Category Archives: US 2025

Barbara Bush (US 2025)

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A stamp honoring former First Lady Barbara Bush will be issued this year, reports The Hill news outlet and cited by Linn’s Stamp News. The stamp design will be unveiled Thursday, May 8, at the White House by current First Lady Melania Trump, much as the 2022 Nancy Reagan stamp design was unveiled by then-First Lady Jill Biden.

No date for the Bush stamp has been reported. She was born on June 8, 1925, and June 8, 2025, would be a logical first-day date. However, that is a Sunday.

Mrs. Bush’s daughter Doro Bush Koch is expected to attend, but not any of her sons, including former president George W. Bush. The Bush family and President Trump have not gotten along over the years.

Barbara Bush is only the second woman to have been both the wife of a U.S. President and the mother of one. The first was Abigail Adams.

Confirmation:

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
USPS Unveils Barbara Bush Stamp
Dedication will take place June 10 in Kennebunkport, ME

WASHINGTON — At the White House today, the U.S. Postal Service revealed the artwork of a commemorative Forever stamp to celebrate the centennial year of former first lady Barbara Bush’s birth.

The stamp design was unveiled by first lady Melania Trump; Dorothy “Doro” Bush Koch, daughter of Barbara Bush; Alice Yates, CEO of the George & Barbara Bush Foundation; and Judy de Torok, vice president of Corporate Affairs at the Postal Service.

The dedication ceremony for the Barbara Bush stamp will be held June 10 in honor of the 100th anniversary of the former first lady’s birth and the culmination of her centennial year. The event will take place at Ganny’s Garden in Kennebunkport, ME.

“Today we recognize Mrs. Bush not only as a beloved first lady, but as a remarkable American in her own right,” said Doug Tulino, acting postmaster general of the Postal Service. “She charted a legacy for herself, and did it with conviction, determination, and compassion.”

Bush Koch spoke on behalf of the Bush family about the stamp and her mother’s lasting commitment to literacy.

“We are deeply honored that the United States Postal Service is paying tribute to our mother with a commemorative Forever stamp,” said Bush Koch. “This special stamp serves as a lasting reminder of Barbara Bush’s enduring love for family and friends, sharp wit and unwavering commitment to solve the problems of today by ensuring that every man, woman and child has the opportunity to read, write and comprehend.” [In her official White House portrait in 1992, right]

Barbara Pierce Bush (1925-2018), wife of George H. W. Bush, the 41st president, was first lady of the United States from 1989 to 1993, and mother of George W. Bush, the 43rd president.
Born in New York City, the future first lady grew up in Rye, NY, and attended boarding school in South Carolina. At 16, she met her future husband, George H.W. Bush, at a Christmas dance in Connecticut, where he was on holiday break from a Massachusetts boarding school, and they began corresponding through letters. Eighteen months later, they were engaged.

George and Barbara Bush were married on Jan. 6, 1945. While Mr. Bush was a student at Yale, Mrs. Bush gave birth to their first child, George W., on July 6, 1946. Their second child, daughter Robin, died of leukemia at age 3, devastating the family. Between 1953 and 1959, Mrs. Bush gave birth to four more children: Jeb in 1953, Neil in 1955, Marvin in 1956 and Dorothy in 1959.

The start of her 54 years of campaigning for her family and allies came in 1962 when Mr. Bush ran for chairman of the Harris County, TX, Republican Party. In the following decades, Mr. Bush would go on to become a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, ambassador to the United Nations, chairman of the Republican National Committee, head of the U.S. Liaison Office in the People’s Republic of China, and director of the Central Intelligence Agency before becoming president. In all, the Bushes moved around 30 times as the family followed Mr. Bush’s military, business and political pursuits, with Mrs. Bush always steadfast in support of her husband and children.

After losing the Republican nomination for president in 1980, Mr. Bush was named as Ronald Reagan’s vice presidential running mate. With their victory, Mrs. Bush became second lady. Motivated by her son Neil’s dyslexia, she championed literacy issues. In 1984, Mrs. Bush wrote her first children’s book, “C. Fred’s Story,” told from the perspective of her cocker spaniel, with proceeds going to two national literacy programs.

With Barbara Bush at his side throughout the campaign, Mr. Bush ran for president in 1988, and won the election, becoming president on Jan. 20, 1989.

The Barbara Bush stamp is based on detail from the official 2005 White House portrait, which is part of the White House Collection and appears courtesy of The White House Historical Association. The stamp is being issued in panes of 20. Presale of the Barbara Bush Commemorative stamp will begin on Saturday, May 10. News of the stamp will be shared with the hashtag #BarbaraBushStamp.

Dedication Ceremony Information

What: The U.S. Postal Service will commemorate the life of former first lady Barbara Bush with the issuance of a Forever stamp.

When: June 10, 2025, 11 a.m. ET

Where:
Ganny’s Garden on the River Green
48 Ocean Ave.
Kennebunkport, ME 04046

RSVP: Dedication ceremony attendees are encouraged to RSVP at: usps.com/barbarabushstamp

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

250 Years of Delivering (U.S. 2025)

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This 20-stamp issue was announced as part of the USPS celebration of its semiquincentennial. According to the April 28th press release, the design

by cartoonist Chris Ware that invites the public to spot a fun array of familiar postal items and icons while following a mail carrier on her rounds through four seasons of the year.

The USPS says this issue will be released in July. Further information will be posted below the line, with the most recent near the top.

Here is a look at the design of the rear of the pane of 20:

Updated May 2nd:
These stamps will have a “special dedication ceremony” on the second day of Great American Stamp Show, August 15th, in Schaumburg, IL. It is believed the first-day will be July 26th.

Benjamin Franklin (U.S. 2025)

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This stamp will only be available with the purchase of a “prestige booklet,” Putting a Stamp on the American Experience, “only the fourth ever issued by the Postal Service.” According to the April 28th press release

Two self-adhesive sheets of a new intaglio printed stamp featuring Benjamin Franklin are available exclusively with the booklet. The stamp is based on an 1875 reproduction of an 1847 5-cent stamp, one of the first official U.S. postage stamps.

The USPS says this issue will be released in July. More details will be posted below the line, with the most recent nearest the top.

Updated May 2nd:
This stamp will have a “special dedication ceremony” on the second day of Great American Stamp Show, August 15th, in Schaumburg, IL. It is believed the first-day will be July 26th.

Two Issues To Celebrate 250th (US 2025)

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[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
U.S. Postal Service Announces Stamps Celebrating Its 250th Anniversary

WASHINGTON — On July 26, 1775, the Second Continental Congress established a postal system for the United Colonies and appointed Benjamin Franklin as the first postmaster general. The U.S. Postal Service [April 28th] announced two stamp issues to celebrate its 250th anniversary — one of which is only available in an exclusive booklet.

The 32-page booklet — Putting a Stamp on the American Experience — celebrates the cultural importance of U.S. stamps.

Highlighting the popular series and subjects that give the stamp program its range and depth, this booklet — only the fourth ever issued by the Postal Service — commemorates the 250th anniversary of our nation’s postal system and celebrates the enduring influence of stamps on our shared heritage.

Two self-adhesive sheets of a new intaglio printed stamp featuring Benjamin Franklin are available exclusively with the booklet. The stamp is based on an 1875 reproduction of an 1847 5-cent stamp, one of the first official U.S. postage stamps.

The second release, 250 Years of Delivering, is a pane of 20 stamps by cartoonist Chris Ware that invites the public to spot a fun array of familiar postal items and icons while following a mail carrier on her rounds through four seasons of the year.

Both the prestige booklet which includes the Ben Frankin Stamp and the 250 Years of Delivering pane are scheduled to be released in July. There will be additional stamps in the 2025 stamps program announced soon. These designs are preliminary and may change.

Armed Services: One First-Day or Three Separate?

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The US Postal Service will issue all three stamps on the same day in Washington, rather than in three separate ceremonies, as expected. How do you feel about that?

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William F. Buckley, Jr. (U.S. 2025)

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This stamp was announced by the USPS on March 6th:

One of the most influential public intellectuals in modern U.S. history, William F. Buckley Jr. (1925–2008) defined the conservative movement of the mid-20th century and was one of its most recognizable spokesmen. Author of more than 50 books, Buckley foundedNational Review, one of the nation’s leading conservative publications, and hosted the Emmy Award–winning public affairs television program Firing Line for more than 30 years. Original art by Dale Stephanos features a portrait of Buckley, created by hand with graphite and charcoal on hot-press watercolor paper, then refined digitally. Greg Breeding, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp.

No date of issuance or city was given. The latest information will appear below the line, with the most recent at the top.

