians’ gratitude for emergency responders

BANFF, Alta. – Canada Post today unveiled a stamp that pays tribute to the country’s search and rescue experts, and their willingness to spring into action with skill, determination and courage whenever called upon.

Every year, millions of Canadians and visitors explore this country’s forests, mountains, waterways and oceans, while others work daily in remote conditions. Whether in the wilderness for recreation or work, changing weather, human error or other factors can quickly result in these individuals being lost, injured, stranded or otherwise endangered.

Search and rescue experts find, rescue and treat people in life threatening situations, and transport them to safety or advanced medical care as need be. In performing their life-saving duties, search and rescue experts often find themselves in dangerous conditions such as avalanches, extreme weather or high seas.

The stamp was unveiled in Banff, Alta., a centre for Parks Canada’s Mountain Safety Program. While the stamp portrays a helicopter extraction in the mountains, a wide variety of search and rescue operations are also performed by many Canadian groups, including the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Coast Guard, as well as volunteer organizations across the country. Search and rescue experts also educate Canadians about safety, particularly in wilderness settings.

The five Emergency Responders stamps
The additional four Emergency Responders stamps pay tribute to paramedics, the Canadian Armed Forces, firefighters and police officers. All five stamps reflect Canadians’ respect and gratitude for the skills, service and sacrifices of those who protect Canadians, sometimes by risking their own lives.

The paramedics stamp was unveiled at the Ambulance New Brunswick headquarters in Fredericton, N.B. on Monday, and a stamp honouring members of the Canadian Armed Forces was unveiled at Base Valcartier in Quebec yesterday. A stamp honouring firefighters will be revealed in Halifax, N.S. tomorrow, and a stamp paying tribute to police officers will be unveiled in Ottawa on Friday.

The stamps can be purchased on canadapost.ca and at postal outlets across Canada as of Friday, September 14. Click here for high resolution images of the stamp and Official First Day Cover.

From Canada Post September 13th:
Part-time, full-time and volunteer firefighters protect lives, property and environments across Canada. At the ready 24 hours a day, they spring into action at a moment’s notice, regardless of when or where disaster strikes. Although firefighters are well known for bravely facing off against flames, their duties go beyond fighting fires and rescuing victims trapped in burning buildings. They assist with many other life-threatening events, including rescue operations, motor vehicle accidents and hazardous-material emergencies. Firefighters also make Canada a safer place by educating us about fire prevention, escape planning, and building and fire codes. [press release]
Canada Post honours the country’s firefighters with stamp
Fourth of five stamps to be unveiled this week to reflect Canadians’ gratitude for all emergency responders

HALIFAX, N.S. – Canada Post today unveiled a stamp that honours the country’s firefighters for saving lives and protecting property and the environment with their skills and courage.

Few emergencies trigger such an immediate sense of threat as a fire breaking out in our homes or communities, or being injured and trapped in a vehicle after a serious collision. In situations that might make most people panic, firefighters arrive well equipped and trained to intervene as a cohesive team.

Able to respond to emergencies at a moment’s notice, firefighters do much more than fight fires and rescue victims from burning buildings. They also provide emergency medical services and perform difficult technical rescues and extractions. They respond to vehicle collisions, overdoses, hazardous-material emergencies and other life-threatening events. As well, they make Canada safer by educating people about fire prevention, investigating fires and enforcing fire codes.

The stamp was unveiled in Halifax with the participation of Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency, Canada’s oldest firefighting department, established in 1754.

Canada Post and the stamp designers consulted with the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs, whose members represent roughly 3,500 fire departments across Canada, to ensure the stamp accurately represents firefighters.

The five Emergency Responders stamps
The other Emergency Responders stamps pay tribute to paramedics, the Canadian Armed Forces, search and rescue experts and police. All five stamps reflect Canadians’ respect and gratitude for the skills, service and sacrifices of those who protect Canadians, sometimes by risking their own lives.

