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Indigenous Sports Leaders (Canada 2026)

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[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions] [videos and OFDC images are at the end]
Canada Post celebrates Indigenous leaders in sport with fifth annual stamp release
Bryan Trottier, Edward Lennie and Chief Wilton Littlechild honoured for athletic excellence and instilling cultural pride across their communities

CALGARY – Canada Post is proud to recognize award-winning athletes and advocates who championed Indigenous sports, leaving legacies that extend far beyond the winners’ podium.

Launching in honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day, this three-stamp issue is the fifth set in this series. The stamps were unveiled June 17 at the Calgary Public Library – Central with Chief Wilton Littlechild, Edward Lennie’s son Hans Lennie, and a video message from Bryan Trottier.

Bryan Trottier
Six-time Stanley Cup® winner and member of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, Bryan Trottier (b. 1956 in Val Marie, Saskatchewan) is widely regarded as one of hockey’s greats. Drafted by the New York Islanders® in 1974, Trottier won five major National Hockey League® honours, including league and playoffs Most Valuable Player, and remains the Islanders’ all-time leader in points and assists. Trottier – who is Cree, Métis, Chippewa and Irish – co-founded the Aboriginal Alumni Hockey Team and has visited communities across Canada, offering clinics and mentorship to young people.

Edward Lennie
Known as the Father of the Northern Games, Charles Edward Inglangasak Lennie (1934-2020) dedicated his life to promoting and preserving Arctic sports. He helped found the Northern Games and successfully advocated for Arctic sports to be showcased at the inaugural Arctic Winter Games. Lennie coached athletes in eight traditional events, including the kneel jump, the two-foot high kick and the arm pull.

Chief Wilton Littlechild
A former member of Parliament and commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, Jacob Wilton “Willie” Littlechild, c.c. (b. 1944 in Hobbema [Maskwacis], Alberta) helped draft the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and to secure Indigenous rights, including treaty rights, in Canada’s constitution. Inducted into several sports halls of fame, he worked to establish the National Indian Athletic Association, the North American Indigenous Games and the World Indigenous Nations Games.

About the stamp series
Launched in 2022, the series highlights the contributions of modern-day First Nations, Inuit and Métis leaders who have dedicated their lives to preserving their culture and improving the quality of life of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

Honourees represent First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities from different regions of the country and are chosen in consultation with the Assembly of First Nations, the Métis National Council and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.

About the stamps
The stamp designs pair powerful portraiture with evocative landscapes and imagery tied to each honouree’s life: Trottier’s focused gaze contrasts with a photo of him proudly lifting the Stanley Cup®, framed by a prairie landscape that anchors his success to his Saskatchewan roots; Lennie’s dignified portrait is paired with an image of the one-foot high kick set against a sweeping Arctic landscape, reflecting his heritage and the traditions he championed; Chief Littlechild appears in his signature cowboy hat beside young athletes with Alberta’s rolling hills behind him, highlighting both his homeland and impact on future generations.

The stamps are designed by Tétro, featuring photography by: Bruce Bennett | Getty Images and background imagery by Branimir Gjetvaj (Bryan Trottier); Inuvialuit Communications Society and the Lennie family with background imagery by C Cormier | Shutterstock.com (Edward Lennie); and Cole Burston | Getty Images and background imagery by Vadim Gouida | Adobe Stock (Chief Wilton Littlechild). They are printed by Colour Innovations. The issue includes a booklet of six Permanent™ stamps and three Official First Day Covers.

The cancellation sites are Val Marie, Saskatchewan (birthplace of Bryan Trottier), Inuvik, Northwest Territories (where Edward Lennie spent much of his life), and Maskwacis, Alberta (birthplace of Chief Wilton Littlechild).

The stamps and collectibles will be available at canadapost.ca and at select postal outlets across Canada beginning on June 19.

[en Francais pour les médias d’information]
Postes Canada célèbre des leaders autochtones du domaine des sports avec une cinquième émission annuelle de timbres
Bryan Trottier, Edward Lennie et le chef Wilton Littlechild reçoivent cet honneur pour leur excellence athlétique et leur contribution à la fierté culturelle autochtone.

CALGARY – Postes Canada est fière de rendre hommage à ces athlètes primés et défenseurs des sports autochtones dont l’héritage va bien au-delà des victoires et des médailles.

Lancée à l’occasion de la Journée nationale des peuples autochtones, cette émission de trois timbres est la cinquième de cette série annuelle. Les timbres ont été dévoilés 17 juin à la bibliothèque centrale de Calgary en présence du chef Wilton Littlechild, de Hans Lennie, fils d’Edward Lennie, et (par message vidéo) de Bryan Trottier.

Bryan Trottier
Bryan Trottier (né en 1956 à Val Marie, en Saskatchewan), six fois gagnant de la coupe StanleyMD et membre du Panthéon des sports canadiens, est considéré comme l’un des plus grands de l’histoire du hockey. Recruté par les New York IslandersMD en 1974, Bryan Trottier remporte cinq grands honneurs de la Ligue nationale de hockeyMD (LNH), y compris les titres de joueur le plus utile de la ligue et de joueur le plus utile des séries éliminatoires, et il détient encore les records de points et d’aides des Islanders. D’origine crie, métisse, chippewa et irlandaise, Bryan Trottier cofonde l’équipe de hockey Aboriginal Alumni et visite des communautés partout au Canada, offrant des ateliers et du mentorat aux jeunes.

Edward Lennie
Connu comme le père des Jeux du Nord, Charles Edward Inglangasak Lennie (1934-2020) consacre sa vie à la promotion et à la préservation des sports arctiques. Il aide à fonder les Jeux du Nord et réussit à faire présenter les sports arctiques aux premiers Jeux d’hiver de l’Arctique. Edward Lennie entraîne des athlètes dans huit épreuves traditionnelles, y compris le saut à genoux, le coup de pied double en hauteur et le bras de fer.

Chef Wilton Littlechild
Ancien député à la Chambre des communes et commissaire de la Commission de vérité et réconciliation du Canada, Jacob Wilton « Willie » Littlechild, c.c. (né en 1944 à Hobbema [Maskwacis], en Alberta) aide à rédiger la Déclaration des Nations Unies sur les droits des peuples autochtones et la Déclaration américaine sur les droits des peuples autochtones, et à garantir l’inclusion des droits ancestraux et issus de traités dans la Constitution canadienne. Intronisé dans plusieurs temples de la renommée des sports, il aide à fonder la National Indian Athletic Association, les Jeux autochtones de l’Amérique du Nord et les Jeux mondiaux des nations autochtones.

À propos de la série de timbres
Lancée en 2022, la série souligne les contributions de leaders inuit, métis et des Premières Nations modernes qui ont consacré leur vie à préserver leur culture et à améliorer la qualité de vie des peuples autochtones au Canada.

Les personnes honorées représentent les communautés des Premières Nations, métisses et inuit de différentes régions du pays et sont choisies en consultation avec l’Assemblée des Premières Nations, le Ralliement national des Métis et l’Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.

