Updated January 3rd: The Scott catalogue number for this issue is 5035.

Updated December 6th: I purchased a pane at my local post office. There is no year date. There is no year. Here’s the entire pane: You can click on that for a larger view. Here’s a closeup of the individual stamp:

First reported by Jay Bigalke on The American Philatelic Society’s Facebook page on November 25th:

“[A] new Purple Heart stamp variety showed up at post offices nationwide in October. Its arrival brought loads of new information to the stamp program. Here’s some of the highlights:

– Original printing by CCL Label issued last year. This new version had 200 million stamps printed by SSP using offset printing instead of gravure. The stamp has microprinting.

– New USPS policy starting with this stamp, according to USPS spokesman Mark Saunders “we won’t be conducting FDOIs for reprints.”

– This might be the last time we see the “S” for a plate number. In early October Sennett Security Products (who owns Banknote Corporation of America that prints the stamps) was purchased by CCL Label. According to the USPS “Beginning with the first issue of the new calendar year, ‘Banknote Corporation of America’ will be using the prefix ‘B.'”

This means first day cover collectors are again looking for “EKU covers” — envelopes with postmarks indicating the Earliest Known Use. Have you seen any? Is the new version in your post office yet? Report it here.

From the USPS press briefing August 20th at APS StampShow, Grand Rapids, Michigan by Mary-Anne Penner:

• There are no further issues planned for 2015 beyond Charlie Brown Christmas, Geometric
• There will be no second Music Icon stamp this year.
• In the future, there will be no commemoratives after October in any year.

Updated September 3rd: from the Postal Bulletin
On September 9, 2015, in Kansas City, MO, the U.S. Postal Service® will reissue the Neon Celebrate! special stamp (Forever® First-Class Mail® priced at 49 cents) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 586200).

The stamp will go on sale nationwide September 9, 2015.

The Neon Celebrate! stamp, first issued in 2011, will be reissued in 2015. Neon Celebrate! helps postal patrons acknowledge a host of happy occasions. The first stamp art to be made with neon, Neon Celebrate! depicts the word “Celebrate!” in a design reminiscent of a fireworks display. Brilliantly colored images of swirls, circles, and dashes seem to erupt from the ground to illuminate the darkness. The words “Forever/USA” appear at the bottom of the stamp. Working with art director Phil Jordan, neon artist Michael Flechtner created the stamp art.

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
Customers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office, at The Postal Store® website at http://www.usps.com/shop, or by calling 800-782-6724. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

Neon Celebrate! Stamp
Cancellation Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Pillar 210
Kansas City, MO 64144-0001

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 November 8, 2015.

There are two philatelic products for this stamp issue:

• 586216*, First-Day Cover, $0.93
• 586231*, Stamp Deck Card, $0.95

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Neon Celebrate! Stamp
Item Number: 586200
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever Special
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: September 9, 2015, Kansas City, MO 64108
Designer: Phil Jordan, Falls Church, VA
Art Director: Phil Jordan, Falls Church, VA
Typographer: Phil Jordan, Falls Church, VA
Artist: Michael Flechtner, Van Nuys, CA
Modeler: Donald Woo
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America/SSP
Printed at: Browns Summit, NC
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 60 million stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper, Block Tagging
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America, Browns Summit SC
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Horizontal
Image Area (w x h): 1.05 x 0.77 in./26.67 x 19.56 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 1.19 x 0.91 in./30.23 x 23.11 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 5.64 x 5.43 in./137.80 x 143.13 mm
Plate Size: 320 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “S” followed by four (4) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Plate numbers in four corners of pane
Back: © 2010 USPS • USPS logo • Plate position diagram • Barcode (586200) in upper right and lower left corners of pane • Promotional text

Updated August 31st: From Jay Bigalke, American Philatelist:

A new 2015 dated version will be issued September 9 in a pane of 20. There won’t be a first-day ceremony, but the postmark will read Kansas City, Missouri.

From the USPS:
One design.
FDOI: TBD (dependent on current quantity drawdown)
Format: Pane of 20

This Neon Celebrate! stamp, first issued in 2011, helps postal patrons acknowledge a host of happy occasions.

The first stamp art made with neon depicts the word “Celebrate!” in a design reminiscent of a fireworks display. Brilliantly colored images of swirls, circles, and dashes seem to erupt from the ground to illuminate the darkness.

The text on this reissue has been rearranged to help distinguish it from the previous versions.

Art Director: Phil Jordan
Neon Artist: Michael Flechtner

From the August 20th briefing: No ceremony, and a Kansas City postmark/servicing.

Updated December 7th: Scott Catalogue numbers:
5031 (49¢) Geometric Snowflakes – purple & lilac snowflake
5032 (49¢) Geometric Snowflakes – dark blue & blue snowflake
5033 (49¢) Geometric Snowflakes – dark green & green snowflake
5034 (49¢) Geometric Snowflakes – dark red & pink snowflake
a. Block of 4, #5031-5034
b. Convertible booklet pane of 20, 5 each #5031-5034
c. As “a,” imperforate
d. As “b,” imperforate

Updated September 25th: The first day Digital Color Postmark.
This DCP measures 2.64″x1.23″. The black-and-white postmark has been changed to the standard four-bar FIRST DAY OF ISSUE cancel.

Updated September 21st:
On October 23, 2015, in New York, NY, the U.S. Postal Service® will issue Geometric Snowflakes (Forever® First-Class Mail® priced at 49 cents) in four designs, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) booklet of 20 stamps (Item 680400).

