AFDCS Reelects 4 to Its Board

AFDCS Members Reelect Four to The Board

Members of the American First Day Cover Society have reelected four people to the organization’s board of directors: Michael Lake, Cynthia Scott, Ralph Nafziger and Lorraine Bailey. There were five candidates running for the four three-year terms:

Michael Lake (199)
Cynthia Scott (193)
Ralph Nafziger (190)
Lorraine Bailey (152)
Walter Douglas George (141)

In addition, Chris Calle, Michael Moticia, Michael Rosenthal, and Don Trieschmann each received one write-in vote. Moticia is already serving on the board, after election in 2022. More than 230 ballots were cast, an increase from last year.

This was the first AFDCS election for George, a former supermarket industry executive, and a member of the Convention Planning Committee.

Lake, also of Massachusetts, is also AFDCS Education Committee chair. Scott, from Indiana, is currently Chair of the board and has previously served the society in many other posts. Nafziger lives in Oregon and is also executive vice president. Bailey, a former AFDCS Sales chair from Virginia, is currently on the Honors & Awards Committee and was granted an Honorary Life Membership in 2008 for her long service to the AFDCS.

Four seats on the AFDCS Board of Directors are elected each year for three-year terms, beginning Jan. 1. In addition to the 12 elected directors, the president, the editor of the official journal First Days, and the general counsel serve on the board ex officio, if not elected to the board in their own right. The board meets in person at least once a year and as needed via the internet.

AFDCS directors are not compensated for serving on the board nor reimbursed for their travel expenses.

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

Patrick Morgan Is New AFDCS Membership Chair

Patrick Morgan of St. Charles, Mo., is the new chair of the Membership Department of the American First Day Cover Society and a member of its Executive Committee. He succeeds Patrick MorganFoster E. Miller, III, who had held the position since 2008.

Morgan, with an MBA from Washington University, worked for IBM for 25 years, where he managed infrastructure architecture for services customers before retiring, and served for four years on the board of the St. Louis affiliate of the Susan G. Komen breast cancer organization. He is presently in his first term on the AFDCS Board of Directors.

Pat collects FDCs topically — by subject — and is also a member of the American Topical Association, as well as the American Philatelic Society, Poster Stamp Collectors Club, and the Greater Mound City Stamp Club, of which he is Treasurer. He also collects postal cards with Fleetwood cachets and Artmaster airmail FDCs, and has written articles for First Days and Topical Time.

“Pat was highly recommend by everyone to whom I talked,” said AFDCS president Lloyd A. de Vries. “He started looking at our membership programs even before he was confirmed by the Board.”

Miller remains chair of the AFDCS Sales Department and represents the organization at many shows each year. He is also on the Board.

“We could not have made it through the past few years without Foster reconstructing and then maintaining our membership records,” said de Vries. “Now, however, I want to lighten his load and also put more emphasis on recruitment and retention of members.”

The AFDCS is the largest not-for-profit first day cover society in the world, with members in more than a dozen countries. It publishes an award-winning journal, First Days, six times a year, as well as handbooks, catalogues and You-Tube videos, and is a co-sponsor of the annual Great American Stamp Show. It holds an annual cachetmaking contest and two mail auctions a year, and encourages philatelic exhibiting and writing about FDCs.

Morgan can be reached directly at membership@afdcs.org. 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

Robins Celebrate Holidays (Netherlands 2024)

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
PostNL launches December stamps with robins: a sign of hopeThe Hague, 18 November 2024 – This year, PostNL is issuing atmospheric December stamps with robins, designed by illustrator Marieke Ruts. The ten unique scenes on the stamps convey a message of hope and warmth for the holidays. The robins, beloved birds that symbolize comfort and resilience, are incorporated into various playful and wintery decors.

Exclusive gift with purchase
Anyone who buys two sheets of December stamps will receive a special Christmas ornament from Vondels, designed in the shape of the gifts as seen on the sleigh stamp. With this, PostNL offers an extra festive gesture to anyone who wants to send Christmas and New Year cards, with a favorable rate of €1.06 per December stamp, valid from 18 November 2024 to 4 January 2025.