Boston 2026 Stamp Show (U.S. 2026)

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These stamps were announced by the USPS on March 6th:

For one week in May 2026, the world capital of stamp collecting will be Boston, host of the Boston 2026 World Expo, the 12th international philatelic exhibition of the United States. To build anticipation and commemorate this confluence of art, history and international goodwill, two intaglio-printed stamps will highlight the special role of Boston in the American Revolution as we prepare to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary. Greg Breeding, an art director for USPS, designed these stamps with digital illustrations by Dan Gretta featuring the Old North Church and a “midnight rider” on horseback in Colonial garb.

No date of issuance or city was given. However, many philatelists expect them to be issued at Great American Stamp Show in August. The latest information will appear below the line, with the most recent at the top.

Updated March 10th:
The American Philatelic Society says these stamps will be issued on the first day of Great American Stamp Show, Thursday, August 14, in Schaumburg, IL.

U.S. Marine Corps 250th (U.S. 250th)

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This stamp was announced by the USPS on March 6th:

The familiar symbolism of a Marine Corps emblem appears on this stamp to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps. First established during the Revolutionary War as the American colonies fought for independence, the Marine Corps is respected worldwide as an elite fighting force, prepared to face any challenge and prevail in the conflicts of the 21st century. Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp.

No date of issuance or city was given. The latest information will appear below the line, with the most recent at the top.

Updated April 18th:
Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue:The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.3″ x 1.2″ The Pictorial Postmark measures 2.6″ x 0.95″

From the Postal Bulletin:
On May 16, 2025, in Washington, DC, the United States Postal Service® will issue the U.S. Navy 250th stamp (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 486800). This stamp will go on sale nationwide May 16, 2025, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

This stamp celebrates the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy. First established as the American colonies fought for independence, the Navy is now at the forefront of cutting-edge technology that safeguards the maritime interests of the United States to ensure economic prosperity and the freedom of the seas. Featuring the emblem of the U.S. Navy against a white background, the stamp was designed by art director Antonio Alcalá.

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 – U.S. Navy 250th 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 September 16, 2025.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: U.S. Navy 250th Stamp
Item Number: 486800
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: May 16, 2025, Washington, DC 20066
Art Director: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Designer: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Modeler: Sandra Lane / Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 18,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, PMS 186C, PMS 2146C, PMS Warm Gray 5C
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 7.2400 in. / 150.3680 x183.8960 mm.
Press Sheets Size (w x h): 11.8400 x 21.9700 in. / 300.7360 x558.0380 mm.
Plate Size: 240 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: ”B” followed by seven (7) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Header: CELEBRATING 250 YEARS OF THE U.S. NAVY • Plate number in bottom two corners
Back: © 2025 USPS • USPS logo • Two barcodes (486800) • Plate position diagram (6) • Promotional text

Updated April 16th:
This stamp will be issued Friday, May 16.
[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
From Revolution to Resilience: USPS to Celebrate 250th Anniversaries of Army, Navy, and Marine Corps With Commemorative Stamps

WHAT: The U.S. Postal Service to proudly unveil three individual commemorative stamps honoring the 250th anniversaries of the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps, recognizing the enduring legacy and unwavering dedication of these vital branches of the American military.

The first-day-of-issue event for the Armed Forces stamps is free and open to the public. News of the stamp is being shared with the hashtag#ArmedForces250Stamps.

WHO: Jeffery A. Adams, USPS corporate communications vice president and dedicating official

WHEN: Friday, May 16, 2025, at 11 a.m. EDT

WHERE:
Freedom Plaza
1325 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20004

RSVP: Attendees are encouraged to register at: usps.com/armedforcesstamps.

BACKGROUND:
The three Forever stamps commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, each a vital component of the nation’s defense. All three branches trace their origins to the Revolutionary War, born from the necessity to secure American independence.

The Second Continental Congress in 1775 recognized the need for a unified military force and established the Continental Army on June 14, the Continental Navy on Oct. 13, and authorized the formation of the Continental Marines on Nov. 10. The Continental forces were disbanded after the war but were re-established in the years that followed when the need for a standing military became clear.

These stamps honor the enduring legacy and unwavering commitment of the men and women who have served and continue to serve. Each branch plays a crucial role in safeguarding American interests, standing as symbols of strength and resilience, upholding core values such as loyalty, duty, honor, and courage.