The stamps will go on sale nationwide October 23, 2015.

Celebrate the joys of a winter snowfall with Geometric Snowflakes, four colorful new stamps issued in a booklet of 20. Each new stamp depicts a different snowflake drawn in one of four colors: purple, pink, green, or blue. These bright, cheerful stamps are sure to add a whimsical splash to holiday cards, thank-you notes, invitations, greeting cards, and any mailing that calls for a touch of warmth during the coldest months of the year. Art director Antonio Alcalá and Leslie Badani designed the stamps.

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
Customers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office, at The Postal Store® website at http://www.usps.com/shop, or by calling 800-782-6724. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

Geometric Snowflakes Stamps
Special Events Coordinator
380 West 33rd Street
New York, NY 10199-9998

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 December 22, 2015.

There are seven philatelic products for this stamp issue:

• 680406 Press Sheet with Die-cut, $58.80.
• 680408 Press Sheet without Die-cut, $58.80.
• 680410 Keepsake (set of 4), $16.95.
• 680416 First-Day Cover (Set of 4), $3.72.
• 680421 Digital Color Postmark (Set of 4), $6.56.
• 680430 Ceremony Program (random), $6.95.
• 680431 Stamp Deck Card, $0.95.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Geometric Snowflakes Stamps
Item Number:680400 Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Double-Sided Booklet of 20 
(4 designs)
Series: Holiday Celebrations
Issue Date & City: October 23, 2015, New York, NY
Art Director: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Designer: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Designer: Leslie Badani, Alexandria, VA
Typographer: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Modeler: Donald Woo
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America/SSP
Printed at: Browns Summit, NC
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Booklet: 20
Print Quantity: 300 million stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper, Overall
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America, Browns Summit, NC
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.73 x 0.84 in./18.54 x 21.34 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.87 x 0.98 in./22.09 x 24.89 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 5.52 x 1.96 in./140.21 x 49.78 mm
Press Sheet Size (w x h): 11.04 x 11.76 in./ 280.42 x 298.70 mm
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, Cool Gray
Plate Size: 240 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “S” followed by five (5) single digits
Marginal Markings:
• Plate numbers in peel strip area 
• © 2015 USPS in peel strip area

From the USPS:
4 designs
FDOI: October 23 in New York, NY at the ASDA Stamp Show
Format: Booklet of 20

Each of the four Geometric Snowflakes stamps depicts a different snowflake. In nature, untold millions of ephemeral ice crystals form unique patterns that are as stunning in their complexity as they are fleeting. This infinite variety inspired the designers to experiment with different graphic shapes. Each snowflake is drawn in one of four colors: purple, pink, green, or blue. Applying light and dark shades of color enhanced the intricate geometry of each flake and added a feeling of playfulness to the stamp art.

Art Director: Antonio Alcalá

Updated October 1st:: Photos from the ceremony by VSC member Chris Lazaroff: “A Charlie Brown Christmas” producer Lee Mendelson.

And photos from the USPS:

Updated September 3rd:: The first day cancels. The DCP cancel measures 3.0″x1.85″. The B&W pictorial measures 1.99″x1.46″. This special cancellation, which other post offices than Santa Rosa may use, measures 2.99″x1.32″.

Updated September 3rd: USPS press release:

Charlie Brown Christmas Forever Stamps Bring Cheer to Holiday Greetings and Packages
Stamps Based on 1965 Holiday TV Classic

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service begins celebrating the holiday season by dedicating the Charlie Brown Christmas Forever stamps Oct. 1. The booklet of 20 stamps features 10 still frames from the 1965 TV special “A Charlie Brown Christmas” (two of each design) celebrating the classic’s 50th anniversary.

The official dedication ceremony will take place at the Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, CA, at 9 a.m. PT. The event is free and open to the public and the stamps will be available nationwide that day. Customers may pre-order the stamps now through this link only for delivery shortly after Oct. 1.

Scheduled to join Postmaster General Megan Brennan at the ceremony are: Schulz’s widow Jean Schulz; Schulz’s son Craig Schulz; and, A Charlie Brown Christmas Executive Producer Lee Mendelson.

The stamp images include: Charlie Brown holding the sapling that eventually becomes his Christmas tree; Charlie Brown and Pigpen with a snowman; Snoopy and children ice skating; the cast of the program gathered around the Christmas tree; Linus kneeling by the sparsely decorated Christmas tree; Charlie Brown checking his mailbox for a Christmas card; Charlie Brown and Linus leaning on a snowy brick wall; Charlie Brown and Linus standing by the Christmas tree; a frustrated Charlie Brown standing in front of Snoopy’s doghouse; and, Charlie Brown decorating the tree in front of the prize-winning lights display on Snoopy’s doghouse. Art director Antonio Alcalá Alexandria VA, designed the stamps.

The early October release of the stamp coincides with the Peanuts comic strip debut in seven newspapers on Oct. 2, 1950: The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, The Minneapolis Star-Tribune, The Allentown Call-Chronicle, The Bethlehem Globe-Times, The Denver Post, and The Seattle Times. When Schulz announced his retirement in December 1999, the Peanuts comic strip was syndicated in more than 2,600 newspapers worldwide, with book collections translated in more than 21 languages.

The Christmas Classic
“A Charlie Brown Christmas,” the first animated special featuring characters from Charles Schulz’s beloved comic strip Peanuts, aired on CBS the evening of Dec. 9, 1965. Over the years, the ode to the holiday season has become a tradition. The program now airs annually on ABC.

