Game Of Thrones (U.K. 2018)

[press release]
ROYAL MAIL REVEALS GAME OF THRONES® STAMP IMAGES• A set of 15 1st Class stamps marks the significant British contribution to the production of the series
• Fans can pre-order the stamps from today by visiting www.royalmail.com/gameofthrones
• Characters featured on the stamps are: Sansa Stark; Jon Snow; Eddard Stark; Olenna Tyrell; Tywin Lannister; Tyrion Lannister; Cersei Lannister; Arya Stark; Jaime Lannister and Daenerys Targaryen
• In addition, a minisheet of stamps [below] also feature: the Night Knight King and White Walkers; Giants; Direwolves and Dragons, as well as a stamp of the contested Iron Throne • There is an extensive range of products – exclusive souvenirs, limited edition products and gifts – not available on the high-street
• The stamps will be available from 23 January 2018 and available at www.royalmail.com/gameofthrones, from 7,000 Post Office branches across the UK and by calling 03457 641 641

Royal Mail today [January 3, 2018] revealed images of a set of 15 first class stamps to mark the significant British contribution to the production of the award-winning HBO® drama series, Game of Thrones.

The series is set on the fictional continent of Westeros and incorporates many plot lines and a conflict among several noble families each claiming the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms.

The stamps depict photographic representations of central characters from across all seven seasons in the Game of Thrones’ series. Each stamp is centred on an individual character and features a montage of images from the series. The result is a set of ten bespoke images that embody the crux of each character’s story.

Characters featured on the stamps are: Sansa Stark; Jon Snow; Eddard Stark; Olenna Tyrell; Tywin Lannister; Tyrion Lannister; Cersei Lannister; Arya Stark; Jamie Lannister and Daenerys Targaryen.

A sheet of five additional stamps features the non-human characters in the series including: the Night King and White Walkers; Giants; Direwolves; Dragons and the Iron Throne itself.

The Game of Thrones production involves a very significant British contribution. Principal filming of the series is at Titanic Studios in Belfast, at the Linen Hill Film Studio in Banbridge and on location elsewhere in Northern Ireland, with additional filming in Scotland and European locations including Malta, Croatia, Iceland, Morocco and Spain.

Additionally, the acclaimed cast is predominantly British and Irish, and British expertise is to the fore in many areas of the production, including award-winning costume design and prosthetic special effects.

Fans can pre-order the stamps now by visiting www.royalmail.com/gameofthrones.

The stamps will be available from 23 January 2018 at www.royalmail.com/gameofthrones, from 7,000 Post Office branches across the UK and by calling 03457 641 641.

In addition to the stamps there is an extensive range of products – exclusive souvenirs, limited edition and gifts – nnot available on the high-street. Products include framed stamps, prints and the Prestige Stamp Book provides behind the scenes access to the Game of Thrones world – from costume designs to filming locations and early set designs.

For full character descriptions and additional information about Game of Thrones, please visit www.HBO.com/gameofthrones.

Meyer Lemons (U.S. 2018)

The Scott catalogue number for this issue is 5256.

From the USPS; further updates will appear after the initial, introductory entry:

Meyer Lemons Meyer Lemons is a 2-cent definitive stamp. The stamp art features a whole Meyer lemon next to two wedges of the cut fruit.

This stamp will be issued January 19th in Kenner, Louisiana. That coincides with the Winter Stamp Fest & Postcard Show.

Updated December 21st from the Postal Bulletin:

On January 19, 2018, in Kenner, LA, the U.S. Postal Service® will issue the 2-cent denominated Meyer Lemons stamp, in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) coil of 10,000 stamps (Item 760400). The stamp will go on sale nationwide January 19, 2018.

The Meyer Lemons stamp is a new 2-cent definitive stamp that features a whole Meyer lemon next to two wedges of the cut fruit. The illustrations were created with pen and ink and watercolor. Art director Derry Noyes designed the stamp with an existing illustration by John Burgoyne.

Availability to Post Offices: Item 760400, 2-cent Meyer Lemons PSA Coil of 10,000 Stamps
Stamp Fulfillment Services (SFS) will not make an automatic push distribution to Post Offices™.
How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
Customers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. Each cover must have sufficient postage to meet First-Class Mail® requirements. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office, at The Postal Store® website at usps.com/shop, or by phone at 800-782-6724. 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 – Meyer Lemons Stamp
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 March 19, 2018.

Technical details for the Meyer Lemons stamp will appear in a future edition of the Postal Bulletin.

Updated December 27th: Here is the pictorial first-day postmark: It measures 2.03” x 1.5”.

Updated January 5th, from the Postal Bulletin:

Philatelic products for this stamp issue are as follows:

    • 760416 First-Day Cover, $0.95.
    • 760415 coil strips of 500, $10.00 [added February 1]

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Meyer Lemons Stamp
Item Number: 760400
Denomination & Type of Issue: 2-cent Denominated, Mail-use
Format: Coil of 10,000 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: January 19, 2018, Kenner, LA 70062
Art Director: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Designer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Typographer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Existing Photos: John Burgoyne, West Barnstable, MA
Modeler: Sandra Lane/Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Printed at: Browns Summit, NC
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Coil: 10,000
Print Quantity: 100,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America, Browns Summit, NC
Colors: Pantone 7413, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.73 x 0.84 in./18.54 x 21.34 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.87 x 0.98 in./22.10 x 24.89 mm
Plate Size: 560 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “B” followed by five (5) single digits
Coil Number Frequency: Plate numbers every 28th stamp below stamp image

Added February 1:
Collectors can order coil strips of 500 from Stamp Fulfillment Services (USPS.com or 800-STAMP-24). The order number is 760415.

Added January 17, 2019:
A 3,000-stamp coil was added, effective January 27th. It is item 750000.

Sleeping Bear Dunes (U.S. 2018)

The Scott catalogue number for this issue is 5258.

Sleeping Bear Dunes (Priority Mail Express)With this Priority Mail Express stamp, the Postal Service celebrates the Sleeping Bear Dunes, a national park in Michigan that takes its name from a Native American legend.

This stamp will be issued January 21st in Kansas City, Missouri. There will not be a first-day ceremony.

Updated December 21st from the Postal Bulletin:

On January 21, 2018, in Kansas City, MO, the U.S. Postal Service® will issue the $24.70 Sleeping Bear Dunes Priority Mail Express® stamp, in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 4 stamps (Item 119800). The stamp will go on sale nationwide January 21, 2018.

With this new Priority Mail Express stamp, the U.S. Postal Service celebrates the Sleeping Bear Dunes, which take their name from a Native American legend. Rising 450 feet above Lake Michigan, the dunes are the highest perched dunes in the Great Lakes region and are protected within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The stamp art celebrates the grandeur and serene natural beauty of the dunes and surrounding park. Dune grasses mark the beach in the foreground, as gulls dive and soar in the breeze. Art director Greg Breeding designed the stamp with original art by Dan Cosgrove.

Availability to Post Offices: Item 119800, $24.70 Sleeping Bear Dunes Priority Mail Express PSA Pane of 4 Stamps: Stamp Fulfillment Services (SFS) will not make an automatic push distribution to Post Offices™.

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
Customers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office, at The Postal Store® website at usps.com/shop, or by phone at 800-782-6724. 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 – Sleeping Bear Dunes Stamp
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 March 21, 2018.

Philatelic products for this stamp issue are as follows:

  • 119816 First-Day Cover, $25.14.
  • 119821 Digital Color Postmark, $25.85.

Technical details for the Sleeping Bear Dunes stamp will appear in a future edition of the Postal Bulletin.

Here is the Digital Color Postmark for this issue: It measures 2.62” x 1.47” It measures 2.98” x 1.35”

Updated January 21st, from the Postal Bulletin:

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Sleeping Bear Dunes Stamp
Item Number: 119800
Denomination & Type of Issue: $24.70 Priority Mail Express® rate
Format: Pane of 4 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: January 21, 2018, Kansas City, MO 64108
Art Director: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Designer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Typographer: Dan Cosgrove, Chicago, IL
Artist: Dan Cosgrove, Chicago, IL
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Printed at: Williamsville, NY
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Pane: 4
Print Quantity: 1,260,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
Stamp Orientation: Horizontal
Image Area (w x h): 1.42 x 1.085 in/36.07 x 27.56 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 1.56 x 1.225 in/39.62 x 31.12 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 4.12 x 3.45 in/104.65 x 87.63 mm
Plate Size: 24 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “P” followed by four (4) digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Plate number in two corners of pane
Back: ©2017 USPS • USPS Logo • Four barcodes (119800) • Plate Position Diagram • Promotional Text

Byodo-In Temple (U.S. 2018)

The Scott catalogue number for this issue is 5257.

Byodo-In Temple (Priority Mail)This Priority Mail stamp features a colorful illustration of the Byodo-In Temple, a popular tourist attraction in Hawai‘i.

This stamp will be issued January 21st in Kansas City, Missouri. There will not be a first-day ceremony.

