As previously announced, this issue will be revealed and announced at Boston 2026: Sunday, May 24, after an online poll to help choose the issue.

From the USPS on March 31:

To celebrate 250 years of postal delivery in 2025, the Postal Service introduced “Stamp Encore,” an invitation to the public to choose one stamp to be reprinted from among the 25 most popular stamps of the past three decades. Decided by more than 500,000 votes, the public’s selection will be revealed at a first-day-of-issue ceremony on Sunday, May 24, 2026, the second day of the Boston 2026 World Expo. Since the beginning of the year, an envelope carrying the mysterious Stamp Encore winner has traveled from one first-day ceremony to another. Lisa Bobb-Semple, USPS director of stamp services, says “Holding a first-day ceremony for this issuance at the Boston expo adds a fun new twist to an already special event.”

Also:

“The Stamp Encore issue is exclusive to the Boston 2026 World Exposition during the show but will be available at usps.com and Post Office locations nationwide starting June 1.” [emphasis added]

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
USPS Announces Stamp Issues for World Stamp Show
Three new stamp subjects revealed

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service today announced the stamp issues that will be premiered at the Boston 2026 World Exposition, the 12th international philatelic exhibition of the United States.

The expo will run from May 23-30 and will feature a USPS first-day-of-issue ceremony on most days of the show.

Treasures of the Revolutionary Era
9 a.m., Saturday, May 23
BCEC Ballroom (Level 3)

The Treasures of the Revolutionary Era stamps will be issued as part of the opening ceremony for the 2026 Boston World Exposition.

To mark the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the U.S. Postal Service presents this 20-stamp prestige booklet as part of a broader USPS initiative commemorating 250 years of American independence. Centered on 10 compelling objects from the era, the booklet offers a vivid connection to the symbols and stories that helped shape the United States. Reflecting the booklet’s focus on tangible history, the featured objects range from simple tools to powerful symbols of national purpose drawn from museum collections and historical archives. To complement the stamps, the booklet also includes images and background text that place each object in historical context, connecting everyday experiences to the larger forces at work during the Revolutionary era. Ethel Kessler, an art director for USPS, designed the booklet and stamps.

Stamp Encore
11 a.m., Sunday, May 24
Show Floor Stage: Exhibit Hall A

To celebrate 250 years of postal delivery in 2025, the Postal Service introduced “Stamp Encore,” an invitation to the public to choose one stamp to be reprinted from among the 25 most popular stamps of the past three decades. Decided by more than 500,000 votes, the public’s selection will be revealed at a first-day-of-issue ceremony on Sunday, May 24, 2026, the second day of the Boston 2026 World Expo. Since the beginning of the year, an envelope carrying the mysterious Stamp Encore winner has traveled from one first-day ceremony to another. Lisa Bobb-Semple, USPS director of stamp services, says “Holding a first-day ceremony for this issuance at the Boston expo adds a fun new twist to an already special event.”

American Bison
11 a.m., Monday, May 25
Show Floor Stage Exhibit Hall A

The buffalo’s epic story has played an enduring role in shaping America’s identity. Honoring our national mammal while saluting historic philately, this unique stamp features a contemporary photograph of a bison inset with artwork evoking a 1923 stamp issued when the species was beginning to rebound from near extinction. Greg Breeding, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp using Tom Murphy’s existing photograph and artwork from the century-old stamp

Postcrossing
11 a.m., Tuesday May 26
Show Floor Stage: Exhibit Hall A

These stamps recognize Postcrossing for highlighting the fun of receiving real, personalized mail and promoting greater understanding across countries and cultures. Since 2005, Postcrossing has inspired more than 805,000 people in more than 200 countries and territories to send more than 85 million postcards to eager recipients around the world. These stamps may be used to send a postcard or letter from the United States to any country to which First-Class Mail International service is available. These stamps will have a postage value equivalent to the price of the single-piece First-Class Mail International first-ounce machinable letter at the time of use. Issued in panes of eight, these triangular stamps’ colorful illustrations by Jackson Gibbs playfully acknowledge the great distances postcards often need to travel and the efforts of the dedicated workers who help them reach their far-off destinations. Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, designed the stamps.