A contemporary twist
Ruts designed the illustrations with a wink and a contemporary twist. “I wanted to create something light and fun, without any nostalgia,” says Marieke. “With a few sparklers, for example, but no firecrackers – my dogs can’t stand them. And the Christmas tree is in a wheelbarrow, because after Christmas it will simply be put back in the ground. Isn’t that sustainable?” Marieke also added playful details that are not quite right. “Who hangs a Christmas sweater outside on the washing line in the winter? And who lets a robin drive a sleigh? Those little details bring a smile and some joy during the holidays.”

About the illustrator
Marieke Ruts, also known as Mevrouw Emmer, has been working as a freelance illustrator since 2011 and opened her concept store in Oostvoorne in early 2024. In addition to her work as an illustrator, she offers a range of unique products there. With these December stamps, she shows a contemporary and cheerful view of the holidays, where tradition and humor come together.

Availability
The December stamps will be available from November 18, 2024 at all PostNL sales points in the Netherlands and via the webshop. The stamps can also be ordered by telephone from the Collect Club customer service on telephone number 088 – 868 99 00. The validity period is indefinite, but the December stamps may only be used from November 18, 2024 to January 4, 2025 without adding any additional stamps. A sheet with 20 December stamps costs € 21.20 this year.

Note: PostNL does not sell directly to collectors in North America. Its website refers to a company called Nordfirm, which says it sells Dutch new issues at face value. The Virtual Stamp Club has no connection to this company.

Collectors may also wish to contact the U.S. firm Bombay Stamps, which can also obtain first day covers upon request, with lower shipping fees. The email is sales@bombaystamps.com Again, The Virtual Stamp Club has no connection to this company.

USPS Operation Santa Enters 21st Century

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
USPS Operation Santa Launches Online Catalog Santa’s Gift Shoppe Powered by Toys“R”Us®
New e-commerce option for gift fulfillment makes it easy to shop for and ship the perfect gift

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service is announcing the debut of an online e-commerce catalog for the fulfillment of gifts: Santa’s Gift Shoppe, an online option developed exclusively for USPS Operation Santa letter adopters, powered by Toys“R”Us, just in time for the start of the program’s first day of letter adoption.

The new site offers a streamlined experience, making it easier for participants to shop for the ideal gift and ship it from the comfort of their homes with just a click.

The online catalog boasts a selection of toys and gifts from Toys“R”Us, allowing letter adopters to find something special for each letter writer, while the integration with shipping options from the Postal Service, such as USPS Ground Advantage, helps ensure that gifts are affordable to ship and arrive in time for the holidays.

“USPS Operation Santa has connected communities through holiday goodwill for over a century,” said USPS Marketing Vice President Sheila Holman. “This year, through our collaboration with Toys“R”Us, we’re thrilled to bring an easier way for generous people to make a difference. With the launch of this new e-commerce platform, we’re making it simpler than ever to help fulfill wishes and spread holiday joy.”

The introduction of Santa’s Gift Shoppe marks the first of what the Postal Service hopes to be several collaborations in expanding its online catalog to include clothing, shoes, books and more.

“Our joint effort with Toys“R”Us is just the beginning. We’re looking to broaden our selection of gifts in the future to help expand the impact of USPS Operation Santa and create even more opportunities for Americans to spread holiday cheer,” said Holman.

Since its inception 112 years ago, USPS Operation Santa has enabled the public to adopt letters to Santa written by children and families. By choosing a letter, participants make a direct impact on their communities, bringing hope, joy and generosity to the holiday season.

The launch of the e-commerce site coincides with the first day of letter adoption for the program’s 2024 holiday season. Supporters are invited to visit the official USPS Operation Santa website to browse letters, choose a child’s wish to fulfill and benefit from the enhanced shopping and shipping options through Santa’s Gift Shoppe to make holiday dreams come true.

“At Toys“R”Us, our mission is to bring joy to children, and what better way than to surprise them with gifts from Santa,” said Gary Haas, vice president of e-commerce at Toys“R”Us. “Through this new e-commerce platform, generous individuals can easily adopt a letter to Santa and help create magical moments for a new generation of Toys“R”Us kids.”

Also this holiday season, USPS Operation Santa will be featured in a new season of “Dear Santa, The Series,” debuting Nov. 24 on all ABC-owned television stations and streaming on Hulu beginning Nov. 29. The series provides a heartwarming, behind-the-scenes look at the impact of the program, showcasing real stories of generosity and the spirit of the holidays as letters are answered and wishes are fulfilled. “Dear Santa, The Series” captures the essence of USPS Operation Santa, highlighting the dedication of the Postal Service, the support of generous Americans and the joy felt by recipients across the nation.

For more information on how to participate in the program, visit USPSOperationSanta.com.

Financial Woes for Major Publisher?

by Lloyd A. de Vries

Amos Media, the largest philatelic media publisher in the U.S., appears to be having financial difficulties. Amos publishes the Scott Postage Stamp Catalogs, Linn’s Stamp News and Scott Stamp Monthly, as well as publications for other hobbies.

In a discussion in The Stamp Collecting Forum started by veteran philatelic writer Ken Lawrence in early October, readers revealed they had not received their printed copies of Monthly for several months and columnists for both that magazine and Linn’s reported receiving no payments for their articles since June. [Disclosure: The author of this article is a Linn’s columnist who has not been paid since June.] In addition, printed editions of the Scott catalogues that were due for release on or after September 1 were on back-order, with no date of delivery, and remained so at the end of 2024. Digital editions are available.

Printed editions of Coin World magazine, also published by Amos, also were not available, according to a post on a coin collectors forum.

In early December, Amos Media advised print subscribers via email that printing of SSM would resume with the December issue and the catalogues would be shipped in early 2025. The company blamed a “business dispute” with its printer that had been resolved.

The problems with the printed copies of SSM follow a disturbing pattern. Abruptly in mid-August, Linn’s Stamp News announced it was immediately halting the printing of its weekly newspaper with the current issue, and it and future issues would only be available online. The announcement said SSM would continue to be printed and mailed to subscribers who had chosen that option. However, the September issues failed to arrive in mailboxes.

In reply to an email query from The Virtual Stamp Club, Amos Media chairman Rick Amos [below right] apologized for the lack of communication with readers.

“We’ve had an issue with our printer and several times over the past month we thought it had been resolved. It now has and Scott Stamp Monthly will return soon,” he wrote “We are waiting for the date in which the December issue will be mailed to subscribers. Once we do the dates will be published on our website and sent via email to our subscribers.”

He did not address the problems with the catalogues, which was included in The VSC‘s inquiry.

Amos is the only person listed in the “Our Team” section of the Amos Media website, and his biography there is outdated: It says he is also president of another company, which he left more than ten years ago. On LinkedIn he describes himself as a “serial entrepreneur” and both his current ventures and his residence are in the Chicago area, about 250 miles from the headquarters of Amos Media in Sidney, Ohio. One wonders at how involved he is in running Amos Media.

Although Amos told The VSC in that November 22 email that “no decision has been made yet if we will still print the October and November issues,” an email to subscribers in early December said those issues, plus September 2024, would not be printed. Print subscribers will have their subscriptions extended and advertisers will receive at 30% credit toward future advertising but not a refund. The ads did appear in the digital editions.

“We are pleased to announce that the Scott Stamp Monthly December issue will be mailed during the week of December 16th,” said the message, signed “The Linn’s and Scott Team.” “Furthermore, the Scott Specialized and Classic catalogues will be mailed sometime in January and February 2025.” The message was repeated on the editorial page of the December issue of SSM.

Some subscribers reported receiving printed copies of the magazine on December 24.

“Issues with suppliers” are often the suppliers’ unwillingness to provide the product or service without getting paid. “If this were a book we’d be be looking at Chapter 11,” commented collector Lawrence Sherman on The Virtual Stamp Club‘s message board.

In late December, Brookman Stamp Co. advertised an alternative to the Scott Specialized via an email sent by the American Stamp Dealers Association: “Are you STILL waiting for the Scott US Specialized Catalog?” was the subject line.

The Scott books are the major catalogues for stamp collectors in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The first Scott catalogue was a 21-page pricelist in 1886 by New York City stamp dealer John Walter Scott. Scott Publishing was acquired by Amos in 1984 and the operations moved to Sidney, Ohio, near Dayton. Today, the catalogue is six volumes plus related specialty catalogues and thousands of pages and costs nearly $700 from the Amos website (list price $1,034.92).

The major catalogue publisher for British Commonwealth issues, Stanley Gibbons, also has been in financial trouble, reorganizing in December 2023 to relieve itself of a debt burden.

Annual Holiday (Secular Christmas) Issue (U.S. 2025)

Nothing about this issue has been announced or confirmed, but The Virtual Stamp Club will go out on an evergreen limb and say that there will be such an issue and that it will likely be at least four stamps and have the word “holiday” in its name. While no references will be made in the promotional material to “Christmas,” the designs will have symbols associated with that holiday and the word “seasonal” will be used several times.

However, stamps for the Madonna and Child, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa are unlikely, inasmuch as these seem to be on a two-year cycle and stamps for these subjects were issued in 2024.

Boston 2026 (U.S. 2025)

A stamp or stamps will be issued to promote the upcoming International stamp show in the U.S. The first day will be either the first or second day of Great American Stamp Show, i.e., August 17 or 18. No announcement has been made by the USPS and no further details are available at this time. Shown here is the Boston 2026 logo, not the stamp design.

Winter Landscapes (US 2025)

From the USPS press release November 15, 2024:

Offered in booklets of 20, these five stamps feature photographs of iconic winter landscapes from around the country. Ethel Kessler, an art director for USPS, designed the stamps using images from various photographers.

The latest information on this issue will appear below the line, with the latest information at the top.


Betty White (US 2025)

From the USPS press release November 15, 2024:

An icon of American television, Betty White (1922–2021) shared her wit and warmth with viewers for seven decades — including roles on “The Golden Girls” and “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” The comedic actor, who gained younger generations of fans as she entered her 90s, was also revered as a compassionate advocate for animals. Dale Stephanos created the digital illustration based on a 2010 photograph by Kwaku Alston. Greg Breeding, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp.

The latest information on this issue will appear below the line, with the latest information at the top.


Updated February 20th:
Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue: The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.77″ x 1.42″The Pictorial Postmark measures 3.00″ x 1.07″The “special” postmark measures 2.75″ x 0.91″

Ceremony Information:

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Betty White to Smile on New Stamp

What: The U.S. Postal Service will commemorate the warmth, wit and charisma of Betty White by honoring the late actress and comedienne with a new stamp bearing her likeness.

The first-day-of-issue event for the Betty White stamp will be held at the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens. For free day-of-event admission to the zoo, see below.

News of the stamp is being shared with the hashtag #BettyWhiteStamp.

Who: The Honorable Amber McReynolds, chairwoman, U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors

When: Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 11 a.m. PT

Where:
Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Allen Ludden Plaza
5333 Zoo Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027

RSVP: Attendees may preregister for the event, including free admission to the zoo, at usps.com/bettywhitestamp.

Background: This collectible Forever stamp honors beloved American actress and comedienne Betty White (1922-2021), whose impish smile is depicted on the stamp and lit up performances in a career that spanned more than 60 years. Often referred to as the “First Lady of Television,” White was honored with five Primetime Emmy Awards for her work in television, as well as three Screen Actors Guild Awards, a Grammy Award and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She was also much recognized for her animal welfare work.

The Betty White stamp features a digitally created portrait of the cherished star against a violet-colored background and, in a lighter shade, bubbly spots that befit her sparkling personality. She is portrayed wearing a polka-dotted blue top. “Betty White” is printed in white near the bottom of the stamp artwork. “FOREVER USA” is printed just below, in violet. Her name also appears centered atop the white selvage, also in violet.

Postal Products: The Betty White stamp will be available in panes of 20. As Forever stamps, they will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.

Postal Bulletin:

On March 27, 2025, in Los Angeles, CA, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Betty White stamp (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate), in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 486600). This stamp will go on sale nationwide March 27, 2025, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

This stamp honors actor, TV personality, and animal advocate Betty White (1922–2021), whose television appearances spanned the history of the medium and delighted generations of fans. The stamp illustration, digitally created by Dale Stephanos, is based on a photograph taken by Kwaku Alston in 2010. Art director Greg Breeding designed the stamp.

Automatic distribution.

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 store.usps.com/store/home. 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 – Betty White 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 July 27, 2025.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Betty White Stamp
Item Number: 486600
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: March 27, 2025, Los Angeles, CA 90052
Art Director: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Designer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Artist: Dale Stephanos, Foxboro, MA
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 35,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
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 7.9500in. / 150.3680 x 201.9300 mm.
Press Sheets Size (w x h): 11.8400 x 24.1000 in. / 300.7360 x 612.1400 mm.
Plate Size: 240 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: ”P” followed by four (4) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Header: Betty White • Plate number in bottom two corners
Back: ©2024 USPS • USPS logo • Two barcodes (486600) • Plate position diagram (6) • Promotional text

Updated December 16th:
This stamp will be issued March 27 in Los Angeles.

Baby Wild Animals (US 2025)

From the USPS press release November 15, 2024:

Offering whimsical, eye-catching designs for letters and cards, these 10 stamps show baby wild animals from across the United States, with visual elements suggesting the habitat or behavior of each one. Tracy Walker designed and created the artwork by digitally layering colored shapes on solid backgrounds. Greg Breeding provided art direction.

The latest information on this issue will appear below the line, with the latest information at the top.


Updated May 2nd:
Designer Tracy Walker resides in Oxbridge, Ontario, not in Ohio, as indicated in the Tech Specs below.

Updated April 18th:
Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue:The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.36″ x 1.18″ The Pictorial Postmark measures 2.76″ x 1.06″

From the Postal Bulletin:
On May 23, 2025, in Aurora, CO, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Baby Wild Animals stamps (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in 10 designs, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) double-sided booklet of 20 stamps (Item 685500). This stamp will go on sale May 23, 2025, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

Baby Wild Animals stamps feature a graphic illustration of each animal in its habitat, surrounded by flowers, leaves, water, or other natural elements. The animals, which include a fox, owl, deer, seal, rabbit, raccoon, bear, skunk, bobcat, and chipmunk, range widely across the United States. Tracy Walker was the stamp designer and artist. Greg Breeding was the art director.

No automatic distribution.

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 store.usps.com/store/home. 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 – Baby Wild Animals 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 September 23, 2025.

Technical Specifications:

Issue:-Baby Wild Animals Stamps
Item Number:-685500
Denomination & Type of Issue:-First-Class Mail Forever
Format:-Double-sided Booklet of 20 (10 designs)
Series:-N/A
Issue Date & City:-May 23, 2025, Aurora, CO 80017
Art Director:-Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Designer:-Tracy Walker, Delaware, OH
Artist:-Tracy Walker, Delaware, OH
Modeler:-Sandra Lane / Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process:-Offset
Printer:-Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type:-Alprinta 74
Stamps per Booklet:-20
Print Quantity:-160,000,000
Paper Type:-Phosphor, Block Tag
Adhesive Type:-Pressure-sensitive
Colors:-Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation:-Vertical
Image Area (w x h):-0.7700 x 1.0500 in. / 19.5580 x 26.6700 mm.
Stamp Size (w x h):-0.9100 x 1.1900 in. / 23.1140 x 30.2260 mm.
Booklet Size (w x h):-5.7600 x 2.3800 in. / 146.3040 x 60.4520 mm.
Plate Size:-800 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers:-“B” followed by four (4) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front:-Header: BABY WILD ANIMALS Twenty First-Class Forever Stamps
Back:-© 2024 USPS in peel strip area • Barcode • USPS logo • Promotional text • Plate number in peel strip area

Updated March 6th:
The USPS says these stamps will be issued on Saturday, May 24th (the second day of the stamp show).

Updated February 20th:
As reported in Comments by Mike Pascoe, these stamps will be issued May 23 at Rocky Mountain Stamp Show in Aurora, Colorado (suburban Denver).