À propos des timbres
Les timbres présentent des portraits des personnes honorées ainsi que des paysages et des images qui évoquent leur vie : le regard concentré de Bryan Trottier contraste avec une photo de lui soulevant fièrement la coupe StanleyMD, encadrée par un paysage des Prairies qui ancre le succès du hockeyeur dans ses racines saskatchewanaises; le portrait empreint de dignité d’Edward Lennie est accompagné d’une image de l’épreuve du coup de pied simple en hauteur, sur fond de paysage arctique majestueux, reflétant l’héritage et les traditions que M. Lennie a préservées; le chef Wilton Littlechild est représenté portant son incontournable chapeau de cowboy à côté d’images de jeunes athlètes sur fond de collines onduleuses de l’Alberta. Ce montage met en valeur sa terre natale et son influence sur les générations futures.

Les timbres sont conçus par Tétro et présentent des photographies de : Bruce Bennett | Getty Images et arrière-plan par Branimir Gjetvaj (Bryan Trottier); l’Inuvialuit Communications Society et la famille d’Edward Lennie avec arrière-plan par C Cormier | Shutterstock.com (Edward Lennie); et Cole Burston | Getty Images et arrière-plan par Vadim Gouida | Adobe Stock (chef Wilton Littlechild). Imprimée par Colour Innovations, l’émission comprend un carnet de six timbres PermanentsMC et trois plis Premier Jour officiels.

Les lieux d’oblitération sont Val Marie, en Saskatchewan (lieu de naissance de Bryan Trottier), Inuvik, dans les Territoires du Nord-Ouest (où Edward Lennie a passé la plus grande partie de sa vie), et Maskwacis, en Alberta (lieu de naissance du chef Wilton Littlechild).

Les timbres et les articles de collection seront en vente sur postescanada.ca et dans les comptoirs postaux partout au pays dès le 19 juin 2026.

Canada Post’s Bryan Trottier video:

Canada Post’s Edward Lennie video:

Canada Post’s Chief Wilton Littlechild video:

Waterfalls of the UK (UK 2026)

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[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Spectacular Waterfalls of the UK Celebrated on New Royal Mail Special Stamps

  • The stamps capture the power and character of some of the UK’s most dramatic natural landscapes
  • The 10 stamps feature waterfalls from all four home nations
  • Issue date: 23 June.

Royal Mail has issued 10 stamps that showcase some of the UK’s most enchanting and spectacular waterfalls.

The stamps feature photography of waterfalls from all four nations of the UK, capturing the power and beauty of some of Britain’s most dramatic natural landscapes.

Shown on the stamps are:

  • Rogie Falls
  • Pollnagollum Cave
  • Aysgarth Falls
  • Pistyll Rhaeadr
  • Becky Falls
  • Hardraw Force
  • Rhaeadr y Graig Lwyd / Conwy Falls
  • Fairy Pools of Glen Brittle
  • High Force
  • Ess-na-Larach

David Gold, Director of External Affairs & Policy, Royal Mail, said: “The British Isles are rich in natural beauty, and these stamps highlight some of the UK’s most striking waterfalls in all four nations. They showcase the richness of our natural environment which has been shaped by water over thousands of years.”

The Waterfalls:
Waterfalls are among nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles: an explosion of power as a river suddenly loses height.

Many of the falls found in the UK are the result of differential erosion of horizontal bands of rock – where an upper, harder rock type withstands the erosive force of the water but a lower, softer layer is steadily worn away, creating a point where the river has to ‘step’ down.

In some places, glaciation has created hanging valleys, which act in a similar way, causing watercourses to plunge over their edges.

Variations in rock types and geological processes mean that no two waterfalls look the same. Some, like Hardraw Force in North Yorkshire, form single, slender ribbons of white water; others cascade over tiers of rock or create curtains covering a cliff. Several are found along the UK’s coast; some form underground.

Features common to most include plunge pools at their bases, famously at Glen Brittle’s Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye.

The names given to waterfalls often reflect their location, including ‘force’ (from the Old Norse ‘foss’) in the north of England, ‘rhaeadr’ in Wales and the Gaelic word ‘eas’ (or ‘ess’) in Northern Ireland and Scotland.

The stamps, and a range of collectible products, are available at www.royalmail.com/waterfalls and by telephone on 03457 641 641. A Presentation Pack including all 10 stamps is priced at £14.45.

Stamp-by-stamp:
FAIRY POOLS OF GLEN BRITTLE – Isle of Skye, Highland, Scotland
The Black Cuillin, one of the UK’s most spectacular mountain ranges, form the dark backdrop to the waterfalls and plunge pools along the Allt Coir’ a’ Mhadaidh. With the sawtooth ridge rearing up behind them, the crystal-clear pools are popular with cold-water swimmers. In 1601, the glen was the site of a battle between two Skye clans, the MacLeods and the MacDonalds – with fighting so fierce, locals claim, the river ran red with blood.

ROGIE FALLS – Highland, Scotland
Travellers on the road between Inverness and Ullapool find it hard to resist a side trip to the Rogie Falls. Here, in a dramatic forest location, the Black Water comes crashing down tiers of jagged rock. Hiking trails and a suspension bridge are provided for human visitors while the salmon have a fish ladder. From June to October, the fish throw themselves up the cascades on their arduous journey from the North Sea to their Highland spawning grounds.

POLLNAGOLLUM CAVE – County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland
There is something magical about this waterfall hidden away in County Fermanagh’s forests. From the cave’s strange-sounding name – which translates from Irish to ‘hole of the doves’ – to the way the stream tumbles over the fern and moss-cloaked limestone cliff and vanishes into the dark cavern below, it exudes mystery. It is maybe not surprising then that Pollnagollum Cave was used as a setting in the TV fantasy series Game of Thrones.

ESS-NA-LARACH – County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Ess-na-Larach consists of two slender ribbons of white water, one above the other, punching their way through a narrow cleft in the almost-black rocks – one of many waterfalls associated with the streams emanating from Glenariff’s basalt escarpment. This ancient valley, known as the ‘queen’ of Antrim’s nine glens, was deepened by the action of ice during the last glacial period. It is now home to lush woodland, where ferns, mosses and liverworts thrive.

HIGH FORCE – County Durham, England
As the River Tees comes hurtling down from its North Pennines source, it plunges about 21 metres over an almost vertical cliff. After heavy rain, the peat-laden river splits, forming two falls divided by a protruding buttress, but even this rock can be covered in exceptional weather. England’s most powerful waterfall in terms of volume, High Force is slowly moving upstream as it erodes the sedimentary rocks beneath the Whin Sill – the hard-wearing layer of rock over which the River Tees initially flows.

HARDRAW FORCE – North Yorkshire, England
Reputedly England’s highest single-drop, above-ground waterfall, Hardraw Force plummets more than 30 metres over a limestone lip, eroding softer rocks below to create an overhang. In 1799, William Wordsworth described the resulting recess as “lofty and magnificent”. Today, visitors to this dark amphitheatre are warned not to walk behind the veil of water because of the precarious nature of this overhang.

AYSGARTH FALLS – North Yorkshire, England
Aysgarth Falls form as Wensleydale’s River Ure spills down tiers of rock formed from horizontal layers of hard Carboniferous limestone alternating with bands of softer shale. The river’s sudden drop in height is a result of differential erosion caused during the last glacial period. Sketched by JMW Turner, visited by William Wordsworth and used as a setting in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, the falls remain a popular Yorkshire Dales attraction.

CONWY FALLS – Conwy, Wales
On the eastern edge of Eryri (Snowdonia), where the volcanic rocks of the mountains give way to a gentler landscape associated with sandstones and other sedimentary rocks, the River Conwy forces its way through a narrow, snaking gorge. It splits as it loses height, the two white-water arms of Conwy Falls divided by a chunk of rock – hence the Welsh name, Rhaeadr y Graig Lwyd, which translates as ‘Falls of the Grey Rock’.

PISTYLL RHAEADR – Powys, Wales
Plunging from Y Berwyn (the Berwyn range of hills), Pistyll Rhaeadr consists of three falls dropping a massive 75 metres in total. Birch, oak and pine trees cling to the steep cliffs, while the base of the waterfall is littered with boulders that were dropped, according to legend, by a giant called Cawr Berwyn. One of Pistyll Rhaeadr’s most unusual features is the eroded rock about halfway up, forming a natural ‘bridge’ across the stream.

BECKY FALLS – Devon, England
Becka Brook is a tributary of Dartmoor’s River Bovey, located in ancient oak woodland that is home in springtime to dazzling bluebell displays. Just before entering the river, the brook tumbles down a boulder-filled section of this enchanting side valley. It splits on myriad occasions as it flows between the enormous, moss-clad lumps of granite spread across the 10-metre-wide channel.

Diagonal U.S. Flag Stamped Envelope (US 2026)

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The Diagonal U.S. Flag Stamped Envelope will have its first-day launch at Americover 2026/BALPEX 2026 on August 7 in Linthicum Heights, MD. The combined show is being held at the BWI Marriott at Baltimore Washington Airport.

We will post additional information as it becomes available. The most recent will be just below the horizontal line.

Updated July 15th:

From the Postal Bulletin:

On August 7, 2026, in Linthicum Heights, MD, the U.S. Postal Service® will issue the Diagonal U.S. Flag stamped envelope (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate).

The latest stamped envelope with a patriotic theme features a red, white, and blue digital image of a detail of the U.S. flag shown at an angle. Diagonal U.S. Flag is being issued as a Forever stamped envelope. Its postage will always be equal to the value of the stamped envelope rate in effect at the time of use, even if the rate changes after purchase. Bryan Duefrene designed the art and directed the project.

The pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) Diagonal U.S. Flag (Forever) stamped envelope will be available in the following formats in the field and through Stamp Fulfillment Services:

  • #10 regular envelope (Item 293100).
  • #10 window envelope (Item 293200).
  • #9 regular security envelope (Item 292700).
  • #9 window security envelope (Item 292800).
  • #6-¾ regular envelope (Item 281900).
  • #6-¾ window envelope (Item 282000).

The water-activated gum (WAG) Diagonal U.S. Flag (Forever) stamped envelope will be available in the following formats only through Stamp Fulfillment Services at store.usps.com/store/home or by calling 844-737-7826:

  • #10 regular envelope (Item 293900).
  • #10 window envelope (Item 294000).
  • #9 regular security envelope (Item 292900).
  • #6-¾ regular envelope (Item 282100).

No automatic distribution.

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
The first-day-of-issue postmark is a postmark notating the day a stamp is first authorized for use by the Postal Service™. Customers have 120 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. All requests for first-day-of-issue postmarks must be sent to the following address. All orders must be postmarked by December 7, 2026:

FDOI – Diagonal U.S. Flag Stamped Envelope
USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Suite 300
Kansas City, MO 64144-9900

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Diagonal U.S. Flag Stamped Envelope
Item Number: 293200
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Stamped Envelope Forever
Format: #10 Window Envelope
Issue Date & City: August 7, 2026, Linthicum Heights, MD 21090
Art Director: Bryan Duefrene, Washington, DC
Designer: Bryan Duefrene, Washington, DC
Modeler: Daryl DeMont
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Flexographic, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Halm Jet EM4000
Folding Machine: W&D #527
Print Quantity: Fulfillment
Paper Type: 61# Postal Envelope, Block, Type III
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Envelope Orientation: Horizontal
Envelope Size: (w x h): 9.5000 x 4.1250 in. / 241.3000 x 104.7750 mm.
Image Size (w x h): 2.0460 x 1.2460 in. / 51.9680 x 31.6480 mm.
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, PMS 339 Green
Marginal Markings: FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL Logo • “THIS ENVELOPE IS RECYCLABLE AND MADE WITH 30% POST CONSUMER CONTENT” • Recycling Logo • © USPS 2026

Issue: Diagonal U.S. Flag Stamped Envelope
Item Number: 292700
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Stamped Envelope Forever
Format: #9 Regular Security Envelope
Issue Date & City: August 7, 2026, Linthicum Heights, MD 21090
Art Director: Bryan Duefrene, Washington, DC
Designer: Bryan Duefrene, Washington, DC
Modeler: Daryl DeMont
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Halm Jet EM4000
Folding Machine: W&D #527
Print Quantity: Fulfillment
Paper Type: 61# Postal Envelope, Block, Type III
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Envelope Orientation: Horizontal
Envelope Size: (w x h): 8.8750 x 3.8750 in. / 225.4250 x 98.4250 mm.
Image Size (w x h): 2.0460 x 1.2460 in. / 51.9680 x 31.6480 mm.
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, PMS 339 Green
Marginal Markings: FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL Logo • “THIS ENVELOPE IS RECYCLABLE AND MADE WITH 30% POST CONSUMER CONTENT” • Recycling Logo • © USPS 2026

Issue: Diagonal U.S. Flag Stamped Envelope
Item Number: 293100
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Stamped Envelope Forever
Format: #10 Regular Envelope
Issue Date & City: August 7, 2026, Linthicum Heights, MD 21090
Art Director: Bryan Duefrene, Washington, DC
Designer: Bryan Duefrene, Washington, DC
Modeler: Daryl DeMont
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Muller A76
Folding Machine: W&D #527
Print Quantity: Fulfillment
Paper Type: 61# Postal Envelope, Block, Type III
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Envelope Orientation: Horizontal
Envelope Size: (w x h): 9.5000 x 4.1250 in. / 241.3000 x 104.7750 mm.
Image Size (w x h): 2.0460 x 1.2460 in. / 51.9680 x 31.6480 mm.
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, PMS 339 Green
Marginal Markings: FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL Logo • “THIS ENVELOPE IS RECYCLABLE AND MADE WITH 30% POST CONSUMER CONTENT” • Recycling Logo • © USPS 2026

Issue: Diagonal U.S. Flag Stamped Envelope
Item Number: 292800
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Stamped Envelope Forever
Format: #9 Window Security Envelope
Issue Date & City: August 7, 2026, Linthicum Heights, MD 21090
Art Director: Bryan Duefrene, Washington, DC
Designer: Bryan Duefrene, Washington, DC
Modeler: Daryl DeMont
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Halm Jet EM4000
Folding Machine: W&D #527
Print Quantity: Fulfillment
Paper Type: 61# Postal Envelope, Block, Type III
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Envelope Orientation: Horizontal
Envelope Size: (w x h): 8.8750 x 3.8750 in. / 225.4250 x 98.4250 mm.
Image Size (w x h): 2.0460 x 1.2460 in. / 51.9680 x 31.6480 mm.
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, PMS 339 Green
Marginal Markings: FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL Logo • “THIS ENVELOPE IS RECYCLABLE AND MADE WITH 30% POST CONSUMER CONTENT” • Recycling Logo • © USPS 2026

Issue: Diagonal U.S. Flag Stamped Envelope
Item Number: 281900
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Stamped Envelope Forever
Format: #6¾ Regular Envelope
Issue Date & City: August 7, 2026, Linthicum Heights, MD 21090
Art Director: Bryan Duefrene, Washington, DC
Designer: Bryan Duefrene, Washington, DC
Modeler: Daryl DeMont
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Halm Jet EM4000
Folding Machine: W&D #527
Print Quantity: Fulfillment
Paper Type: 61# Postal Envelope, Block, Type III
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Envelope Orientation: Horizontal
Envelope Size: (w x h): 6.5000 x 3.6250 in. / 165.1000 x 92.0750 mm.
Image Size (w x h): 2.0460 x 1.2460 in. / 51.9680 x 31.6480 mm.
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, PMS 339 Green
Marginal Markings: FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL Logo • “THIS ENVELOPE IS RECYCLABLE AND MADE WITH 30% POST CONSUMER CONTENT” • Recycling Logo • © USPS 2026

Issue: Diagonal U.S. Flag Stamped Envelope
Item Number: 282000
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Stamped Envelope Forever
Format: #6¾ Window Envelope
Issue Date & City: August 7, 2026, Linthicum Heights, MD 21090
Art Director: Bryan Duefrene, Washington, DC
Designer: Bryan Duefrene, Washington, DC
Modeler: Daryl DeMont
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Halm Jet EM4000
Folding Machine: W&D #527
Print Quantity: Fulfillment
Paper Type: 61# Postal Envelope, Block, Type III
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Envelope Orientation: Horizontal
Envelope Size: (w x h): 6.5000 x 3.6250 in. / 165.1000 x 92.0750 mm.
Image Size (w x h): 2.0460 x 1.2460 in. / 51.9680 x 31.6480 mm.
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, PMS 339 Green
Marginal Markings: FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL Logo • “THIS ENVELOPE IS RECYCLABLE AND MADE WITH 30% POST CONSUMER CONTENT” • Recycling Logo • © USPS 2026

Issue: Diagonal U.S. Flag Stamped Envelope
Item Number: 293900
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Stamped Envelope Forever
Format: #10 Regular Envelope
Issue Date & City: August 7, 2026, Linthicum Heights, MD 21090
Art Director: Bryan Duefrene, Washington, DC
Designer: Bryan Duefrene, Washington, DC
Modeler: Daryl DeMont
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Flexographic, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Halm Jet EM4000
Folding Machine: W&D #527
Print Quantity: Fulfillment
Paper Type: 6l# Postal Envelope, Block, Type III
Adhesive Type: Water-activated
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Envelope Orientation: Horizontal
Envelope Size: (w x h): 9.5000 x 4.1250 in. / 241.3000 x 104.7750 mm.
Image Size (w x h): 2.0460 x 1.2460 in. / 51.9680 x 31.6480 mm.
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, PMS 339 Green
Marginal Markings: FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL Logo • “THIS ENVELOPE IS RECYCLABLE AND MADE WITH 30% POST CONSUMER CONTENT” • Recycling Logo • © USPS 2026

Issue: Diagonal U.S. Flag Stamped Envelope
Item Number: 294000
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Stamped Envelope Forever
Format: #10 Window Envelope
Issue Date & City: August 7, 2026, Linthicum Heights, MD 21090
Art Director: Bryan Duefrene, Washington, DC
Designer: Bryan Duefrene, Washington, DC
Modeler: Daryl DeMont
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Flexographic, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Halm Jet EM4000
Folding Machine: W&D #527
Print Quantity: Fulfillment
Paper Type: 61# Postal Envelope, Block, Type III
Adhesive Type: Water-activated
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Envelope Orientation: Horizontal
Envelope Size: (w x h): 9.5000 x 4.1250 in. / 241.3000 x 104.7750 mm.
Image Size (w x h): 2.0460 x 1.2460 in. / 51.9680 x 31.6480 mm.
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, PMS 339 Green
Marginal Markings: FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL Logo • “THIS ENVELOPE IS RECYCLABLE AND MADE WITH 30% POST CONSUMER CONTENT” • Recycling Logo • © USPS 2026

Issue: Diagonal U.S. Flag Stamped Envelope
Item Number: 292900
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Stamped Envelope Forever
Format: #9 Regular Security Envelope
Issue Date & City: August 7, 2026, Linthicum Heights, MD 21090
Art Director: Bryan Duefrene, Washington, DC
Designer: Bryan Duefrene, Washington, DC
Modeler: Daryl DeMont
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Halm Jet EM4000
Folding Machine: W&D #527
Print Quantity: Fulfillment
Paper Type: 61# Postal Envelope, Block, Type III
Adhesive Type: Water-activated
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Envelope Orientation: Horizontal
Envelope Size: (w x h): 8.8750 x 3.8750 in. / 225.4250 x 98.4250 mm.
Image Size (w x h): 2.0460 x 1.2460 in. / 51.9680 x 31.6480 mm.
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, PMS 339 Green
Marginal Markings: FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL Logo • “THIS ENVELOPE IS RECYCLABLE AND MADE WITH 30% POST CONSUMER CONTENT” • Recycling Logo • © USPS 2026

Issue: Diagonal U.S. Flag Stamped Envelope
Item Number: 282100
Denomination &
Type of Issue: First-Class Stamped Envelope Forever
Format: #6-¾ Regular Envelope
Issue Date & City: August 7, 2026, Linthicum Heights, MD 21090
Art Director: Bryan Duefrene, Washington, DC
Designer: Bryan Duefrene, Washington, DC
Modeler: Daryl DeMont
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Halm Jet EM4000
Folding Machine: W&D #527
Print Quantity: Fulfillment
Paper Type: 61# Postal Envelope, Block, Type III
Adhesive Type: Water-activated
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Envelope Orientation: Horizontal
Envelope Size: (w x h): 6.5000 x 3.6250 in. / 165.1000 x 92.0750 mm.
Image Size (w x h): 2.0460 x 1.2460 in. / 51.9680 x 31.6480 mm.
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, PMS 339 Green
Marginal Markings: FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL Logo • “THIS ENVELOPE IS RECYCLABLE AND MADE WITH 30% POST CONSUMER CONTENT” • Recycling Logo • © USPS 2026

There is only one First Day Of Issue postmark for this issue, although one or more show cancels is likely:

Extra Exhibiting Excitement at BALPEX/Americover 2026

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[press release]
Extra Exhibiting Excitement at BALPEX/Americover 2026

Not only will there be two World Series of Philately exhibitions at the combined show August 7-9, near Baltimore-Washington Airport, there will also be a Young Exhibitors Competition, a classification of two- to three-frame exhibits, an “Informal Class” of exhibits with minimal rules and a single-page display of “One of My Favorites.”

The deadline for entering exhibits is June 30, 2026. The prospectus can be found on the BALPEX website here.