Updated December 21st from the Postal Bulletin:

On January 21, 2018, in Kansas City, MO, the U.S. Postal Service® will issue the $6.70 Byodo-In Temple Priority Mail® stamp, in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 4 stamps (Item 114100). The stamp will go on sale nationwide January 21, 2018.

This Priority Mail stamp features a colorful illustration of the Byodo-In Temple, a popular tourist attraction in Hawaii. A smaller-scale concrete replica of a wooden Buddhist temple in Japan, the Byodo-In Temple is located in a private cemetery on the island of O‘ahu. Built in 1968 to commemorate the centennial of the first Japanese immigration to Hawaii, the temple is used for ceremonies, services, and events such as classes and concerts. Art director Greg Breeding designed this stamp with original art by Dan Cosgrove.

Availability to Post Offices: Item 114100, $6.70 Byodo-In Temple Priority Mail PSA Pane of 4 Stamps: Stamp Fulfillment Services (SFS) will not make an automatic push distribution to Post Offices™.

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
Customers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office, at The Postal Store® website at usps.com/shop, or by phone at 800-782-6724. 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 – Byodo-In Temple Stamp
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 March 21, 2018.

Philatelic products for this stamp issue are as follows:

  • 114116 First-Day Cover, $7.14.
  • 114121 Digital Color Postmark, $7.85.

Technical details for the Byodo-In Temple stamp will appear in a future edition of the Postal Bulletin.

Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue: The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.78” x 1.72” The pictorial postmark measures 2.95” x 1.46”

Updated January 21st, from the Postal Bulletin:

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Byodo-In Temple Stamp
Item Number: 114100
Denomination & Type of Issue: $6.70 Priority Mail® rate
Format: Pane of 4 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: January 21, 2018, Kansas City, MO 64108
Art Director: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Designer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Typographer: Dan Cosgrove, Chicago, IL
Artist: Dan Cosgrove, Chicago, IL
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Printed at: Williamsville, NY
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Pane: 4
Print Quantity: 7,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
Stamp Orientation: Horizontal
Image Area (w x h): 1.42 x 1.085 in/36.07 x 27.56 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 1.56 x 1.225 in/39.62 x 31.12 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 4.12 x 3.45 in/104.65 x 87.63 mm
Plate Size: 96 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “P” followed by four (4) digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Plate number in two corners of pane
Back: ©2017 USPS • USPS Logo • Four barcodes (114100) • Plate Position Diagram • Promotional Text

Here is the January 23rd pictorial being offered for this issue; sorry, this is the largest size currently available.

The Art of Magic (U.S. 2018)

Updated October 2nd: Here are the Scott Catalogue numbers:
5301 (50¢) Art of Magic – Rabbit in Hat
5302 (50¢) Art of Magic – Fortune Teller and Crystal Ball
5303 (50¢) Art of Magic – Levitating Woman and Hoop
5304 (50¢) Art of Magic – Empty Bird Cage
5305 (50¢) Art of Magic – Bird Emerging From Flower
a. Horiz. strip of 5, #5301-5305

Updated August 7th: Here are the product numbers:

  • 476800 The Art of Magic Forever stamp pane of 20, $10.00
  • 476806 Press sheet, $60.00
  • 476810 Keepsake (set of 5), $18.95
  • 476816, First-day cover (set of 5), $4.70
  • 476821 Digital color postmark (set of 5), $8.25
  • 476830 Ceremony program (random), $6.95
  • 476871 Rabbit in Hat poster with souvenir sheet, $19.95
  • 476872 Crystal Ball poster with souvenir sheet, $19.95
  • 476873 Woman Floating poster with souvenir sheet, $19.95
  • 476874 Empty Birdcage poster with souvenir sheet, $19.95
  • 476875 Dove/Flower poster with souvenir sheet, $19.95
  • 565204 3-stamp souvenir sheet, $1.50

Updated May 10th: These stamps will be issued August 7th in Las Vegas.

The Art of MagicThe Postal Service celebrates the art of magic with this pane of 20 stamps featuring digital illustrations of five classic tricks magicians use to amaze and delight audiences: a rabbit in a hat (production), a fortune teller using a crystal ball (prediction), a woman floating in the air (levitation), an empty bird cage (vanishing), and a bird emerging from a flower (transformation).

Updated July 4, 2018:
On August 7, 2018, in Las Vegas, NV, the U.S. Postal Service will issue The Art of Magic stamps (Forever priced at the First-Class Mail rate) in five designs, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive pane of 20 stamps (Item 476800). The stamps will go on sale nationwide August 7, 2018. The Art of Magic pane of 20 stamps may not be split and the stamps may not be sold individually.