International Peace
11 a.m., Wednesday May 27
Show Floor Stage: Exhibit Hall A

Celebrating the goal of international peace, this stamp features a photograph of an origami crane — a global symbol of hope, peace and healing. The crane was folded by artist and Peace Crane Project founder Sue DiCicco and photographed by Sally Andersen-Bruce. Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp.

North American Soccer
11 a.m., Thursday May 28
Show Floor Stage: Exhibit Hall A

Excitement is high as players and fans await the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. The United States alone will host 76 World Cup matches in 11 locations, including the final match in New Jersey. Soccer has become especially popular with younger Americans, with millions playing at the youth level and more than 800,000 participating in high school, and our nation’s role as a host could again reshape the future of soccer in the United States. Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp.

Figures of the American Revolution
Special Dedication
11 a.m., Friday May 29
Show Floor Stage: Exhibit Hall A

Commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States, this pane pays tribute to 25 individuals whose ideas, leadership and sacrifices were vital to achieving American independence and shaping the new nation. Representing a range of roles and perspectives, from political thinkers and military leaders to writers, diplomats and everyday citizens, the honorees reflect the collective effort that defined the Revolution. Ethel Kessler, an art director for USPS, designed the pane, which features original artwork by 13 contemporary artists.

All USPS ceremonies are free and open to the public. The Stamp Encore issue is exclusive to the Boston 2026 World Exposition during the show but will be available at usps.com and Post Office locations nationwide starting June 1. All other stamps issued at the show will be available at usps.com and at Post Office locations nationwide on their issue date.

RSVP: Parties interested in attending any of the first-day-of-issue events at the Boston 2026 World Exposition should RSVP at this link usps.com/worldstampshow.

This previously-unannounced stamp will be issued May 28, the sixth day of Boston 2026. The U.S. is hosting the World Cup in 2026, but the stamp does not mention that event or FIFA, its governing body. It is not a joint issue.

From the USPS:

Excitement is high as players and fans await the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. The United States alone will host 76 World Cup matches in 11 locations, including the final match in New Jersey. Soccer has become especially popular with younger Americans, with millions playing at the youth level and more than 800,000 participating in high school, and our nation’s role as a host could again reshape the future of soccer in the United States. Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp.

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

Updated April 20^th:
Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue:The Digital Color Postmark measures 3.0″ x 1.35″ The Pictorial Postmark measures 2.75″ x 1.25″

Updated April 15^th:
On May 28, 2026, in Boston, MA, the United States Postal Service® will issue the North American Soccer stamp (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate), in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 488900). This stamp will go on sale nationwide May 28, 2026, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

This stamp celebrates the long history and rapid growth of soccer in the U.S. as our nation prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the biggest sporting event in the world. The stamp art is an illustration of a player striking a volley above the famous “Gooooal!” call, used by commentators and fans to express excitement about scoring a goal. Art director Antonio Alcalá 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 28, 2026.

FDOI – North American Soccer Stamp
USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Suite 300
Kansas City, MO 64144-9900

The Technical Specifications are not yet available.

These four previously-unannounced triangular stamps will be issued on May 26, the fourth day of Boston 2026.

From the USPS:

These stamps recognize Postcrossing for highlighting the fun of receiving real, personalized mail and promoting greater understanding across countries and cultures. Since 2005, Postcrossing has inspired more than 805,000 people in more than 200 countries and territories to send more than 85 million postcards to eager recipients around the world. These stamps may be used to send a postcard or letter from the United States to any country to which First-Class Mail International service is available. These stamps will have a postage value equivalent to the price of the single-piece First-Class Mail International first-ounce machinable letter at the time of use. Issued in panes of eight, these triangular stamps’ colorful illustrations by Jackson Gibbs playfully acknowledge the great distances postcards often need to travel and the efforts of the dedicated workers who help them reach their far-off destinations. Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, designed the stamps.

Updates will be posted below the line with the most recent at the top.

Updated April 20^th:</strong
Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue:The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.3″ x 1.50″The Pictorial Postmark measures 2.7″ x 1.2″The “special” postmark measures 2.2″ x 1.2″

Updated April 15^th:
On May 26, 2026, in Boston, MA, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Postcrossing Global Forever® International rate stamp, in four designs, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 8 stamps (Item 582300). These stamps will go on sale nationwide May 26, 2026, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue. The Postcrossing Global Forever® International rate pane of 8 stamps must not be split and the stamps must not be sold individually.

These stamps recognize the Postcrossing website for highlighting the fun of receiving real, personalized mail and promoting greater understanding across countries and cultures. Since 2005, Postcrossing has inspired more than 805,000 people in more than 200 countries and territories to send more than 85 million postcards to eager recipients around the world. These stamps may be used to send a postcard or letter from the United States to any country to which First-Class Mail International® service is available. These stamps will have a postage value equivalent to the price of the single-piece First-Class Mail International first-ounce machineable letter in effect at the time of use. Issued in panes of eight, these triangular stamps feature colorful illustrations by Jackson Gibbs. Antonio Alcalá served as designer and art director.

Automatic distribution

Special postmark

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 26, 2026.

FDOI – Postcrossing Stamps
USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Suite 300
Kansas City, MO 64144-9900

The Technical Specifications are not yet available.

These 10 previously-unannounced stamps will be issued May 23, on the first day of Boston 2026.

From the USPS:

The Treasures of the Revolutionary Era stamps will be issued as part of the opening ceremony for the 2026 Boston World Exposition.

To mark the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the U.S. Postal Service presents this 20-stamp prestige booklet as part of a broader USPS initiative commemorating 250 years of American independence. Centered on 10 compelling objects from the era, the booklet offers a vivid connection to the symbols and stories that helped shape the United States. Reflecting the booklet’s focus on tangible history, the featured objects range from simple tools to powerful symbols of national purpose drawn from museum collections and historical archives. To complement the stamps, the booklet also includes images and background text that place each object in historical context, connecting everyday experiences to the larger forces at work during the Revolutionary era. Ethel Kessler, an art director for USPS, designed the booklet and stamps.

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

Updated April 20^th:
Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue:The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.88″ x 1.50″ The Pictorial Postmark measures 2.49″ x 1.24″

Updated April 15^th:
On May 23, 2026, in Boston, MA, the Postal Service™ will issue the Treasures of the Revolutionary Era prestige booklet (Item Number 894700) featuring 20 commemorative stamps (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate), in ten designs, on two pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) sheets of 10. The prestige booklet will go on sale nationwide May 23, 2026, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

Marking the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, this prestige booklet highlights 10 compelling objects from the era, offering a vivid way to experience the symbols and stories that helped shape the United States. It contains 20 exclusive First-Class Forever® stamps, arranged in two identical blocks of 10. The objects include an inscribed teapot, paper currency, the Commander-in-Chief Flag, a watercolor depicting George Washington’s varied army, a powder horn, a spinning wheel, a map of the Battle of Yorktown, the Badge of Military Merit, a treaty wampum belt, and a patriotic signboard. Art director Ethel Kessler designed both the stamps and the prestige booklet.

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 (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 26, 2026.

FDOI – Treasures of the Revolutionary Era Stamps
USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Suite 300
Kansas City, MO 64144-9900

The Technical Specifications are not yet available.

Updated April 12^th:
According to the USA Philatelic catalogue Spring Edition, this prestige booklet, containing two panes of 10 stamps, will cost $28.95. (Item 894704)

The Virtual Stamp Club has learned that this year’s contemporary Christmas stamps will depict some holiday treats and be issued in September. We’ll post details when they become available.

The Virtual Stamp Club has learned that a a new round Global Forever stamp will be issued in September. We’ll post details when they become available.

Announced by the USPS on February 17, 2026:

For the first time since 2021, the Postal Service will issue a stamp designed especially for birthday invitations, cards, letters and packages. “I am excited that we are issuing new Happy Birthday stamps. Many customers have submitted ideas for occasion-specific stamps such as these and we are pleased to be able to fulfill this request from the public,” said Lisa Bobb-Semple, USPS stamp services director. Lisa Congdon designed the stamp using her own artwork. The project was art directed by Greg Breeding.

This stamp will be issued April 18 in Providence, RI. Additional information will appear below the line, with the most recent at the top.

Updated April 15^th:
Technical Specifications:

Issue: Happy Birthday Stamp
Item Number: 582200
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever®
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: April 18, 2026, Providence, RI 02904
Art Director: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Designer: Lisa Congdon, Portland, OR
Artist:: Lisa Congdon, Portland, OR
Modeler: Sandra Lane / Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 40,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Custom Blue, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.7700 x 1.0500 in. / 19.5580 x 26.6700 mm.
Overall Size (w x h): 0.9100 x 1.1900 in. / 23.1140 x 30.2260 mm.
Full Pane Size (w x h): 5.7600 x 5.5500 in. / 146.3040 x 140.9700 mm.
Press Sheets Size (w x h): 11.5200 x 22.2000 in. / 292.6080 x 563.8800 mm.
Plate Size: 320 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “B” followed by four (4) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Plate number in four corners of pane
Back: © 2026 USPS • USPS logo • Two barcodes (582200) • Plate position diagram (8) • Promotional text

Updated April 12^th:
The philatelic products for this issue include wrapping paper, four designs, 24″x36″, for $18.95

Updated March 30^th:
Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue: The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.91″ x 1.43″The Pictorial Postmark measures 2.50″ x 1.18″

Updated March 26^th:
Although the first-day postmarks were shown in the Postal Bulletin a week ago, I’m told they are not yet finalized and so the larger, clearer versions are not yet available for us.

Updated March 19^th:
On April 18, 2026, in Providence, RI, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Happy Birthday stamp (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate), in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 582200). This stamp will go on sale nationwide April 18, 2026, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

For the first time in five years, USPS® will issue a stamp designed especially for birthday invitations, cards, letters, and packages. The stamp features an illustration of an oversized white birthday cake with bright and colorful candles and capital letters spelling out HAPPY BIRTH DAY! on three lines. Lisa Congdon designed and illustrated the stamp. Greg Breeding was the art director.

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 (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 August 18, 2026.

FDOI – Happy Birthday Stamp
USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Suite 300
Kansas City, MO 64144-9900

Technical specifications are not yet available.

Updated March 10^th:
[ceremony details] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
The Postal Service Says Happy Birthday!

What: The U.S. Postal Service is commemorating the annual celebration that everyone enjoys with a new Happy Birthday stamp. The stamp will be released at the first Perfect Pairing Pop-Up Party — an event that is being planned and hosted by the Greeting Card Association.

The first-day-of-issue event is free and open to the public.

When: Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 11 a.m. Eastern

Where: Track 15 [a restaurant]
1 Union Station
Providence, RI 02903

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

Background: The new Happy Birthday stamp will be the fifth stamp issued by the Postal Service specifically designed to light up birthday invitations, cards, letters and packages. As a Forever stamp, it will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.

News about the stamp is being shared with the hashtag #HappyBirthdayStamp.

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Happy Birthday Stamps Make A Come Back in 2026
First-day-of-issue dates, locations for spring and early summer releases also revealed
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service today announced two new stamps to be released later in 2026: Happy Birthday and a nonprofit-price stamp featuring a summer sunset. Additional stamp subjects will be announced in the coming weeks and months. These designs are preliminary and may change.

Happy Birthday
For the first time since 2021, the Postal Service will issue a stamp designed especially for birthday invitations, cards, letters and packages. “I am excited that we are issuing new Happy Birthday stamps. Many customers have submitted ideas for occasion-specific stamps such as these and we are pleased to be able to fulfill this request from the public,” said Lisa Bobb-Semple, USPS stamp services director. Lisa Congdon designed the stamp using her own artwork. The project was art directed by Greg Breeding.

Summer Sunset
Summer Sunset is a new nondenominated, nonprofit-price stamp intended for bulk mailings by authorized nonprofit organizations. The stamp features an oil painting of a sunset in Menemsha, a small fishing village in the town of Chilmark, MA, on Martha’s Vineyard by local artist Rachael Cassiani. “Sunsets are universally appealing,” said Derry Noyes, an art director for USPS who designed the stamp. “A postage stamp that celebrates looking out over a body of water at the end of a summer day seems to fit well for a nonprofit organization.” Summer Sunset will be sold in self-adhesive coils of 3,000 and 10,000.

The U.S. Postal Service also announced release dates and locations for many stamp issues in spring and early summer.

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
All Aboard: Royal Mail Reveals Stamps Honouring Iconic Hornby Model Railways

• Issue date: 19 February (but not in any post offices until 27 February)
• The main set of eight stamps features specially commissioned photography of Hornby models
• A further four stamps, presented in a miniature sheet, showcase Hornby’s heritage with nostalgic designs featuring classic packaging, catalogue covers and promotional artwork
• The stamps and a range of collectible products are available to pre-order now at www.royalmail.com/hornby and by telephone on 03457 641641

Royal Mail is issuing a set of 12 stamps to celebrate the world of Hornby Model Railways, a brand that has shaped British hobby culture for over a century.

Frank Hornby, the inventor of Meccano, produced his first clockwork Hornby Series trains in 1920. In 1929 the first models representing real British locomotives arrived.

Each stamp features an exclusive photograph of an iconic Hornby model, specially commissioned by Royal Mail.

Stamps in the set are:

• No.1 locomotive, GNR (1920)
• Princess Elizabeth, LMS (1937)
• 4MT tank locomotive, BR (1954)
• AL1 electric locomotive, BR (1963)
• InterCity 125 High Speed Train, BR (1977)
• Merchant Navy class locomotive, BR (2000)
• Bournemouth Belle Pullman cars, BR (2009)
• Experimental ‘Hush-Hush’ locomotive, LNER (2021)

An additional four stamps presented in a vibrant miniature sheet celebrate the rich heritage of Hornby through four nostalgic designs, each featuring classic packaging, catalogue covers and promotional artwork from different eras.
The stamps are set against an illustration of a London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS) locomotive in full steam.

Royal Mail worked with renowned model railway historian and author, Pat Hammond, on the stamp issue.

David Gold, Director of External Affairs & Policy, Royal Mail, said: “Hornby trains entertained millions, preserved the romance of rail travel, and become a cultural icon of British design and imagination. Each of these stamps celebrates a piece of history, of Hornby’s craftsmanship and its role in British culture for generations.”

Martyn Weaver, Brand MD, Hornby, said: “To see Hornby Model Railways celebrated on Royal Mail stamps is a real honour. Hornby has been part of British life for more than a century, inspiring creativity, craftsmanship and a lifelong interest in railways and modelling. These stamps recognise the enduring appeal of model railways and the role the hobby continues to play in bringing people together across generations.”

Pat Hammond, Archivist to the Train Collectors Society, said: “The Hornby brand is over 100 years old and that is a major achievement. It is part of Britain’s heritage, and long may it be so.”

Hornby Railways:
Hornby’s story began in 1920, when Frank Hornby, the inventor of Meccano, introduced his first clockwork Hornby Series trains. These 0 gauge models, crafted from pressed steel, brass and tinplate, were twice the size of today’s 00 gauge scale. By the late 1920s, Hornby had launched electrically driven train sets and in 1929 introduced models based on real British locomotives. The iconic LMS Princess Elizabeth locomotive appeared in 1937, followed by the debut of the smaller 00 gauge system, Hornby Dublo, in 1938.

The introduction of plastic mouldings and a two-rail system marked a new era, and by the late 1970s Hornby was producing highly detailed models that appealed to both children and adult enthusiasts. Highlights included the British Railways High Speed Train (HST), released in 1977, which became one of the brand’s best-selling models.

Hornby continued to innovate into the 21st century, combining heritage with cutting-edge technology. From live steam locomotives and digital control systems to collaborations with beloved brands such as Thomas and Friends and Harry Potter, Hornby has remained a leader in model railways.

Today, the company boasts an extensive tooling stock and continues to create authentic, finely detailed models that celebrate Britain’s rich railway history.

The stamps, and a range of collectible products (including the medal cover, £24.99, shown on the left), are available to pre-order now at www.royalmail.com/hornby and by telephone on 03457 641 641. A Presentation Pack including all 12 stamps is priced at £21.30. The stamps go on general sale on 19 February from Royal Mail and from 27 February in selected Post Office branches.

These are the two first-day postmarks offered:You can find information on last October’s Steam Locomotives issue here.