“Favorites” is described as single pages of a single item or set, “a place to single out a gem from your collection. This is just for fun, although there will be a people’s choice award. There is no charge to enter.

The Informal Class is described as an opportunity “where new exhibitors can show material and receive suggestions and encouragement in an informal setting.” It is intended for everything from future WSP exhibits to material that doesn’t fit the current system to displays by those who have “philosophical differences” with the established exhibiting rules. The fee is one-third that of the regular exhibiting classes, $6 per frame.

The Baltimore Philatelic Society first began holding the stamp collecting shows that became BALPEX in the 1930s. This year’s show is at the BWI Marriott Hotel in Linthicum Heights, MD, at the airport, just a few miles south of Baltimore. A special show rate for hotel rooms is available and there is a free shuttle from the airport terminal to the Marriott.

Americover, the convention, exhibition and celebration of the American First Day Cover Society, is normally held in conjunction with Great American Stamp Show. However, with no GASS scheduled this year because of Boston 2026, the AFDCS looked for alternatives.

The American First Day Cover Society is a not-for-profit educational organization. In addition to offering awards for outstanding first day cover exhibits, it also holds an annual Cachetmaking Contest, publishes an award-winning bimonthly magazine First Days, handbooks and catalogues, and promotes the collecting of both modern and “classic” issues and cachets.

For more information about the AFDCS, visit www.afdcs.org, e-mail afdcs@afdcs.org or write the AFDCS at Post Office Box 57, Somerset, WI 54025-0057.

Yes, Handbacks ARE Allowed at U.S. Post Offices

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Foster Miller reports from Boston 2026: “There has been recent discussion online about a USPS retail memo that incorrectly said that handback cancels were not permitted. On May 21, 2026 a “Retail Service Talk” memo was sent to all USPS retail employees that includes a section on Postal Operations Manual (POM) 231.4 Philatelic Handback Service. It clearly states that philatelic handback service IS permitted.”

We now have a downloadable PDF version of the complete Retail Sales Talk memo on The Viritual Stamp Club website. Click here.

Mister Rogers (Encore) (2026)

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Latest information on this issue

Overwhelming winner, by 40,000 more votes than the next-highest issue. More details to come. Thanks to Jim McKean of the USPS and Foster Miller of the AFDCS for additional information.

It is being issued both in a pane and a souvenir sheet.The souvenir sheet has four new stamps on it. The single reprint has a “2026” year date. The city in the first-day postmark is Pittsburgh, where the original stamp was issued on March 23, 2018.

Here’s the USPS press release; VSC’s notes follow it.

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Welcome Back to the Neighborhood, Mister Rogers
USPS announces Stamp Encore contest winner

BOSTON — Today at the Boston 2026 World Exposition, the Postal Service announced the winner of its Stamp Encore contest: the Mister Rogers stamp from 2018. To celebrate the organization’s 250th anniversary, and gear up to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary, the public was invited to vote on their favorite of 25 stamp panes from the Postal Service’s recent past.

The Mister Rogers stamp was re-issued — along with a new, four-image Mister Rogers souvenir sheet — in a ceremony as part of the exposition’s favorite stamp theme day. The stamps and souvenir sheet are exclusively on sale at the Boston 2026 Expo through May 30, and will then be available at Post Office locations nationwide and online at The Postal Store starting June 1.

“When we issued the Mister Rogers stamp in 2018, we ordered a print run of some 12 million. That may sound like a lot, but Mister Rogers really took us by surprise,” said Isaac Cronkhite, the Postal Service’s chief processing and distribution officer and executive vice president. “Within just a few weeks, the stamps honoring this humble, softspoken man had sold out completely.”

“Fred Rogers often shared the idea that ‘You are not just the age you are. You are all the ages you ever have been.’ In this context, I believe the Mister Rogers stamp resonated with the child in each of us — and the children and former children who cast so many votes,” Cronkhite said, linking the positive public response to how Rogers addressed childhood insecurities in a calm, reassuring manner that helped viewers feel safe in a sometimes-frightening world. “Although his show allowed him to speak to millions, his gift was communicating in a way that spoke directly to each child, on subjects both serious and silly,” he said. “He showed tremendous respect and compassion for everyone and knew how to nurture the best in all of us. It seems especially fitting that Mister Rogers is the winner because Fred Rogers was a passionately loyal postal customer and a huge advocate for the power of mail.”

“Fred Rogers considered the space between the television set and a viewer to be ‘holy ground,’” said Emma Lee, Director of the Fred Rogers Institute. “The mail children sent to Mister Rogers, and his letters back, became an essential extension of that sacred connection. Reissuing this stamp beautifully honors the enduring ties he built with his television friends.”

“Celebrating Fred Rogers’ legacy as the Stamp Encore honoree during such a historic year for our nation is a profound privilege,” said Paul Siefken, President and CEO of Fred Rogers Productions. “When people use this stamp, we hope it serves as a small, daily reminder of Fred’s enduring belief in the inherent worth of every human being.”

Photo: The unveiling. From left, Lisa Bobb-Semple, manager of USPS Stamp Services, Isaac Cronkhite, USPS chief processing and distribution officer and executive vice president, and others.]

The Stamp Encore competition gave the public 10 weeks to vote on their favorite stamp by mail, in-person at first-day-of-issue ceremonies and online. Over 500,000 votes were received, with the Mister Rogers stamp securing the win by more than 40,000 votes over the next highest contender.

Fred McFeely Rogers was born on March 20, 1928, in Latrobe, PA. Envisioning the potential for creating quality programming for children, Rogers helped found the educational television station WQED in Pittsburgh in 1953. There, Rogers co-produced “The Children’s Corner,” a 1-hour show for which he was musical composer, organist and puppeteer. In 1963 Rogers was hired by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation to host a daily children’s television show, “Mister Rogers.” He shortly thereafter began to produce a half-hour version of the show for WQED. The following year, several East Coast public television stations aired the program, which was later renamed “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.”

Every episode of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” began with Mister Rogers welcoming the audience into his television house as he put on his trademark cardigan, changed into sneakers, and then introduced the day’s topic. The show featured a Trolley visit to “The Neighborhood of Make-Believe,” where the personalities and interactions of many characters helped impart real-life lessons. Rogers addressed young children’s concerns and emotions, helping them to feel good about who they were, to appreciate others, and foster curiosity about the world.

After the announcement of the Stamp Encore competition last July, the city of Pittsburgh campaigned for the stamp to make a comeback. Social media posts highlighting the potential return earned over 20,000 likes and shares, and even more votes. Rogers’ influence can still be seen today in the award-winning PBS KIDS series “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” produced by Fred Rogers Productions and featuring characters based on those from the original “Neighborhood of Make-Believe.”

Derry Noyes, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp. “It’s all about the man, and his universal appeal, which will carry on,” Noyes said, “The best I can do as a graphic designer is to portray him clearly, straightforward, without special gimmicks, just as he would have wanted.”

The original stamp features Walt Seng’s photograph of Rogers in a red cardigan and includes King Friday XIII, a puppet character hailing from “The Neighborhood of Make-Believe.” To mark the occasion, Noyes also designed a Mister Rogers souvenir sheet with four new stamps, featuring additional images by Seng with other characters from the “Neighborhood,” a fitting keepsake to further honor Rogers.