The paramedics stamp was unveiled at the Ambulance New Brunswick headquarters in Fredericton, N.B. on Monday, and a stamp honouring members of the Canadian Armed Forces was unveiled at Base Valcartier in Quebec, Tuesday. A stamp honouring search and rescue experts was unveiled in Banff, Alta. yesterday, and a stamp paying tribute to police officers will be unveiled in Ottawa tomorrow.

The stamps will be available for purchase on canadapost.ca and at postal outlets across Canada as of Friday, September 14.

From Canada Post September 14th:
Canada is one of the safest countries in the world due in large part to the civilian and sworn members of our police forces, who perform critical – and often dangerous – work with compassion, integrity and professionalism. Their many duties include providing emergency assistance in cases of crime, natural and human-caused disasters, accidents and other life-threatening situations. Through community patrols, security services, investigations and other means, police officers work tirelessly to protect Canadians and visitors from harm. Internationally respected for their expertise, our police officers are also deployed to countries around the world to assist in times of crisis.

[press release]
Stamp honours police and civilians who support them
Final reveal in five-stamp issue concludes a week-long celebration of selfless emergency responders who protect and save lives

OTTAWA – Canada Post today unveiled the fifth and final stamp in an Emergency Responders issue that pays tribute to the brave people who protect and assist Canadians and visitors to our country during times of emergency.

The stamp honours our police and the civilians who support them. These highly skilled emergency responders assist in cases of crime and during accidents and disasters. They act with compassion, integrity and professionalism and are respected around the world for their international contributions.

Their efforts to prevent crime through community outreach, security patrols and modern investigations make Canada one of the safest countries in the world.

The Police stamp was unveiled at the Ottawa Police Association in the nation’s capital, home to the Canadian Police and Peace Officers Memorial. The stamp’s unveiling completes a week-long celebration of our emergency responders at separate events held across the country.

Canada Post and the stamp designers consulted with the Canadian Police Association, whose members represent roughly 60,000 police personnel from across Canada, to ensure the stamp represents policing accurately.

The five Emergency Responders stamps
Paramedics were honoured in Fredericton, N.B. on Monday; the Canadian Armed Forces were celebrated at CFB Valcartier, Que. on Tuesday; our Search and Rescue experts were honoured in Banff, Alta., on Wednesday; and Firefighters were celebrated in Halifax, N.S. yesterday.

The stamps express the respect and gratitude Canadians have for professional and volunteer emergency responders. As a group, with their skills, and by their sacrifices, they find and rescue the lost; treat and save the seriously ill and injured; and protect us, our homes, businesses, and communities.

The stamps are available for purchase on canadapost.ca and at postal outlets across Canada.

APS Leadership Reorganization

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In a blog entry, American Philatelic Society executive director Scott English has announced formation of a “Senior Leadership Team” comprised of three already-employed staff directors, and giving them broader assignments:

  • Rick Banks transitions from Comptroller and Director of Internal Operations to Chief Administrative Officer. He joined the APS staff in 2004.
  • Ken Martin goes from Chief Operating Officer to Chief Membership Officer. He went to work for the APS in 1995, and has been its shows and exhibition Director and executive director.
  • Martin Kent Miller moves from American Philatelist/Philatelic Literature Review editor to Chief Content Officer. He was hired in 2017 and has since added the website and other digital and online efforts to his portfolio

The reorganization is part of English’s efforts to transform the APS into a viable 21st century collectors organization. In the past, the APS had as many as a dozen “staff directors” responsible for specific areas, all of whom reported directly to the executive editor.

Sparkling Holidays Souvenir Sheet (U.S. 2018)

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The U.S. Postal Service first announced this issue in its advisory August 28th about the Sparkling Holidays stamps first day ceremony:

The Postal Service issues four new stamps and a souvenir sheet [shown on right] showcasing classic images of Santa Claus painted by famed commercial artist Haddon Sundblom. Each stamp portrays a close-up of Santa’s face. The four images featured in the booklet are details from larger paintings created by Sundblom and originally published in ads for The Coca-Cola Company from the 1940s through the early 1960s. Sundblom is the man credited with refining the modern image of Santa Claus.