The Postal Service celebrates the art of magic with digital illustrations of five classic tricks magicians use to amaze and delight audiences:

  • A rabbit in a hat (production),
  • A fortune teller using a crystal ball (prediction),
  • A woman floating in the air (levitation),
  • An empty bird cage (vanishing), and
  • A bird emerging from a flower (transformation).

Art director Greg Breeding designed the stamps, and Jay Fletcher created the illustrations and served as the typographer.

Availability to Post Offices: Item 476800, The Art of Magic (Forever priced at the First-Class Mail rate) Commemorative Pane of 20 Stamps Stamp Fulfillment Services will make an automatic push distribution to Post Offices of a quantity to cover approximately 30 days of sales.

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 their local Post Office or 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 Stamps
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 post marked by December 7, 2018.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: The Art of Magic Stamps
Item Number: 476800
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (5 designs)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: August 7, 2018, Las Vegas, NV 89199
Designer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Art Director: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Typographer: Jay Fletcher
Artist: Jay Fletcher
Modeler: Sandra Lane/Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Printed at: Browns Summit, NC
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 20,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America, Browns Summit, NC
Colors: Warm Gray 1, Warm Gray 5, Warm Gray 10, Pantone Black 6, Pantone 021, Pantone 7574, Pantone 131, Pantone 139, Pantone 174
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 1.085 x 1.42 in./ 27.559 x 36.07 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 1.225 x 1.56 in./31.115 x 39.624 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 7.38 x 8.75 in./187.45 x 222.25 mm
Press Sheets Size (w x h): 17.5 x 22.14 in./444.5 x 562.36 mm
Plate Size: 120 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “B” followed by nine (9) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Header: The Art of Magic • Plate number in two corners of pane
Back: ©2017 USPS • USPS logo • Two barcodes (476800) • Plate Position Diagram • Promotional text

Updated July 19th:
There are SIX first-day postmarks for this issue – five DCPs and one B&W or pictorial:All five DCPs measure 2.29″ x 1.06″. The B&W pictorial is 2.99″ x .99″.

John Lennon (U.S. 2018)

The Scott catalogue numbers for this issue are:
5312 (50¢) John Lennon – red shoulders
5313 (50¢) John Lennon – red lilac shoulders
5314 (50¢) John Lennon – dark violet shoulders
5315 (50¢) John Lennon – blue shoulders
a. Vert. strip of 4, #5312-5315

Music Icons series.

Updated August 2nd, from the Postal Bulletin:
On September 7, 2018, in New York, NY, the U.S. Postal Service® will issue the John Lennon stamps (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in four designs, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive pane of 16 stamps (Item 565400). The stamps will go on sale nationwide September 7, 2018. The John Lennon pane of stamps may not be split or sold individually.

The newest stamps in the Music Icons series honor singer-songwriter John Lennon (1940–1980), a rock-and-roll hero successful both as a founding member of the Beatles and as a solo artist. Still beloved around the world, Lennon‘s music remains an anchor of pop radio and continues to speak for truth, peace, and tolerance. The stamp design features a photograph of Lennon taken by noted rock-and-roll photographer Bob Gruen in August 1974 during the photo session for Lennon‘s 1974 album Walls and Bridges. For the stamps, the original black-and-white image has been treated in gradations of color.

The stamp pane is designed to resemble a vintage 45 rpm record sleeve. One side of the pane includes the stamps, brief text about Lennon‘s legacy, and the image of a sliver of a record seeming to peek out the top of the sleeve. A black-and-white photograph of Lennon seated at his white piano appears on the reverse, along with Lennon‘s signature and the Music Icons series logo. Taken by photographer Peter Fordham, the original photograph was used to promote Lennon‘s landmark 1971 solo album, Imagine. Art director Antonio Alcalá worked on the stamp pane with designer Neal Ashby.

Special Dedication Postmarks:
Only the following pictorial postmark is permitted for John Lennon stamps. The word “Station” or the abbreviation “STA” is required somewhere in the design, because it will be a temporary station. Special dedication ceremonies for the John Lennon stamps are not authorized. Use of any image other than the following special pictorial image is prohibited.