USPS has produced several exclusive Boston 2026 Exposition products featuring Mister Rogers. In addition to the Fred Rogers souvenir sheet, there is a writing kit, a premium stamp pin, a Field Notes memo pad and many more. All show exclusive products will be available online at The Postal Store starting
June 1.

The Mister Rogers stamps are being issued as Forever stamps in a pane of 20. The Mister Rogers souvenir sheet is being issued as Forever stamps in a pane of four. These Forever stamps will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce rate.

News of the stamps is being shared with the hashtag #StampEncore.

VSC Notes: (The earlier information about the first-day postmark was incorrect. The city is Boston.)

Probably the featured speaker at the first-day ceremony was David Newell, who played Mr. McFeely the letter carrier, on “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” [photo right] His first words were “speedy delivery!” Then he added, “It certainly is a beautiful day in your stamp expo neighborhood.”

Newell said Rogers hated having his photograph taken, so to satisfy all the requests for different photos from the media, he scheduled a picture-taking session in the studio in which many pictures were taken. The 2018 stamp design (and presumably the others) is from that photo session.

He also said that his (Newell’s) youngest son Alex, whom Fred met on the day after his birth, is now a letter carrier.

After beginning his remarks, Cronkhite [right, below] put on a cardigan sweater — “Don’t worry, I won’t take off my shoes.” — and noted that he began his career in Boston: “Go Red Sox!”

“I grew up with ‘Mister Rogers,’ inspiring my love of mail and factories,” Cronkhite said. “It’s no wonder I became an industrial engineer for the United States Postal Service.”

From his exclamation when he opened the envelope with the name of the winning stamp, I get the feeling Cronkhite voted for the Mister Rogers stamp, although he assured the ceremony audience that his vote counted no more than anyone else’s.

Bobb-Semple noted that the envelope with the name of the winning stamp had been at every first-day ceremony in 2026, and expressed relief that she no longer had to worry about it or its security.

“It was no secret that Fred Rogers loved mail,” said Lee, Director of the Fred Rogers Institute. She said the institute has hundreds of thousands of pieces of mail that were went to him. “He always brought home copies of letters to share with” his wife,” Lee said.

Additional information will appear below the line, with the latest at the top.


Updated July 8th, 2026:
Here are the Scott catalogue numbers for this issue:
6097 Mister Rogers
6098 Mister Rogers souvenir sheet
6098a Orange Sweater
6098b with King Friday XIII
6098c with two puppets
6098d with lion puppet

Updated July 1st, 2026:
Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue:The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.44″ x 1.23″The B&W Pictorial (which I’ve called “trolley”) measures 2.02″ x 1.58″
The souvenir sheet pictorial (which I’ve been calling “Letters”) measures 1.75″ x 2.43″ The “special” postmark measures 2.97″ x 1.12″

Updated June 11th, 2026:
From the Postal Bulletin:
On May 24, 2026, in Boston, MA, the United States Postal Service® issued the Mister Rogers stamp (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate), in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 488600). This stamp went on sale nationwide June 1, 2026.

Chosen by popular vote in an unprecedented Stamp Encore competition, this USPS® issuance reprises the Mister Rogers stamp first issued in 2018. The stamp features Walt Seng’s photograph of Rogers in a red cardigan with King Friday XIII, a Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood puppet character from “The Neighborhood of Make-Believe.” Art director Derry Noyes designed the stamp.

Automatic distribution.

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
The first-day-of-issue postmark is a postmark notating the day a stamp is first authorized for use by the Postal Service™. Customers have 120 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. All requests for first-day-of-issue postmarks (Traditional or Digital Color Postmark) must be sent to the following address with the choice of Traditional or Digital Color Postmark identified. All orders must be postmarked by September 24, 2026.

FDOI Mister Rogers Stamp
USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Suite 300
Kansas City, MO 64144-9900

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Mister Rogers Stamp
Item Number: 488600
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: May 24, 2026, Boston, MA 02205
Art Director: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Designer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Existing Photo: Walt Seng
Modeler: Sandra Lane / Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset / Flexographic/Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Gallus RCS
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 35,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, PMS 7675 C
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.8400 x 1.4200 in. / 21.3360 x 36.0680 mm.
Overall Size (w x h): 0.9800 x 1.5600 in. / 24.8920 x 39.6240 mm.
Full Pane Size (w x h): 5.9200 x 8.0000 in. / 150.3680 x 203.2000 mm.
Press Sheets Size (w x h): 11.8400 x 16.2500 in. / 300.7360 x 412.7500 mm.
Plate Size: 80 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “B” followed by five (5) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Header: Mister Rogers • Plate number in bottom two corners of pane
Back: © 2017 USPS • USPS logo • Two barcodes (488600) • Plate position diagram (4) • Promotional text

On May 24, 2026, in Boston, MA, the United States Postal Service® issued the Mister Rogers Souvenir Sheet (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate), in four designs, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) souvenir sheet of four stamps (Item 583100). These stamps went on sale nationwide June 1, 2026.

This Mister Rogers Souvenir Sheet offers four new stamp designs to complement the revival of the popular Mister Rogers stamp, first released in 2018, to honor the beloved children’s television host. Issuance of this souvenir sheet is synchronized with the return of the Mister Rogers stamp pane, winner of the unprecedented USPS Stamp Encore competition. Art director Derry Noyes designed the stamp pane and souvenir sheet using Walt Seng’s existing images.

Not available in post offices.

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
The first-day-of-issue postmark is a postmark notating the day a stamp is first authorized for use by the Postal Service™. Customers have 120 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. All requests for first-day-of-issue postmarks (Traditional or Digital Color Postmark) must be sent to the following address with the choice of Traditional or Digital Color Postmark identified. All orders must be postmarked by September 24, 2026.

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

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Mister Rogers Souvenir Sheet
Item Number: 583100
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Souvenir Sheet of 4 (4 designs)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: May 24, 2026, Boston, MA 02205
Art Director: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Designer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Existing Photos: Walt Seng
Modeler: Sandra Lane / Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset / Flexographic
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Gallus RCS
Stamps per Pane: 4
Print Quantity: 7,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation (1): Horizontal
Image Area (1) (w x h): 1.4200 x 1.08500 in. / 36.0680 x 27.5590 mm.
Overall Size (1) (w x h): 1.5600 x 1.2250 in. / 39.6240 x 31.1150 mm.
Stamp Orientation (2): Vertical
Image Area (2) (w x h): 1.08500 x 1.4200 in. / 27.5590 x 36.0680 mm.
Overall Size (2) (w x h): 1.2250 x 1.5600 in. / 31.1150 x 39.6240 mm.
Full Pane Size (w x h): 6.3000 x 4.9000 in. / 160.0200 x 124.4600 mm.
Plate Size: 36 stamps per revolution
Marginal Markings:
Front: Header: Mister Rogers
Back: © 2026 USPS • USPS logo • Barcode (583100) • Plate position diagram (9) • Promotional text

Updated June 4, 2026:
In response to a VSC inquiry, the USPS declined to provide vote totals for the Stamp Encore contest nor reveal what the second-place finisher was.