The souvenir sheet includes a semi-jumbo stamp as part of a wider scene of one of Sundblom’s paintings chosen for the Sparkling Holidays stamp booklet. In it, Santa is depicted standing by a fireplace holding a book that lists good boys and girls. Three Christmas stockings hang along a mantel decorated with greens and ornaments. Peering over his glasses, Santa reads a note among the stockings.

A quatrefoil design element surrounded by a metallic gold background encloses the scene. The use of gold metallic ink, the flow of the type, and the organic shape of the border are intended to harken back to the graphic style of the first half of the 20th century. Art director Greg Breeding designed the souvenir sheet and the stamps.

Santa’s legend is based on customs brought to America by European immigrants. St. Nicholas, the Dutch Sinterklaas, was one of Santa’s forebearers. He delivered gifts on Dec. 5, the eve of his feast day.

Note: Sparkling Holidays Stamps, sold in books of 20, and the Sparkling Holidays Souvenir Sheet, with one stamp, will be available for pre-order online starting Sept. 14 at The Postal Store at usps.com. The souvenir sheet will only be sold through usps.com or by calling 1-800-STAMP24.

The souvenir sheet, along with the stamps, will be issued Thursday, October 11th, at The Inn at Christmas Place in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

Updated September 13th:

On October 11, 2018, in Pigeon Forge, TN, the U.S. Postal Service® will issue the Sparkling Holidays Souvenir Sheet (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive souvenir sheet of one stamp (item 566300). The stamp will go on sale October 11, 2018.

Celebrate the holidays with the Sparkling Holidays Souvenir Sheet. The artwork features a detail of a Haddon Sundblom painting originally published in an ad for The Coca-Cola Company in 1963. The souvenir sheet features an iconic holiday scene of Santa Claus visiting a home on Christmas Eve and showcases one stamp, a semi-jumbo version of one of the four special-sized stamps featured in the Sparkling Holidays booklet of 20. The stamp itself features Santa‘s face and hat with one hand holding a book and the other adjusting his glasses. The souvenir sheet format offers the opportunity to see more of Sundblom‘s original painting.

Not Available to Post Offices: Item 566300, Sparkling Holidays (Forever Priced at the First-Class Mail Rate) Commemorative Souvenir Sheet of 1 Stamp

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
Customers have 120 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at The Postal Store website at usps.com/shop. They must affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

FDOI – Sparkling Holidays Souvenir Sheet
USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Suite 300
Kansas City, MO 64144-9900

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service™ will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark up to a quantity of 50. There is a 5-cent charge for each additional postmark over 50. All orders must be postmarked by February 11, 2019.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Sparkling Holidays Souvenir Sheet
Item Number: 566300
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Souvenir Sheet of 1 (1 design)
Series: Holiday Celebration: Holiday
Issue Date & City: October 11, 2018, Pigeon Forge, TN 37862
Art Director: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Designer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Typographer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Existing Art: Haddon Sundblom
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Pane: 1
Print Quantity: 1,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Colors: PMS 872 Gold, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 1.085 x 1.42 in./ 27.559 x 36.068 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 1.225 x 1.56 in./31.115 x 39.624 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 3.75 x 3.75 in./95.25 x 95.25 mm
Plate Size: 42 stamps per revolution
Marginal Markings:
Front: Sparkling Holidays
Back: ©2018 USPS • USPS logo • Barcode (566300) • Promotional text

Miller To Chair Americover 2019

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Foster E. Miller III of Maryland will chair Americover 2019, the American First Day Cover Society’s annual show, convention and celebration of first day covers. Miller previously handled scheduling for the Americover shows.

Americover 2019 will be held July 26-28 at the Renaissance Saint Louis Airport Hotel. The official Americover room rate is $104, and the show will again feature exhibits, dealers, cachetmakers, auctions, meetings, seminars and social functions.

The appointment was announced by AFDCS President Lloyd A. de Vries, who also appointed Phil Sager, also of Maryland, as bourse promoter for Americover 2019 and as a member of the AFDCS Convention Planning Committee. Chris Lazaroff, who chaired Americovers 2015 through 2018, will remain on the committee. Other members are Pete McClure of Iowa, who handles registration, and AFDCS executive secretary Doug Kelsey. De Vries is an ex officio member of the committee.