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 their local Post Office or 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 – John Lennon Stamps
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 January 7, 2019.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: John Lennon Stamps
Item Number: 565400
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 16 (4 designs)
Series: Music Icons
Issue Date & City: September 7, 2018, New York, NY 10199
Designer: Neal Ashby, Alexandria, VA
Art Director: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Typographer: Neal Ashby, Alexandria, VA
Existing Photo: Bob Gruen
Existing Photo: Peter Fordham
Modeler: Sandra Lane/Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Printed at: Browns Summit, NC
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Pane: 16
Print Quantity: 40,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor, Block Tagged
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America, Browns Summit, NC
Colors: Cool Gray 7, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Square
Image Area (w x h): 1.085 x 1.085 in./27.559 x 27.559 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 1.225 x 1.225 in./31.115 x 31.115 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 7 x 7 in./177.8 x 177.8 mm
Press Sheets Size (w x h): 14.1875 x 21.375 in./360.36 x 542.93 mm
Plate Size: 96 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: None
Marginal Markings:
Front: ©2017 USPS • USPS logo • Proprietary text • Barcode (565400) in lower right corner of pane • Promotional text • Biography brief
Back: • Photograph • “John Lennon” • Music Icons logo

Updated July 13th with first-day ceremony details:

What: John Lennon Forever stamp dedication ceremony, officiated by Postmaster General and CEO Megan J. Brennan

When: Friday, Sept. 7, 11 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time

Where: Namburg Bandshell
Central Park, near East 72nd Street and Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10065

Background: This stamp, honoring legendary singer and songwriter John Lennon, is the latest in a series of Music Icons stamps. Beloved around the world, Lennon was successful both as a founding member of the Beatles and as a solo artist. Lennon’s music continues to speak for truth, peace, and tolerance.
The stamp artwork features a 1974 photo of John Lennon taken by noted rock music photographer Bob Gruen for Lennon’s “Walls and Bridges”album. The stamp pane resembles a vintage 45-rpm record sleeve and features Lennon at his white piano on the reverse side. The photograph, taken by Peter Fordham, was used to promote Lennon’s landmark 1971 solo album, “Imagine.”

Updated May 10th:

Imagine that! The one John Lennon stamp just turned into four, because there are four different colors on the pane of 16.
Here’s the design for back of the sheet: Original announcement:The newest stamp in the Music Icons series honors singer and songwriter John Lennon (1940–1980), a rock ’n’ roll hero successful both as a founding member of the Beatles and as a solo artist.

Updated August 18th:
Here’s is the Digital Color Postmark for this issue: It measures 2.97″ x 1.50″. Here is the B&W pictorial postmark:It measures 2.99″ x 1.28″. Here is the special postmark for use by other post offices than the first-day city: It measures 2.93″ x 1.46″.

Birds in Winter (U.S.2018)

The Scott catalogue numbers for this issue:
5317 (50¢) Birds in Winter – Black-capped chickadee
5318 (50¢) Birds in Winter – Northern cardinal
5319 (50¢) Birds in Winter – Red-bellied woodpecker
5320 (50¢) Birds in Winter – Blue jay
a. Block of 4, #5317-5320
b. Convertible booklet pane of 20, 5 each #5317-5320

Updated May 10th: These stamps will be issued Saturday, September 22 in Quechee, VT. Nice catch by member Lefty Dundee: The Vermont Institute of Natural Science is there. Nothing on its website yet.

Updated August 25th:
On September 22, 2018, in Quechee, VT, the U.S. Postal Service® will issue the Birds in Winter stamps (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in four designs, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive booklet of 20 stamps (Item 681900). The stamps will go on sale nationwide September 22, 2018.

The Birds in Winter stamps celebrate four of winter‘s winged beauties:

  • The black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus),
  • The northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis),
  • The blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata), and
  • The red-bellied woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus).

The stamp art highlights the handsome plumage of resident birds often spotted throughout the year‘s coldest months. Evoking the drab feeling of winter with the stark white backgrounds, stamp artist Nadia Taylor hoped to create a vivid contrast with the bright flashes of color found in the digital rendering of each bird. Art director Antonio Alcalá designed the stamps.

Item 681900 Birds in Winter Double-Sided Booklet of 20 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 their local Post Office™ or 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 – Birds in Winter Stamps
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 January 22, 2019.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Birds in Winter Stamps
Item Number: 681900
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Double-Sided Booklet of 20 (4 designs)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: September 22, 2018, Quechee, VT 05059
Art Director: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Designer: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Typographer: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Artist: Nadia Taylor, London
Modeler: Sandra Lane/Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Booklet: 20
Print Quantity: 400,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America, Browns Summit, NC
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): .77 x 1.05 in./19.558 x 26.67 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): .91 x 1.19 in./23.114 x 30.226 mm
Full Booklet Size (w x h): 5.743 x 2.375 in./145.872 x 60.325 mm
Colors: Cool Gray 7, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Plate Size: 800 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “B” followed by five (5) single digits
Marginal Markings: Header: “Birds in Winter Chickadee, Cardinal, Blue Jay, & Woodpecker” 20 First-Class Forever Stamps • USPS logo • Barcode • Plate number in peel strip area • ©2017 USPS in peel strip area • Promotional text in peel strip area

Original announcement:
Birds in Winter celebrates four of winter’s winged beauties: the black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus), the northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), the blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata), and the red-bellied woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus).

Updated August 18th:
Here’s is the Digital Color Postmark for this issue:It measures 1.75″ x 1.37″. Here is the B&W pictorial postmark:It measures 2.87″ x 1.46″.

Dragons (U.S. 2018)

Although the USPS only says these stamps will be issued during APS StampShow, August 9-12, in Columbus, Ohio, we have confirmed the first-day date is Thursday, August 9th.

The latest updates, including the USPS press release on the date and location, are at the bottom of the page. Latest update: October 2nd, 2018.
The Postal Service celebrates dragons, the high-flying, fire-breathing mythological creatures that have roamed our imaginations for millennia.

[USPS press release March 20th]
Dragons Coming to a Post Office Near You!
Postal Service to Feature Mythological Creatures on Stamps at APS National Summer Convention Stamp Show

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service will be joined by the American Philatelic Society (APS) to unveil four colorful stamp designs of 16 Forever stamps depicting dragons — the high-flying, fire-breathing mythological creatures that have roamed our imaginations for millennia — at the APS national summer convention and stamp show Aug. 9-12 in Columbus, OH.

“We’re very excited to bring these beautiful stamps to the 132nd annual APS convention,” said U.S. Postal Service Stamp Services Director Mary-Anne Penner. “This is one of the premier stamp shows in America and serves as an excellent platform to showcase these special stamps.”

“We’re thrilled to have USPS unveil these great stamps with us in Columbus,” said Scott English, APS executive director. “There will be something for the whole family highlighting this cool theme. No experience necessary, so we hope you join us!”

The new stamps will be issued as a pane of 16 stamps showcasing one of four designs: a green fire-breathing dragon towering over a medieval-inspired castle; a purple dragon with orange wings and sharp black armor on its back snaking around a white castle; a black dragon with green wings and green armor on its back swooping past a ship on the sea; and a wingless orange dragon weaving its way around a pagoda.

The stamps feature digital illustrations created by artist Don Clark of Invisible Creature studio. Art director Greg Breeding designed the stamps. News of the stamps can be shared using the hashtag #DragonStamps.

Background
Throughout history and across the globe — from Europe to the Middle East to Asia to the Americas — people have enjoyed tales of mythological creatures. Though these legendary animals vary in shape, size and color, they’re most often described as lizard-like with four legs, sharp claws, scales, wings and spiky tails. The stamps feature four colorful dragons set against four unique backgrounds.

In the Far East, dragons are ubiquitous. The wingless orange dragon weaving its way around a pagoda is inspired by creatures found in Asian art, architecture, folk religion and ancient lore. The Chinese, in particular, have venerated the dragon for thousands of years.

European folklore inspired the dragons on two other stamps. The purple dragon with orange wings and sharp black armor on its back snakes around a white castle that evokes Camelot. The green fire-breathing dragon towers over a medieval-inspired castle. The fierce beasts have even become part of the identity of many countries.

Updated July 4, 2018:
On August 9, 2018, in Columbus, OH, the U.S. Postal Service will issue the Dragons stamps (Forever priced at the First-Class Mail rate) in four designs, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive pane of 16 stamps (Item 477500). The stamps will go on sale nationwide August 9, 2018. The Dragons pane of 16 stamps may not be split and the stamps may not be sold individually.

The U.S. Postal Service celebrates dragons, the high- flying, fire-breathing mythological creatures that have roamed our imaginations for millennia. Each of the stamps showcases one of four dragons:

  • A green fire-breathing dragon towering over a medieval-inspired castle;
  • A purple dragon with orange wings and sharp black armor on its back snaking around a white castle;
  • A black dragon with green wings and green armor on its back swooping past a ship on the sea; and
  • A wingless orange dragon weaving its way around a pagoda.

Each of the stamps and the header feature orange foiled highlights that add a fire-like glint. At the top of the pane, “Dragons” appears alongside a black fire-breathing dragon. The stamps are digital illustrations created by artist Don Clark of Invisible Creature studio, while Greg Breeding served as art director.

Availability to Post Offices: Item 477500, Dragons (Forever priced at the First-Class Mail rate) Commemorative Pane of 16 Stamps Stamp Fulfillment Services will make an automatic push distribution to Post Offices of a quantity to cover approximately 30 days of sales.

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 their local Post Office or 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 – Dragons Stamps
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 9, 2018.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Dragons Stamps
Item Number: 477500
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 16 (4 designs)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: August 9, 2018, Columbus, OH 43216
Art Director: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Designer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Typographer: Don Clark, Maple Valley, VA
Artist: Don Clark, Maple Valley, VA
Modeler: Sandra Lane/Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Hot Foil Stamping
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Printed at: Browns Summit, NC
Press Type: Alprinta 74, Müeller-Martini Custom
Stamps per Pane: 16
Print Quantity: 30,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor, Block Tagged
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America, Browns Summit, NC
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): .84 x 1.42 in./21.34 x 36.07 mm
Overall Size (w x h): .98 x 1.56 in./24.89 x 39.62 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 4.542 x 8.375 in./115.367 x 212.725 mm
Press Sheets Size (w x h): 9.084 x 19.375 in./230.73 x 492.13 mm
Plate Size: 128 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “B” followed by four (4) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Header: Dragons • Plate number in two corners
Back: ©2017 USPS • USPS logo • Two barcodes (477500) • Plate Position Diagram • Promotional text

Updated July 7, 2018:
The Postal Bulletin shows 4 Digital Color Postmarks and one B&W pictorial for this issue. We have received no guidance from the USPS as to size, or if a specific DCP goes with a specific stamp, but here are the designs:

Updated August 3, 2018:
[from the USPS]
Dragons Forever!
U.S. Postal Service to Feature Mythological Creatures on Stamps

What: The U.S. Postal Service will celebrate dragons: The high-flying, fire-breathing creatures that have roamed our imaginations for millennia will be featured on 16 new Forever stamps during a first-day-of-issue dedication ceremony at the American Philatelic Society Stamp (APS) Show co-hosted by the American Topical Association.

Please share the news using the hashtag #DragonStamps. This ceremony is free and open to the public. RSVP at usps.com/dragons . (Note: Attendees must register onsite at the APS registration booth to receive a pass for access to the exhibit floor where the ceremony will be held.)

Who:
Mary-Anne Penner, director, Stamp Services, U.S. Postal Service
Joshua Colin, vice president, Area Operations, Eastern Area, U.S. Postal Service
Scott D. English, executive director, American Philatelic Society
Janet Klug, chair, Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee

When: Noon EDT, Thursday, Aug. 9

Where: American Philatelic Society National Summer Convention Stamp Show
Greater Columbus Convention Center
Exhibit Hall B
400 N. High St.
Columbus, OH 43215

Followers of the U.S. Postal Service’s Facebook page can view the ceremony live at facebook.com/USPS.

Background: Throughout history and across the globe — from Europe to the Middle East to Asia to the Americas — people have enjoyed tales of the mythological creatures. Though these legendary animals vary in shape, size and color, they’re most often described as lizard-like with four legs, sharp claws, scales, wings, and spiky tails. The stamps feature four colorful dragons set against four unique backgrounds.

Each of the 16 stamps showcases one of four dragons: a green fire-breathing dragon towering over a medieval-inspired castle; a purple dragon with orange wings and sharp black armor on its back snaking around a white castle; a black dragon with green wings and green armor on its back swooping past a ship on the sea; and a wingless orange dragon weaving its way around a pagoda.

The stamps feature digital illustrations created by artist Don Clark of Invisible Creature studio. Art director Greg Breeding designed the issuance.

Updated October 2nd: Here are the Scott Catalogue numbers for this issue:
5307 (50¢) Dragons – Green Dragon and Castle
5308 (50¢) Dragons – Purple Dragon and Castle
5309 (50¢) Dragons – Blue Dragon and Ship
5310 (50¢) Dragons – Orange and Pink Dragon and Pagoda
a. Strip or block of 4, #5307-5310
b. Horiz. strip of 4, #5307-5310, die cutting missing

World War I: Turning the Tide (U.S. 2018)

The Scott catalogue number for this stamp is 5300.

Updated May 10th: This stamp will be issued July 27th with a listed first-day city of Kansas City, MO.  We are not sure if there will be a first-day ceremony.

Original announcement:With this stamp, the Postal Service pays tribute to the sacrifice of American soldiers and millions of supporters on the home front who experienced World War I. Entering World War I (1914–1918) in its later stages, the United States helped turn the tide of war in favor of the Allies.

Updated June 22nd:

On July 27, 2018, in Kansas City, MO, the U.S. Postal Service® will issue the World War I: Turning the Tide stamp (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive pane of 20 stamps (Item 477400). The stamp will go on sale nationwide July 27, 2018.

With this stamp, the Postal Service™ pays tribute to the sacrifice of American soldiers and millions of supporters on the home front who experienced World War I. Entering World War I (1914–1918) in its later stages, the United States helped turn the tide of war in favor of the Allies. The stamp art features a close-up of a member of the American Expeditionary Force holding the U.S. flag. Barbed wire can be seen in the background, as well as an airplane in flight and smoke rising up from the battlefield. The artwork was painted in airbrush on illustration board, a technique that evokes the propaganda posters used during World War I. Art director Greg Breeding designed the stamp with art by Mark Stutzman.

Availability to Post Offices: Item 477400, World War I: Turning the Tide (Forever priced at the First-Class Mail rate) Commemorative Pane of 20 Stamps. Stamp Fulfillment Services will make an automatic push distribution to Post Offices™ with a quantity to cover approximately 30 days of sales.

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 their local Post Office or 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 – WWI: Turning the Tide Stamp
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 November 27, 2018.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: World War I: Turning the Tide Stamp
Item Number: 477400
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: July 27, 2018, Kansas City, MO 64108
Art Director: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Designer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Typographer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Artist: Mark Stutzman, Mountain Lake Park, MD
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Printed at: Williamsville, NY
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 20,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, PMS 5473c Blue, PMS 1795c Red, PMS 4505c Gold
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.84 x 1.42 in./21.34 x 36.07 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 0.98 x 1.56 in./24.89 x 39.62 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 5.92 x 7.88 in./150.37 x 200.15 mm
Press Sheet Size (w x h): 11.84 x 23.89 in./300.74 x 606.81 mm
Plate Size: 240 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “P” followed by seven (7) digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Plate number in two corners • Header: World War I – Turning the Tide
Back: ©2017 USPS • USPS Logo • Two barcodes (477400) • Plate Position Diagram • Promotional Text

Updated July 31:
[press release]
World War I: Turning the Tide Forever Stamp
Honoring Those Who Served in Seminal Conflict

KANSAS CITY — Post Offices across the nation are selling the newest stamps to honor the millions of Americans, both home and abroad, who participated in World War I, considered the seminal conflict of the 20th century. World War I: Turning the Tide Forever stamps were dedicated in a special ceremony today at the National World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, MO.

“Even though the United States didn’t see action until the last year of the war, in 1918, American troops played an indispensable role in turning the tide of that war in favor of the Allies,” said dedicating official U.S. Postal Service General Counsel and Executive VP Thomas Marshall. “Today we pay tribute to the sacrifice of those soldiers, as well as the millions of supporters on the home front.”

World War I was a four-year global conflict (1914-1918) that reshaped the map of Europe. The United States remained neutral until April 1917, when it declared war on Germany and entered on the side of the Allies — Britain, France, and Russia. When the American Expeditionary Force, which ultimately grew to nearly 5 million troops, did finally engage in 1918, its actions helped end the war, thrusting the U.S. to the forefront of major world powers.

The stamp art features a close-up of a member of the American Expeditionary Force holding the U.S. flag. Barbed wire can be seen in the background, as well as an airplane in flight and smoke rising up from the battlefield. The artwork was painted in airbrush on illustration board, a technique that evokes the propaganda posters used during World War I. Art director Greg Breeding designed the issuance with art by Mark Stutzman. News of the stamps is being shared using the hashtag #WorldWarIStamp.

Customers may purchase the WWI: Turning the Tide Forever stamps through the Postal Store atusps.com/shop, by calling 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724) and at Post Office locations nationwide.

Ordering First-Day-of-Issue Postmarks
Customers have 120 days to obtain first-day-of-issue postmarks by mail. They may purchase new stamps at local Post Office facilities, at the Postal Store usps.com/shop or by phone at 800-STAMP-24. They must affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes to themselves or others and place them in envelopes addressed to:

FDOI – World War I: Turning the Tide Forever Stamps
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 postmarks up to a quantity of 50. For more than 50, customers are charged 5 cents each. All orders must be postmarked by Nov. 27, 2018.

Ordering First-Day Covers
The Postal Service also offers first-day covers for new stamps and stationery items postmarked with the official first-day-of-issue cancellation. Each item has an individual item number and is offered in the USA Philatelic Publication and online at usps.com/shop. Customers may register to receive a free USA Philatelic Publication online at usps.com/philatelic .

Philatelic Products
Philatelic products for this stamp issue are as follows:
477406, Press Sheet, $60.
477410, Digital Color Keepsake, $11.95.
477416, First-Day Cover, $0.94.
477421, Digital Color Postmark, $1.65.