Updated May 24, 2026:

From Foster Miller, here are the two first-day pictorial postmarks available at Boston 2026: The 2018 postmark is in the comments below.

Keleher Bringing 5 Jenny Inverts to Boston 2026

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[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Kelleher Auctions Will Display Five Inverted Jenny Stamps at Boston 2026 World Expo
Insured for $20 million, the unprecedented exhibit also includes Columbian Exposition panes 1 cent to $2, Graf Zeppelin panes 65 cents to $2.60, a Custer’s Last Stand-related cover, and a Post Office Act document signed by Thomas Jefferson

Five of the legendary, century-old Inverted Jenny misprinted U.S. postage stamps will be publicly displayed together by Kelleher Auctions (www.KelleherAuctions.com) in a $20 million exhibit of historic stamps and other renowned philatelic rarities and collectibles at the Boston 2026 World Expo. The display will be at Super Booth #300 in the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, May 23-30, 2026.

“The 1918 Inverted Jenny printing error depicting an eye-catching, upside-down World War One-era airplane is one of the most famous of all philatelic errors,” stated David Coogle, Co-Chairman of Kelleher Auctions. “This unique display will help attract visitors to philately and our private treaty consignments and sales of other collectibles.”

The Danbury, Connecticut-based company, founded in 1885 in Boston as a stamp auction company, has expanded its offerings over the years to include rare coins and bank notes, sports collectibles, and other historic memorabilia.

The five, 24-cent denomination Inverted Jenny (C3a) stamps in the Boston exhibit are:

  • Position 6, o.g. Intense colors and proof-quality impressions, centered to right and with full guideline at left; reperforated at top and with tiny thinning at bottom, light gum crease not mentioned on accompanying certificates, lovely Fine appearance. Ex Colonel Edward H. R. Green and Steven C. Markoff (A-Mark Financial Corporation), with 1995 and 2010 P.F. certificates.
  • Position 11, o.g. Previously hinged, intense colors and proof quality impressions, centered to bottom left; some wrinkling and a small thin spot at bottom right, Fine appearance and very pretty. Ex Colonel Edward H. R. Green, Steinmetz, Burdsall, and Bassey, with 1973 (photocopy) and 2020 P.F. certificates.
  • Position 28. Very fresh and very lightly hinged o.g., gorgeous colors and highly detailed impressions, centered to bottom right, completely sound, Fine. Ex Colonel Edward H. R. Green, Ewing, Perez, Harris (?), Kistner, Milton and Don David Price (father and son), with 1951 (photocopy) and 2016 P.F. certificates; accompanied by Milton Price’s auction lot sheet and 11/29/1950 auction invoice from Harmer, Rooke & Co. (paid $2,600).
  • Position 60. Very fresh and very lightly hinged o.g., bright fresh colors and strong impressions, centered to right with natural straight edge, completely sound, Fine. Ex Colonel Edward H. R. Green, A.T. Seymour & H. Frederick Johnston (name on 1973 cert), with 1973 P.F. certificate.
  • Position 76. Part o.g.; reperforated at top and left and tiny thin spot, Fine. Ex Colonel Edward H. R. Green, Hind and McCoy, with 2016 A.P.S. and P.F. certificates.

The Kelleher Auctions exhibit will also feature complete panes of Columbian Exposition (230-242), from one-cent to $2, including the only known 50-cent pane with bottom selvage.

“This is by far the largest known multiple of the first American commemorative series issued January 2, 1893. It is an awesome rarity of the highest order that no one knew existed until November 2016. Only 455 sheets of 100 were printed,” explained Coogle.

There will also be a set of three, full panes of the 65-cent, $1.30, and $2.60 Graf Zeppelin 1930 airmail stamps (C13-C15). Another major philatelic rarity in the exhibit is the discovery example of the 1854 Hamilton, Bermuda Postmaster’s stamp (Perot) 1d red on blush wove.

“It is one of only two 1854 Provisionals known and the only one in private hands, and pedigreed to Ferrary, Burrus, Tomasini, Kapiloff, and others,” explained Coogle. “It is also the finest of the 11 record examples of Perot’s First Issue Provisionals.”

Kelleher Auctions will display a letter written in 1876 addressed to a soldier killed at Custer’s Last Stand, and returned to the sender with the notation, “Killed In Battle/on Little Big Horn River/June 25th 76.”

Another historic item in the exhibit is a 1790 document signed by then-Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson extending a temporary Congressional act establishing the post office (below).

The Boston 2026 World Expo at the Boston Convention and Exposition Center, 415 Summer Street, will be open to the public with free admission on Saturday, May 23, to Friday, May 29, from 10 a to 6 pm, and on Saturday, May 30, from 10 am to 3 pm.

For additional information about Kelleher Auctions and the exhibit, visit www.KelleherAuctions.com, email info@KelleherAuctions.com, or call 203-830-2500.

8 AFDCS-Sponsored Boston 2026 Postmarks

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Updated May 28th:
These postmarks may be ordered for 60 days from their dates (30 + 30):

AFDCS Station
Stamp Fulfillment Services
8300 Northeast Underground Drive Pillar 210
Kansas City, MO 64144

[press release]
AFDCS Sponsors 8 Postmarks for Boston 2026:
One Pictorial for Each Day

In addition to the daily “theme” postmarks provided by the U.S. Postal Service and the various first-day cancels, the American First Day Cover Society has announced eight AFDCS Station postmarks that will be available to collectors at the Boston 2026 World Expo show.

AFDCS Membership chair Trevor Bills led the effort for the postmarks. The special days of the show, to be commemorated both by the USPS and the AFDCS cancels, are:

    • May 23 250th Anniversary of the U.S. Day
    • May 24 Favorite Stamp Day
    • May 25 Stamp Collectors Day
    • May 26 Letter Writing Day
    • May 27 International Peace Day
    • May 28 Sports Day
    • May 29 Honoring Heroes Day
    • May 30 Youth and Family Day

Each postmark should be available at the USPS Cancellations Booth at the show starting on its date and then for the rest of the show. Each design measures 1.50- by 2.50 inches.

The AFDCS is also producing and selling the Official Souvenir Show Covers [link to that story], one for each day of the show, with cachets (designs) by professional philatelic artist Chris Calle. These will be available at the AFDCS Booth, Tables 18-20, in the Americas Pavilion.

The American First Day Cover Society is a not-for-profit educational organization. In addition to holding an annual Cachetmaking Contest, the AFDCS also publishes its award-winning bimonthly magazine First Days, handbooks and catalogues, and promotes the collecting of both modern and “classic” issues and cachets, as well as exhibiting FDCs. It also offers awards for outstanding first day cover exhibits and is a co-host of the annual Great American Stamp Show. However, its annual Americover convention will be held in 2026 in conjunction with the BALPEX stamp show, August 7-9, near BWI Airport in Maryland.

For more information about the AFDCS, visit www.afdcs.org, e-mail afdcs@afdcs.org or write the AFDCS at Post Office Box 57, Somerset, WI 54025-0057.

U.S. Flag (U.S. 2026)

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With a design similar to the center stamp in the American Icons pane being issued on the same day, this stamp will be offered in panes and booklets of 20, and coils of 100, 3,000 and 10,000. A tip of the hat to VSC member “Marshall,”

“The Flag Mail Use stamp is a separate Flag issue, in sheet, booklet, and coil formats, without the “American Icons” words.”

 

And for comparison, here are the two designs:And for those who collect coil stamps…Photo courtesy the U.S. Postal Service.

Additional information will appear below the line, with the most recent at the top.

Updated July 15th:
Technical Specifications:

Issue: U.S. Flag Stamp
Item Number: 130100
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever®
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: June 9, 2026, New York, NY 10199
Art Director: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Designer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Existing Photo: Ralph Lauren Corporation
Modeler: Sandra Lane / Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Flexographic, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 40,000,000
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged, Block
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.7300 x 0.8400 in. / 18.5420 x 21.3360 mm.
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.8700 x 0.9800 in. / 22.0980 x 24.8920 mm.
Pane Size (w x h): 5.3000 x 4.8800 in. / 135.3820 x 123.9520 mm.
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Plate Size: 320 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “B” followed by four (4) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Plate number in four corners
Back: © 2026 USPS • USPS logo • 2 barcodes (130100) • Plate position diagram (8) • Promotional text

Issue: U.S. Flag Stamp
Item Number: 741100
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever®
Format: Coil of 100 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: June 9, 2026, New York, NY 10199
Art Director: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Designer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Existing Photo: Ralph Lauren Corporation
Modeler: Daryl DeMont
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Coil: 100
Print Quantity: 650,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tagged
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.7300 x 0.8400 in. / 18.5420 x21.3360 mm.
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.8710 x 0.9800 in. / 22.1230 x24.8920 mm.
Plate Size: 744 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “P” followed by four (4) single digits
Coil Number Frequency: Plate number every 31st stamp below stamp image

Issue: U.S. Flag Stamp
Item Number: 763200
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever®
Format: Coil of 10,000 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: June 9, 2026, New York, NY 10199
Art Director: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Designer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Existing Photo: Ralph Lauren Corporation
Modeler: Sandra Lane / Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Flexographic, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Coil: 10,000
Print Quantity: 90,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged, Block
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.7300 x 0.8400 in. / 18.5420 x 21.3360 mm.
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.8700 x 0.9800 in. / 22.0980 x 24.8920 mm.
Plate Size: 540 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “B” followed by four (4) single digits
Coil Number Frequency: Plate number every 27th stamp below stamp image

Item Number: 752400
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever®
Format: Coil of 3,000 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: June 9, 2026, New York, NY 10199
Art Director: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Designer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Existing Photo: Ralph Lauren Corporation
Modeler: Sandra Lane / Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Flexographic, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Coil: 3,000
Print Quantity: 12,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged, Block
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.7300 x 0.8400 in. / 18.5420 x
21.3360 mm.
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.8700 x 0.9800 in. / 22.0980 x
24.8920 mm.
Plate Size: 540 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “B” followed by four (4) single digits
Coil Number Frequency: Plate number every 27th stamp below stamp image

Item Number: 741100
Denomination &
Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever®
Format: Coil of 100 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: June 9, 2026, New York, NY 10199
Art Director: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Designer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Existing Photo: Ralph Lauren Corporation
Modeler: Sandra Lane / Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Flexographic, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Coil: 100
Print Quantity: 650,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged, Overall
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.7300 x 0.8400 in. / 18.5420 x21.3360 mm.
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.8700 x 0.9800 in. / 22.0980 x24.8920 mm.
Plate Size: 744 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “B” followed by four (4) single digits
Coil Number Frequency:: Plate number every 31st stamp below stamp image

Issue: U.S. Flag Stamp
Item Number: 686000
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever®
Format: Double-Sided Booklet of 20 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: June 9, 2026, New York, NY 10199
Art Director: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Designer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Existing Photo: Ralph Lauren Corporation
Modeler: Sandra Lane / Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Flexographic, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Booklet: 20
Print Quantity: 300,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged, Block
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.7300 x 0.8400 in. / 18.5420 x21.3360 mm.
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.8700 x 0.9800 in. / 22.0980 x24.8920 mm.
Full Booklet Size (w x h): 5.5200 x 1.9600 in. / 140.2080 x49.7840 mm.
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Plate Size: 960 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “B” followed by four (4) single digits
Marginal Markings: Header: “U.S. FLAG”, Twenty First-Class™ Forever® Stamps • © 2026 USPS in peel strip area • Barcode • USPS logo • Promotional text • Plate number in peel strip area

Issue: U.S. Flag Stamp
Item Number: 686000
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever®
Format: Double-Sided Booklet of 20 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: June 9, 2026, New York, NY 10199
Art Director: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Designer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Existing Photo: Ralph Lauren Corporation
Modeler: Daryl DeMont
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Booklet: 20
Print Quantity: 300,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tagged
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.7300 x 0.8400 in. / 18.5420 x 21.3360 mm.
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.8700 x 0.9800 in. / 22.0980 x 24.8920 mm.
Full Booklet Size (w x h): 5.5200 x 1.9600 in. / 140.2080 x49.7840 mm.
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Plate Size: 1040 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “P” followed by four (4) single digits
Marginal Markings: Header: “U.S. FLAG”, Twenty First-Class™ Forever® Stamps • © 2026 USPS in peel strip area • Barcode • USPS logo • Promotional text • Plate number in peel strip area

Updated June 10th:
Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue:The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.96″ x 1.44″There is no pictorial postmark for this issue, just the FDOI “Killer Bars.”

Updated May 28th from the Postal Bulletin:
On June 9, 2026, in New York. NY, the United States Postal Service® will issue the U.S. Flag stamp (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 130100), a PSA double-sided booklet of 20 stamps (Item 686000), a PSA coil of 100 stamps (Item 741100), a PSA coil of 3,000 stamps (Item 752400), and a PSA coil of 10,000 stamps (Item 763200). This stamp will go on sale nationwide June 9, 2026, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

The Postal Service™ continues its long tradition of honoring the U.S. flag as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary. The photograph on this 2026 stamp, a knit interpretation of a 13-star flag, is from an iconic sweater introduced by Polo Ralph Lauren in 1989. The knit flag is also featured on the 2026 American Icons pane, an issuance curated for the Postal Service by Ralph Lauren. Beneath the flag on this mail use stamp are America’s anniversary dates: 1776 and 2026, both in red, with a golden, five-pointed star between them. USPS art director Greg Breeding designed the stamp using a photograph from the Ralph Lauren Corporation.

No automatic distribution.

  • 130100 Pane of 20 Stamps
  • 686000 Booklet of 20 Stamps
  • 741100 Coil of 100 Stamps
  • 752400 Coil of 3,000 Stamps
  • 763200 Coil of 10,000 Stamps

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
The first-day-of-issue postmark is a postmark notating the day a stamp is first authorized for use by the Postal Service. Customers have 120 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. All requests for first-day-of-issue postmarks (Traditional or Digital Color Postmark) must be sent to the following address with the choice of Traditional or Digital Color Postmark identified. All orders must be postmarked by October 9, 2026.

FDOI – U.S. Flag Stamp
USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Suite 300
Kansas City, MO 64144-9900

The Technical Specifications are not yet available.