Miller is also a member of the AFDCS board of directors and serves on the executive committee as Membership Chair. He has attended every Americover since the shows began in 1993, and every AFDCS convention dating back to 1986.

Sager is a long-time cover dealer under the trade name “Geezer’s Tweezers.” Lazaroff is immediate past president of the AFDCS. Kelsey is also an elected member of the board.

For more information on Americover 2019 and the American First Day Cover Society, visit www.afdcs.org , send e-mail to showinfo@afdcs.org or write the AFDCS at PO Box 16277, Tucson, AZ 85732.

The Art of Magic Souvenir Sheet (U.S. 2018)

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A surprise addition to the stamp program, these souvenir sheets also went on sale August 7th with a first-day city of Las Vegas. They have been selling out in many locations, and also, many unperforated errors have been found — so much so that the second batch brought to APS StampShow/ATA National Topical Stamp Show was delayed so each sheet could be checked.

The Scott Catalogue numbers for this issue:
5306 Sheet of 3 #5306a (Lenticular printing)
a. (50¢) Art of Magic – Rabbit in Hat (Lenticular printing)
b. As #5306, die cutting omitted

From the Postal Bulletin:

On August 7, 2018, in Las Vegas, NV, the U.S. Postal Service® issued The Art of Magic Souvenir Sheet (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet of three stamps (Item 565200). The souvenir sheet went on sale August 7, 2018.

The Art of Magic Souvenir Sheet may not be split and the stamps may not be sold individually.

The Postal Service™ celebrates magic, an art form that holds a special place in American history. Each of the three identical stamps on this souvenir sheet features an effect that mimics a classic illusion. By rotating each stamp, customers can see a white rabbit popping out of a black top hat. A version of the stamp without the effect appears in The Art of Magic pane of 20 stamps (Item 476800). Art director Greg Breeding designed the stamp, while Jay Fletcher created the illustration and served as the typographer.

Not Available to Post Offices: Item 565200, The Art of Magic Souvenir Sheet (Forever Priced at the First-Class Mail Rate) of Three Commemorative Stamps

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
Customers have 120 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at The Postal Store® website at usps.com/shop. They must affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

FDOI – The Art of Magic Souvenir Sheet
USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Suite 300
Kansas City, MO 64144-9900

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark up to a quantity of 50. There is a 5-cent charge for each additional postmark over 50. All orders must be postmarked by December 7, 2018.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: The Art of Magic Souvenir Sheet
Item Number: 565200
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Souvenir Sheet of 3 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: August 7, 2018, Las Vegas, NV 89199
Art Director: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Designer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Typographer: Jay Fletcher
Illustrator: Jay Fletcher
Modeler: Sandra Lane/Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Flexo, Lenticular Lamination
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: MPS EF-430
Stamps per Pane: 3
Print Quantity: 1,500,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Taggged Paper, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America, Browns Summit, NC
Colors: Black, Pantone 131, Warm Gray 10, Pantone 7596
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 1.085 x 1.42 in./ 27.559 x 36.068 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 1.225 x 1.56 in./31.115 x 39.624 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 5.115 x 3.705 in./129.921 x 94.107 mm
Plate Size: 27 stamps per revolution
Marginal Markings:
Front: Header: The Art of Magic • Footer: United States Postal Service
Back: ©2017 USPS • USPS logo • Barcode (565200) • Plate position diagram • Promotional text

Corapcioglu Wins 2018 Youth Exhibiting Honors

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[press release]
AAPE Announces Youth Grand Champion of Champions for 2018

Darren Corapcioglu was awarded 2018 Youth Grand Champion at the APS StampShow/ATA NTSS Awards Celebration in Columbus, OH, August 11. The award was presented by the American Association of Philatelic Exhibitors (AAPE).