Work began on “A Charlie Brown Christmas” in the spring of 1965, when Schulz met with producer Lee Mendelson and animator Bill Melendez. Instead of hiring adult actors, the group decided to take the then-unusual step of having children provide voices for most of the characters.

Schulz insisted that the program should not have a laugh track, which he considered cynical and unnecessary. “Let the people at home enjoy the show at their own speed,” he said, “in their own way.” Composer Vince Guaraldi contributed a memorable jazz score. “Linus and Lucy,” a lively piano tune that plays in the film, is still synonymous with Peanuts.

Schulz’s script focuses on Charlie Brown’s search for the true meaning of Christmas. All around him, his friends are enjoying themselves, but he is bothered by the season’s commercialism. “I just don’t understand Christmas, I guess,” he tells Linus. “I like getting presents, and sending Christmas cards, and decorating trees and all that, but I’m still not happy.”

At Lucy’s request, Charlie Brown agrees to direct their school’s Christmas play. The production is temporarily derailed when the other children laugh at him for choosing a small sapling — not a shiny aluminum replica — as a Christmas tree. After an exasperated Charlie Brown wonders if there’s anyone who knows what Christmas is all about, Linus says that he does, and proceeds to recite a stirring rendition of the biblical Nativity story. When he’s finished, he picks up his blanket and says, “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”

Encouraged, Charlie Brown rushes home to decorate his small tree, only to be disappointed again when it collapses under the weight of one ornament. His pals, however, come to the rescue, turning the sapling into a glimmering masterpiece.

Watched in more than 15 million American homes, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” was a smash hit. It won the George Foster Peabody Award and an Emmy Award for Outstanding Children’s Program.

“A Charlie Brown Christmas” is being issued as Forever stamps that will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail one-ounce price.

From the Postal Bulletin:
How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
Customers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office, at The Postal Store® website at http://www.usps.com/shop, or by calling 800-782-6724. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

A Charlie Brown Christmas Stamps
Special Events
PO Box 7838
San Francisco, CA 94120-7838

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 November 30, 2015.

There are eight philatelic products for this stamp issue:

• 680206 Press Sheet with Die-cut, $78.40 (print quantity 500).
• 680208 Press Sheet without Die-cut, $78.40 (print quantity 1,500).
• 680210 Digital Color Postmark Keepsake (Random), $11.95.
• 680216 First-Day Cover, set of 10, $9.30.
• 680221 Digital Color Postmark, set of 10, $16.40.
• 680224 Framed Art, $39.95. [shown on the right]
• 680230 Ceremony Program (Random), $6.95.
• 680231 Stamp Deck Card (Random), $0.95.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: A Charlie Brown Christmas Stamps
Item Number: 680200
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Double-Sided Booklet of 20 (10 designs)
Series: Holiday Celebrations
Issue Date & City: October 1, 2015, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Art Director: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Designer: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Modeler: Donald Woo
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America/SSP
Printed at: Browns Summit, NC
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Booklet: 20
Print Quantity: 500 million stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged, Block Tagging
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America, Browns Summit, NC
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Horizontal
Image Area (w x h): 1.05 x 0.77 in./26.67 x 19.56 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 1.19 x 0.91 in./30.22 x 23.11 mm
Full Booklet Size (w x h): 5.74 x 2.38 in./145.88 x 60.33 mm
Press Sheet Size (w x h): 11.49 x 9.5 in./291.74 x 241.3 mm
Plate Size: 160 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “S” followed by four (4) single digits
Marginal Markings: Plate numbers in peel strip area • © 2015 • USPS in peel strip area

10 designs (click on the picture for a larger view)
FDOI: October 1 in Santa Rosa, CA at the Charles M. Schultz Museum and Research Center
Format: Booklet of 20

On December 9, 1965, millions of Americans learned what Christmas is all about. That evening, A Charlie Brown Christmas, the first animated special featuring characters from Charles Schulz’s beloved comic strip Peanuts, aired on CBS.

Over the years, watching the beautifully understated ode to the holiday season has become an annual tradition. The program now airs every year on ABC.

The art features 10 still frames from A Charlie Brown Christmas (two of each design).

They include:

• Charlie Brown holding the sapling that eventually becomes his Christmas tree
• Charlie Brown and Pigpen with a snowman
• Snoopy and children ice skating
• The cast of the program gathering around the Christmas tree
• Linus kneeling by the sparsely decorated Christmas tree
• Charlie Brown checking his mailbox for a Christmas card
• Charlie Brown and Linus leaning on a snowy brick wall
• Charlie Brown and Linus standing by the tree
• A frustrated Charlie Brown standing in front of Snoopy’s doghouse
• Charlie Brown decorating the tree in front of the prize-winning lights display on Snoopy’s doghouse.

Art Director: Antonio Alcalá

From the briefing at StampShow on August 20, 2015: The art of Charlie checking his mailbox will also be used on USPS self-service kiosks.

The Peanuts comic strip debuted on October 1, 1950 (Wikipedia says October 2nd) and the Schulz family requested October 1st as the first day date (65th anniversary).

Here are the exact Scott catalogue numbers:

5013 (25¢) Eagle coil – green behind “USA”, litho., serpentine die cut 10¼ vert.
5014 (25¢) Eagle coil – blue green behind “USA”, litho., serpentine die cut 10¼ vert.
5015 (25¢) Eagle coil – blue behind “USA”, litho., serpentine die cut 10¼ vert.
5016 (25¢) Eagle coil – red violet behind “USA”, litho., serpentine die cut 10¼ vert.
5017 (25¢) Eagle coil – brown orange behind “USA”, litho., serpentine die cut 10¼ vert.
5018 (25¢) Eagle coil – yellow orange behind “USA”, litho., serpentine die cut 10¼ vert.
a. Strip of 6, #5013-5018

On September 2, 2015, in Eagleville, MO, the U.S. Postal Service® will reissue the Spectrum Eagle Presort First-Class Mail® nondenominated stamp (priced at 25 cents), in six designs, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) coil of 10,000 (Item 788500).

The stamps will go on sale nationwide September 2, 2015.

The Spectrum Eagle Presorted First-Class Mail issuance celebrates the grandeur of the bald eagle with an artist’s rendering of this magnificent bird. Originally issued in 2012, these stamps are being reprinted in 2015. The eagle’s profile is depicted in white, set against a sequence of six varying shades of reds, yellows, greens, and blues. Each color blends with the one following, resulting in a gradual spectrum from left to right across the six stamps. Illustrator Michael Osborne worked with art director Ethel Kessler to create the stamp art.

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
Customers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. Each cover must have sufficient postage to meet the First-Class Mail requirement. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office, at The Postal Store® website at http://www.usps.com/shop or by calling 800-782-6724. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes to themselves or others, and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

Spectrum Eagle Stamps
Cancellation Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Pillar 210
Kansas City, MO 64144-0001

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. For more than 50, customers have to pay five cents each. All orders must be postmarked by November 1, 2015.

There is one philatelic product for this stamp issue: 788517, First-Day Cover (set of 6), $5.64.

Technical Specifications:

 Issue: Spectrum Eagle Stamps
Item Number: 788500
Denomination & Type of Issue: Presorted First-Class Mail
Format: Coil of 10,000, 6 designs
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: September 2, 2015, Eagleville, MO 64442
Art Director: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Designer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Typographer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Artist: Michael Osborne, San Francisco, CA
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Printed at: Williamsville, NY
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Coil: 10,000
Print Quantity: 150 million stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.73 x 0.84 in./18.54 x 21.34 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.87 x 0.98 in./22.10 x 24.89 mm
Plate Size: 594 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “P” followed by four (4) single digits
Coil Number Frequency: Plate numbers every 27th stamp below stamp image

The main discussion about the stamp issued August 12, 2015, is here.

Postmaster General Megan Brennan, left, and Priscilla Presley and Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN), right. Photo courtesy Chris Lazaroff. L to R: Quintin R. Smith, Pastor, Historical First Baptist Church of Millington; Memphis City Councilman Harold B. Collins; Joshua D. Colin, Vice President, Area Operations, USPS; Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr; PMG Megan Brennan; Priscilla Presley; Rep. Steve Cohen; Jack Soden, CEO, Elvis Presley Enterprises; Shelby County Mayor, Mark Luttrell. Photo courtesy USPS.Priscilla Presley. Top photo courtesy Chris Lazaroff. Bottom photo courtesy USPS.

Photo courtesy Chris Lazaroff.Elvis fan Bobbie Clark meets Priscilla Presley. Photo courtesy USPS.A fan reacts to the playing of the new version of “If I Can Dream.” Photo courtesy USPS. L to R: Quintin R. Smith, Pastor, Historical First Baptist Church of Millington; Memphis City Councilman Harold B. Collins; Jack Soden, CEO, Elvis Presley Enterprises; Postmaster General Megan Brennan; Priscilla Presley; Rep. Steve Cohen; Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell; Kevin Kern, Director of PR, Graceland. Photo courtesy USPS, as is the photo of the fans above this one.

Updated October 2nd: The colors and press sheet size initially reported by the USPS were incorrect. We have updated the information below in Technical Specifications.

Updated September 20th: Photos from the first-day ceremony, courtesy VSC member Chris Lazaroff: Chris himself at the ceremony.

Updated August 18th: From the Postal Bulletin:
On September 18, 2015, in Cleveland, OH, the U.S. Postal Service® will issue the Paul Newman First-Class Mail® (Forever® 49-cent stamp), in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 473400).

The stamp will go on sale nationwide September 18, 2015.

More than just a film icon, Paul Newman (1925–2008) used his success as an actor, writer, producer, and director to promote and fund foundations and institutions that benefit many causes worldwide. The stamp art features a 1980 photograph of Newman taken by Steve Schapiro. Text that reads “actor/philanthropist” appears on the left side of the stamp and Newman’s name scrolls across the top. The stamp pane includes verso text. Newman’s SeriousFun Children\u0027s Network has helped more than 600,000 children and families in the United States and beyond. Since its inception in 1982, Newman\u0027s Own food brand has donated its profits — more than $430 million — to charity. Art director Derry Noyes designed the stamp.

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
Customers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office, at The Postal Store® website at http://www.usps.com/shop, or by calling 800-782-6724. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

Paul Newman Stamp
Customer Relations Coordinator
Cleveland Post Office
2200 Orange Avenue, Room 234
Cleveland, OH 44101-9998

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. For more than 50, customers have to pay five cents each. All orders must be postmarked by November 17, 2015.

There are twelve philatelic products for this stamp issue:

• 473406, Press Sheet with Die-cut, $58.80 (print quantity 250)
• 473408, Press Sheet without Die-cut, $58.80 (print quantity 500)
• 473410 Keepsake with Digital Color Postmark, $11.95
• 473416 First-Day Cover, $0.93
• 473418 First-Day Cover Full Pane, $12.30
• 473419 Cancelled Full Pane, $12.30
• 473421 Digital Color Postmark, $1.64
• 473424 Framed Art, $39.95
• 473430 Ceremony Program, $6.95
• 473431 Stamp Deck Card, $0.95
• 473432 Stamp Deck Card with Digital Color Postmark, $1.99
• 473433 Panel, $10.95

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Paul Newman Stamp
Item Number: 473400
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: Cleveland, OH 44101
Designer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Art Director: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Typographer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Existing Photo: Steve Schapiro
Engraver: N/A
Modeler: Donald Woo
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America/SSP
Printed at: Browns Summit, NC
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 12 million stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged, Overall
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America, Browns Summit SC
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.84 x 1.42 in./21.34 x 36.07 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 0.98 x 1.56 in./24.89 x 39.62 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 5.92 x 8.00 in./150.37 x 203.20 mm
Press Sheets Size (w x h): 11.84 x 24.00 in./ 300.74 x 609.60 mm
Plate Size: 240 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “S” followed by four (4) single digits
Marginal Markings: Front: Plate numbers in two corners
Back: © 2015 USPS • USPS logo • Plate position diagram • (2) UPC Barcodes (473400) in upper right and lower left corners of pane • Promotional text • Paul Newman Bio

Updated August 18th: Here are the first day postmarks for this issue:It measures 2.63″x1.31″
It measures 2.54″x1.36″.

Updated July 31st:
[press release]
U.S. Postal Service Announces Paul Newman Forever Stamp Dedication Ceremony to be Held in Cleveland, OH, Sept. 18

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service announced today the Forever Stamp honoring award-winning actor and philanthropist Paul Newman will be officially dedicated Sept. 18 in the Playhouse Square District in Cleveland, OH.

The first-day-of-issue ceremony location is U.S. Bank Plaza on E.14th Street & Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH. The ceremony starts at 10:30 a.m. A proclamation will be issued proclaiming Sept. 18, “Paul Newman Day.”

Clea Newman, daughter of Paul Newman, is scheduled to attend the ceremony along with Joshua Colin, area vice president, Eastern Area, U.S. Postal Service, who will serve as the dedicating official; Janet Klug, chairman of the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee; and

Mary-Anne Penner, director, Stamp Services, U.S. Postal Service.

More than just a film icon, Newman used his success as an actor, writer, producer and director to advance his philanthropic endeavors funding charitable causes in an effort to make the world a better place.

SeriousFun Children’s Network, which Newman founded, has helped more than 600,000 children and their family members in the United States and beyond since inception in 1988. Perhaps Newman’s boldest action on the philanthropic stage came in 1982, when he founded the Newman’s Own food company. Beginning simply with a single product of oil-and-vinegar salad dressing and a commitment to quality and charitable giving over profit, the company has since grown into an international business with more than 200 products. Along the way, more than $430 million was donated to thousands of charities from the profits and royalties earned from the sale of Newman’s Own products.

In 1998, Newman helped create the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy, an organization composed of board chairs and CEOs of major corporations that focuses on corporate philanthropy and citizenship. In 2006, he co-founded the Safe Water Network, which provides market-based safe water solutions to people in the developing world.

Newman’s legacy will be honored the night before the stamp release at Campfire, a charity dinner and show on Sept. 17 that benefits Flying Horse Farms — the SeriousFun Children’s Network camp in Newman’s home state of Ohio. Guests at the event will see a sneak peek at the Paul Newman stamp. Tickets cost $200 and will be available in early August at flyinghorsefarms.org.

Updated July 9th: This stamp will be issued in Cleveland, zip 44101, according to the Postal Bulletin.

[USPS press release – June 29th]
U.S. Postal Service to Issue Paul Newman Forever Stamp
Dedication ceremony is Sept. 18

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service announced today that award-winning actor and philanthropist Paul Newman will be honored on a Forever Stamp. The stamp will go on sale Sept. 18.

The stamp art features photographer Steve Schapiro’s 1980 photograph of Newman accompanied by text that reads “Actor/Philanthropist.” The photo credit is Paul Newman photo/© Steve Schapiro/Corbis. Art director Derry Noyes designed the stamp.

With his blue eyes and on-screen charisma, Newman enthralled American moviegoers for six decades. Over the course of his decorated movie career, he received 10 Academy Award nominations, including eight for best actor. He won an Oscar for his role in the 1986 film “The Color of Money.” At the Oscars in 1994, Newman was presented with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Newman stayed active in the arts and also embraced his many passions, particularly auto racing, which he took up in his 40s. Each year the number on his race car was changed to match his age. The last car he raced was number 82. He also served as the president of the board of the famed Actors Studio, which he helped support financially.

More than just a film icon, Newman used his success as an actor, writer, producer and director to advance his philanthropic endeavors funding charitable causes in an effort to make the world a better place.

Newman’s SeriousFun Children’s Network has helped more than 600,000 children and families in the United States and beyond. Perhaps Newman’s boldest action on the philanthropic stage came in 1982, when he founded the Newman’s Own food company. Beginning simply with a single product of oil-and-vinegar salad dressing and a commitment to quality and charitable giving over profit, the company has since grown into an international business with more than 200 products. Along the way, Newman’s Own has donated more than $430 million to thousands of charities.

In 1998, Newman helped create the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy, an organization composed of board chairs and CEOs of major corporations that focuses on corporate philanthropy and citizenship. In 2006, he co-founded the Safe Water Network, which provides market-based safe water solutions to people in the developing world.

Updated August 18th: From the USPS: The Ingrid Bergman Forever Stamp goes on sale Aug. 20. Since there is no first-day-of-issue ceremony, the Postal Service decided to give the stamp visibility in a “Hollywood” setting where Bergman became famous as well as an opportunity to sell stamps and products.

On Aug. 20, a special retail station will be set up at the West Hollywood Library between 4-7 p.m. PT. A stamp enlargement will be displayed, and stamps and products will be sold, including the Swedish stamps (in strips of four) and a special first-day cover with both U.S. and Swedish stamps.

Here is the location:

West Hollywood Library
625 N. San Vicente Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90069

[USPS press release]
Ingrid Bergman First Day of Issue Stamp Sales Event in West Hollywood August 20
The 19th stamp in the Legends of Hollywood series honors the Swedish-born actress

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA — On August 20, 2015, the U.S. Postal Service and Posten AB of Sweden will jointly honor Swedish-born actress Ingrid Bergman (1915-1982), who lit up American and European films for decades.

The U.S. Postal Service’s issuance will be a 49-cent commemorative Forever stamp, featuring a circa 1940 image of Bergman taken by Laszlo Willinger, well known for his portraits of celebrities. Artist Kristen Monthei digitally colorized the image. Monthei also colorized a still of Bergman from the film Casablanca, which is featured on the stamp pane selvage. Art Director Ethel Kessler designed the stamp pane.

In celebration, a special Ingrid Bergman stamp and philatelic product sales event will be held at the West Hollywood Library, 625 N. San Vicente Blvd., on August 20, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. In addition to the stamps, First Day covers, Digital Color Postmark covers and Framed Stamp Art will be available for purchase. The Postal Service will also offer a unique collectible — a joint U.S.–Sweden First Day of Issue cover containing both U.S. and Swedish stamps and Los Angeles and Stockholm postmarks. First Day of Issue hand-postmark service will also be available at the event.

The Ingrid Bergman commemorative Forever stamp, the 19th stamp in the Legends of Hollywood series, goes on sale nationwide in the U.S. on August 20, with Posten AB of Sweden issuing their Bergman stamps on the same day. The U.S. stamp will be available at Post Offices, online at USPS.com or by calling 800-STAMP-24.

During her career, Bergman won three Academy Awards, two Emmy Awards, and the Tony Award for best actress. She is best remembered for her timeless portrayals of Ilsa Lund in Casablanca (1942); Paula Alquist in Gaslight (1944); Anna Koreff in Anastasia (1956); and Alicia Huberman in Notorious (1946).

Updated August 1st: The first day postmarks: The DCP measures 3.00″x1.32″.The B&W cancel measures 2.43″x1.02″.

The Swedish cancel measures 48mm in diameter: Updated July 23rd from the Postal Bulletin:

On August 20, 2015, in Los Angeles, CA, the U.S. Postal Service® will issue the Ingrid Bergman commemorative 49-cent (Forever®) First-Class Mail® stamp, in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 473300). This is a joint issue with Posten AB of Sweden who will issue their stamps on the same day.

The stamp will go on sale nationwide August 20, 2015.

With this issuance, the U.S. Postal Service and Posten AB of Sweden join in honoring actress Ingrid Bergman (1915–1982). The 19th stamp in the Legends of Hollywood series celebrates the Swedish-born star who lit up the screen for several decades winning three Academy Awards, two Emmy Awards, and the Tony Award for Best Actress. The stamp art features a circa 1940 image of Bergman taken by Laszlo Willinger, known for his portraits of celebrities. Artist Kristen Monthei digitally colorized the image. Monthei also colorized the selvage photograph, a still of Bergman from Casablanca. Art director Ethel Kessler designed the stamp pane.

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
Customers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office, at The Postal Store® website at http://www.usps.com/shop, or by calling 800-STAMP-24. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

Ingrid Bergman Stamp
Manager, Retail
U.S. Postal Service, Los Angeles District
7001 South Central Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90052-9614

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 October 19, 2015.

There are 12 philatelic products for this stamp issue:

• 473306, Press Sheet with Die-cut, $88.20 (print quantity 250).
• 473308, Press Sheet without Die-cut, $88.20 (print quantity 500).
• 473310 Digital Color Postmark Keepsake, $11.95.
• 473316 First-Day Cover, $0.93.
• 473317 Joint First-Day Cover, set of 2 (1 U.S. & 1 Sweden), $7.56.
• 473318 First-Day Cover Full Pane, $12.30.
• 473319 Cancelled Full Pane, $12.30.
• 473321 Digital Color Postmark, $1.64.
• 473324 Framed Art, $39.95.
• 473331 Stamp Deck Card, $0.95.
• 473332 Stamp Deck Card/Digital Color Postmark, $1.99.
• 801216 Sweden Strip of 4 (2 designs), $7.95.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Ingrid Bergman Stamp
Item Number: 473300
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: Legends of Hollywood
Issue Date & City: August 20, 2015, Los Angeles, CA 90052
Designer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Art Director: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Typographer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Existing Photo: Laszlo Willinger
Artist: Kristen Monthei
Modeler: Donald Woo
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America/SSP
Printed at: Browns Summit, NC
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 20 million stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper, Block
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive adhesive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America, Browns Summit SC
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.84 x 1.42 in./21.34 x 36.07 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 0.98 x 1.56 in./24.89 x 39.62 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 8.47 x 7.17 in./215.24 x 182.09 mm
Press Sheets Size (w x h): 25.92 x 22.01 in./ 658.42 x 558.98 mm
Plate Size: 180 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “S” followed by Four (4) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Plate numbers in two corners of pane • Legends of Hollywood
Back: © 2015 USPS • USPS Logo • (1) UPC Code (473300) • Promotional Text • Ingrid Bergman Bio • Ingrid Bergman is a trademark of the family of Ingrid Bergman, Licensed by CMG Brands, LLC • CASABLANA licensed by Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. • All Rights Reserved • Plate Position Grid • Plate position diagram

Low-resolution versions of the first-day postmarks: Updated July 9th: The first-day postmark for this stamp will say “Hollywood, CA 90052,” according to the Postal Bulletin, although we understand the U.S. first day ceremony is unlikely to be held on the actual first day of issue.

Updated June 26th: PostNord, Sweden’s postal agency, is issuing two stamps honoring Bergman on August 20th. The press release is below, but here are the designs. First, the matching stamp: And the second stamp: USPS press release June 25th:
U.S. Postal Service and Sweden Post to Jointly Issue Ingrid Bergman Stamp
Forever Stamp to be Dedicated Aug. 20 in Sweden

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service and Posten AB of Sweden announced today that award-winning actress Ingrid Bergman will be honored as the 19th stamp in the Legends of Hollywood series.

The stamp will be issued jointly by the Postal Service and Sweden Post and go on sale Aug. 20. Special ceremonies will be held later.

The stamp art features a circa 1940 image of Bergman taken by Laszlo Willinger, known for his portraits of celebrities. Artist Kristen Monthei digitally colorized the image. Monthei also colorized the selvage photograph, a still of Bergman from Casablanca. Art director Ethel Kessler designed the stamp pane.

Bergman lit up the silver screen for decades, starring in a variety of European and American films. She won three Academy Awards, two Emmy Awards, and the Tony Award for best actress. She is best remembered for her timeless portrayals of Ilsa Lund in Casablanca (1942); Paula Alquist in Gaslight (1944); Anna Koreff in Anastasia (1956); and Alicia Huberman in Notorious (1946).

Bergman joins Marilyn Monroe, Humphrey Bogart, Alfred Hitchcock, John Wayne, Judy Garland, Audrey Hepburn and Bette Davis, among many others, with a Legends of Hollywood stamp in her honor.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

Sweden’s press release, in Swedish:

Filmstjärnan Ingrid Bergman porträtteras på nya frimärken

PostNord ger den 20 augusti ut två frimärken som uppmärksammar 100-årsminnet av skådespelerskan Ingrid Bergmans födelse. Frimärksutgåvan är ett samarbete med US Postal Service, som ger ut ett motiv.

Ingrid Bergman (1915-1982) var en av de starkast lysande stjärnorna i den internationella filmvärlden. Tre Oscarstatyetter erövrade hon – två för bästa kvinnliga huvudroll i ”Gasljus” 1944 och ”Anastasia” 1956 – och den filmintresserade publikens hjärta.

Hennes karriär inleddes i Sverige, nådde toppen i Hollywood och American Film Institute rankar henne som den fjärde största stjärnan genom tiderna i amerikansk film.

Ingrid Bergman var en naturlig gemensam nämnare för PostNord och US Postal Service i detta frimärksprojekt som är en fortsättning på samarbetet för tio år sedan kring Greta Garbo-frimärkena.

– Med frimärkena Ingrid Bergman 100 år har vi nöjet att presentera ett nytt samarbete, med US Postal Service. Visst är dessa frimärken lika vackra som de i vårt samarbete kring Greta Garbo-frimärkena för tio år sedan. Vi valde valören 14 kronor, portot för utrikes brev, för att de ska kunna ge ett bidrag till att visa en bild av Sverige ute i världen genom något av de miljontals brev som skickas till mottagare utomlands, säger Britt-Inger Hahne, frimärkschef i PostNord.

Fakta om frimärkena Ingrid Bergman 100 år – PostNord
Frimärkena har formgivits av Gustav Mårtensson. Förlagor är ett porträttfotografi av Laszlo Willinger/Heritage/TT, och en akvarell av Stina Wirsén efter foton av Sven-Gösta Johansson/TT. Lars Sjööblom graverade Willinger-porträttet. Tryckning har skett i kombination ståltryck och offset (Willinger-porträttet) och offset (Wirsén-porträttet). Förpackningen är rulle med 100 frimärken och två motiv. Valören är 14 kronor, för utrikes hälsningar och brev.

Fakta om frimärket Ingrid Bergman 100 Years – US Postal Service
Frimärket har utformats av Ethel Kessler efter ett fotografi av Laszlo Willinger. Tryckning har skett i offset och förpackningen är ark med 20 frimärken.

Digitala foton av de tre frimärkena bifogas.

Följande text måste finnas med i anslutning till frimärket från US Postal Service när detta avbildas: Ingrid Bergman™ is a trademark of the family of Ingrid Bergman, licensed by CMG Brands, LLC. And CASABLANCA – Licensed by Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Of particular interest to American collectors, the press release points out that the USPS and PostNord collaborated ten years ago for Greta Garbo stamps, and says the denomination is 14 kronor, the international rate.

The Swedish stamps were designed by Gustav Mårtensson. One is based on a photo by Laszlo Willinger, the other a watercolor by Stina Wirsén for Photos by Sven-Gösta Johansson. The Willinger design was engraved by Lars Sjööblom and is printed in a combination recess and offset process. The watercolor design is printed by offset. I believe the stamps are being issued in coils of 100, possibly with the both designs in both rolls.

Scott Catalog numbers:

UX646 (35¢) Flowers and Bee postal card
UY53 (35¢)+(35¢) Flowers and Bee paid reply postal card

From the Postal Bulletin June 25th:
On July 31, 2015, in Clackamas, OR, the U.S. Postal Service® will issue the Fanciful Flowers stamped card, Forever® priced at 39 cents (35-cent postage plus 4-cent surcharge) in one design.

The stamped cards will go on sale nationwide July 31, 2015.

With this attractive stamped card, the U.S. Postal Service features a stylized illustration of flowers and a bee. This fanciful rendering in red, white, and green was inspired by observations of life in a garden. Artist Cathie Bleck used a process similar to woodblock printing to create the stamp art. Ethel Kessler was the art director.

The Fanciful Flowers stamped card will be available in the following formats:

• Single-cut cards (Item 222100)
• Double-reply cards (Item 228100)
• Sheet of 40 cards (Item 228400)

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
Customers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office, at The Postal Store® website at www.usps.com/shop, or by calling 800-STAMP-24. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to

Fanciful Flowers Stamped Cards
Marketing Manager
Portland District Marketing
PO Box 4029
Portland, OR 97208-4029

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 29, 2015.

There are two philatelic products for this stamp issue:

• 222116 Single card with cancellation, $0.51
• 228116 Double-reply card with cancellation, $0.90.

Technical Specifications (single card):

Issue: Fanciful Flowers Stamped Card
Item Number: 222100
Denomination & Type of Issue: Non-denominated Stamped Card
Format: Single-cut Cards
Issue Date & City: July 31, 2015, Clackamas, OR 97015
Art Director: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Designer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Typographer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Artist: Cathie Bleck, Cleveland Heights, OH
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Printed at: Williamsville, NY
Press Type: Stevens, Vari-size Security Press
Print Quantity: 3,120,000 stamped cards
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block
Adhesive Type: N/A
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Image Orientation: Horizontal
Card Size: (w x h): 5.5 x 3.5 in/139.70 x 88.90 mm
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
Plate Size: 18 cards per revolution
Plate Numbers: N/A
Marginal Markings: © 2015 USPS • Recycling Logo

Technical Specifications (double reply):

Issue: Fanciful Flowers Stamped Card
Item Number: 228100
Denomination & Type of Issue: Non-denominated Stamped Card, Mail-use
Format: Double-reply Cards
Issue Date & City: July 31, 2015, Clackamas, OR 97015
Art Director: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Designer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Typographer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Artist: Cathie Bleck, Cleveland Heights, OH
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Printed at: Williamsville, NY
Press Type: Muller A76
Print Quantity: 96,000 double reply cards
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block
Adhesive Type: N/A
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Image Orientation: Horizontal
Card Size: (w x h): 5.5 x 7.0 in/139.70 x 177.80 mm
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
Plate Size: 12 cards per revolution
Plate Numbers: N/A
Marginal Markings: © 2015 USPS • Recycling Logo

Technical Specifications (sheet of 40):

Issue: Fanciful Flowers Stamped Card
Item Number: 228400
Denomination & Type of Issue: Non-denominated Stamped Card, Mail-use
Format: Sheet of 40 Cards
Issue Date & City: July 31, 2015, Clackamas, OR 97015
Art Director: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Designer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Typographer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Artist: Cathie Bleck, Cleveland Heights, OH
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Printed at: Williamsville, NY
Press Type: Heidelberg Speedmaster
Print Quantity: 2,500 sheets of 40
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block
Adhesive Type: N/A
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Image Orientation: Horizontal
Card Size: (w x h): 5.5 x 3.5 in/139.70 x 88.90 mm
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
Plate Size: 40 cards per revolution
Plate Numbers: N/A
Marginal Markings: © 2015 USPS • Recycling Logo

From the Postal Bulletin June 11th: The actual first-day city is Clackamas, OR, and this card will be available as a single stamped card, double (reply) card and a sheet. There will not be a Digital Color Postmark.

From the USPS June 3rd:

…the new Fanciful Flowers stamped card, which will be issued July 31. The card features a stylized illustration of flowers and a bee.  This whimsical rendering in red, white and green was inspired by observations of life in a garden. The artist used a process similar to woodblock printing to create the stamp art.  The colored petals and fragrances of flowers attract bees, providing these important flower pollinators with food and other nutrients in the form of energy-producing nectar and protein-rich pollen. This mutually beneficial relationship has facilitated the evolution of flowers and bees alike.  Art director Ethel Kessler designed the stamped card, illustrated by Cathie Bleck.

USPS spokesman Mark Saunders also answered a question from Jay Bigalke of American Philatelist:

Q: Why doesn’t the denomination read “POSTCARD” like the new nondenominated postcard rate stamp just issued?

A: The decision to make the actual stamped card a “Forever” stamped card was made several year ago. As a card is a card it was decided that using “Forever” would cause no confusion for the public. With the Postcard Rate stamp is was necessary to distinguish it to avoid it’s mistaken use as a first-class rate stamp.

July 31st is the first day of the National Topical Stamp Show in Portland, Oregon, and we believe this “stamped card” (postcard) will be issued there.