The Armed Forces stamps are three individual stamp panes featuring the respective symbols of the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps against a white background.

Each stamp, designed by Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, also includes the inscriptions “250 YEARS OF SERVICE,” “SINCE 1775,” and FOREVER/USA”.

As Forever stamps, the Armed Forces stamps will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.

Updated April 9th:
We had heard that this stamp would be issued in November, but the latest USA Philatelic catalogue says “Spring.”

U.S. Navy 250th (U.S. 2025)

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This stamp was announced by the USPS on March 6th:

First established during the Revolutionary War as the American colonies fought for independence, the U.S. Navy is now at the forefront of cutting-edge technology that safeguards the maritime interests of the United States, ensuring economic prosperity and the freedom of the seas. Featuring the emblem of the Navy against a white background, this stamp celebrates the U.S. Navy’s 250th anniversary. Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp.

No date of issuance or city was given. The latest information will appear below the line, with the most recent at the top.

Updated April 18th:
Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue:The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.8″ x 1.2″The Pictorial Postmark measures 2.7″ x 1.2″

From the Postal Bulletin:
On May 16, 2025, in Washington, DC, the United States Postal Service® will issue the U.S. Navy 250th stamp (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 486900). This stamp will go on sale nationwide May 16, 2025, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

This stamp celebrates the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy. First established as the American colonies fought for independence, the Navy is now at the forefront of cutting-edge technology that safeguards the maritime interests of the United States to ensure economic prosperity and the freedom of the seas. Featuring the emblem of the U.S. Navy against a white background, the stamp was designed by art director Antonio Alcalá.

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 – U.S. Navy 250th 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 September 16, 2025.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: U.S. Navy 250th Stamp
Item Number: 486900
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: May 16, 2025, Washington, DC 20066
Art Director: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Designer: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Modeler: Sandra Lane / Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 18,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Magenta, Yellow, Black, PMS 186C, PMS 2146C, PMS Warm Gray 5C
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 7.2400 in. / 150.3680 x183.8960 mm.
Press Sheets Size (w x h): 11.8400 x 21.9700 in. / 300.7360 x558.0380 mm.
Plate Size: 240 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: ”B” followed by six (6) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Header: CELEBRATING 250 YEARS OF THE U.S. NAVY • Plate number in bottom two corners
Back: © 2025 USPS • USPS logo • Two barcodes (486900) • Plate position diagram (6) • Promotional text

Updated April 16th:
This stamp will be issued Friday, May 16.
[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
From Revolution to Resilience: USPS to Celebrate 250th Anniversaries of Army, Navy, and Marine Corps With Commemorative Stamps

WHAT: The U.S. Postal Service to proudly unveil three individual commemorative stamps honoring the 250th anniversaries of the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps, recognizing the enduring legacy and unwavering dedication of these vital branches of the American military.

The first-day-of-issue event for the Armed Forces stamps is free and open to the public. News of the stamp is being shared with the hashtag#ArmedForces250Stamps.

WHO: Jeffery A. Adams, USPS corporate communications vice president and dedicating official

WHEN: Friday, May 16, 2025, at 11 a.m. EDT

WHERE:
Freedom Plaza
1325 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20004

RSVP: Attendees are encouraged to register at: usps.com/armedforcesstamps.

BACKGROUND:
The three Forever stamps commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, each a vital component of the nation’s defense. All three branches trace their origins to the Revolutionary War, born from the necessity to secure American independence.

The Second Continental Congress in 1775 recognized the need for a unified military force and established the Continental Army on June 14, the Continental Navy on Oct. 13, and authorized the formation of the Continental Marines on Nov. 10. The Continental forces were disbanded after the war but were re-established in the years that followed when the need for a standing military became clear.

These stamps honor the enduring legacy and unwavering commitment of the men and women who have served and continue to serve. Each branch plays a crucial role in safeguarding American interests, standing as symbols of strength and resilience, upholding core values such as loyalty, duty, honor, and courage.

The Armed Forces stamps are three individual stamp panes featuring the respective symbols of the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps against a white background.

Each stamp, designed by Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, also includes the inscriptions “250 YEARS OF SERVICE,” “SINCE 1775,” and
FOREVER/USA”.

As Forever stamps, the Armed Forces stamps will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.

Updated April 9th:
We had heard that this stamp would be issued in October, but the latest USA Philatelic catalogue says “Spring.”