Darren’s thematic exhibit, “The Universe,” qualified by winning the Youth Grand Award at NAPEX 2018. He is 18 years old and lives in Germantown, MD. Darren also won the title in 2016 but improved his exhibit by the required 25 percent to be eligible. [He just completed his one-year Young Philatelic Leaders Fellowship; his biography is here and he is included in the recent Virtual Stamp Club radio feature on the 2017-2018 Fellows.] He has competed internationally.

The Reserve Grand Award was won by Amelia Kelbert from Calgary, Canada, with her thematic exhibit, “The World of the Monarch Butterly (Doneus Plexippus).”

The AAPE Youth Grand Championship is awarded annually at StampShow. This year, eight youths, ranging in age from 10 to 18 qualified and competed – each having won a Youth Grand Award at an APS World Series of Philately Show. The participants vie for 19 awards donated by WESTPEX, Collectors Club of Chicago, Pinnacle Stamp Club, American Topical Association, International Society of Worldwide Collectors, John Hotchner, Don Smith and Ken Martin.

This year’s judges were Mark Schwartz and Bill Schultz.

Other award winners are listed at www.aape.org.

Racehorse Winx (Australia 2018)

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[press release]
Australia Post celebrates Winx’s record breaking 26th consecutive win

Australia Post will release a commemorative stamp to celebrate [18 August’s] record breaking 26th consecutive race win by Australian racehorse, Winx.

Winx galloped to a historic win in the former Warwick Stakes, which was renamed this year to the Winx Stakes in honour of the champion mare. Her win is a new Australian record, breaking the 25 wins by Black Caviar, and is second worldwide only to the Hungarian mare Kincsem, which won all of her 54 races in the 1870s.

Commenting on the stamp release Australia Post Philatelic Manager, Michael Zsolt said: “It is a fitting tribute to such a significant sporting achievement and amazing racehorse. The beautiful artwork on the stamp, and what it represents, will no doubt appeal to horse racing enthusiasts and collectors alike.”

The $1 base rate stamp features Winx being ridden by jockey Hugh Bowman who rode Winx in today’s record-breaking win.

Bowman said the commemoration of Winx on an Australian stamp means a great deal to him and all involved with the champion mare.

“She’s really become an Australian icon who’ll be remembered for generations. For her to be commemorated in this manner is a great honour and a very worthy distinction,” he said.

Winx is owned in partnership by Magic Bloodstock Racing, Debbie Kepitis, and Richard Treweeke, and trained by multiple premiership-winning Sydney trainer Chris Waller.

On behalf of the owners, Magic Bloodstock Racing Managing Director Peter Tighe said: “We are beside ourselves, we never dreamed of having WInx celebrated on an Australian stamp – it’s just not the sort of thing you think about when you go to buy a horse, but we are very proud and honoured to see this stamp being made for her.”

The Winx commemorative stamp issue is available via mail order on 1800 331 794, and online at auspost.com.au/stamps from 20 August 2018, and participating Post Offices will have products available from 23 August 2018 while stocks last.

The products available with this stamp issue are a first day cover, special 26-win pack, set of maxicards, medallion cover, booklet of 10 x $1 stamps, and a sheetlet pack (10 stamps).

Please visit auspostcollectables.com.au for more information on the Winx stamp issue.

About Winx:

  • Bred by Fairway Thoroughbreds, she was foaled on 14 September 2011 at Coolmore Stud, Jerry’s Plains in the Hunter Region of New South Wales. Her sire was Irish-bred stallion Street Cry (1998–2014) and dam is Vegas Showgirl.
  • Winx has had six riders during her career with Hugh Bowman now recognised as her “regular” jockey.
  • Raced 35 times for 29 wins (including a world-record 18 Group One wins) and 3 second placings.
  • Highest prize money earner in Australian history. Before winning the Winx Stakes on Saturday 18 August 2018 she had a total earnings of $18,998,425.
  • In 2016 and 2017 Winx was nominated as the world’s top-ranked filly or mare and the world’s top-ranked turf horse. In 2017 she was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame , only the third horse to earn this honour while still in training. On 10 May 2018, Winx was placed at number one in the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings.