We haven’t heard anything official from the U.S. Postal Service and, even when we do, it won’t be the complete U.S. 2026 stamp program. Still, it’s fun to try to guess what stamps will be issued.

These are pretty definite:
Lunar New Year (Year of the Horse)
Bicentennial issues
6 issues at Boston 2026, including the Encore winner

I think these are good bets, all born in 1926:
Civil rights leader Ralph Abernathy (Black Heritage Series?)
Singer Tony Bennett (died 2023)
Musician Chuck Berry

Some 1876 events that might be commemorated:
Centennial International Exhibition (1876) in Philadelphia, first official world’s fair to be held in the US. (Opened May 10; stamp or stamps at Boston 2026?)
Colorado Statehood
The National League of Professional Base Ball Clubs is formed
First successful telephone call (stamp in 1976)
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is published

A 1926 event that I think is a good bet for commemoration:
U.S. numbered highway system is established, including Route 66.

Less likely births in 1926:
Comedian/philanthropist Jerry Lewis
Author Harper Lee (“To Kill A Mockinbird”)
Comedian Don Rickles
Actor Andy Griffith
Mel Brooks – still living!

Less likely events from 1876:
Introduction of Heinz Tomato Ketchu
Introduction of Budweiser Beer

Less likely events from 1926:
First weather map is televised! (from one government office to another)
The 8-hour, 5-day work week is announced by Henry Ford
NBC Radio Network established (CBS isn’t founded until 1928)
Winnie the Pooh is published, but in London

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
USPS Stamp Encore Voting Open Now
Vote for your favorite stamp to be reissued in 2026

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service is excited to announce the Stamp Encore Contest. To celebrate the organization’s 250th anniversary, and gear up to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary, the public is invited to select a stamp pane from the past for re-printing as part of the 2026 Stamp program.

The Postal Service chose 25 stamp panes from some of its bestselling and most popular stamp issuances of the recent past. Voting is open through Sept. 30, both online and by mail. You can view the official rules and vote online at stampsforever.com/vote, or print a paper ballot from the website and mail it in.

This is an open invitation — everyone is welcome, and you can vote as many times as you want.

The Postal Service plans to announce the winning stamp design in May 2026 at the Boston 2026 World Expo to coincide with America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.

Until then, the results will be a secret.

List of stamps: