Scott Catalog numbers:

5009 (49¢) Elvis Presley
a. Imperforate

Updated August 11th: A collector was able to buy three panes of this stamp in Memphis two days before the official first day of issue and, yes, he had them postmarked to show the early sale. The Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper has the story.

[press release – August 7th]

New Version of Elvis Presley’s ‘If I Can Dream’
To Accompany Elvis Presley Stamp Dedication Aug. 12
Priscilla Presley Joins Postmaster General at 8 a.m. CST Ceremony

MEMPHIS — Music fans attending the official First-Day-of-Issue ceremony for the Music Icons: Elvis Presley Forever stamp will hear a new version of Elvis’ inspiring song “If I Can Dream” as they’ve never heard it before.

Priscilla Presley will join Postmaster General Megan Brennan in the official First-Day-of-Issue stamp dedication ceremony at 8 a.m. CST Wed., Aug. 12 at Graceland in Memphis as part of this year’s Elvis Week celebration. Customers can buy the stamps beginning at 12 a.m. Aug. 12 at a mobile Post Office that will be located outside the gate at Graceland. The public is encouraged to tweet about this news using #ElvisForever. The stamps will be available in Post Offices nationwide that day.

The U.S. Postal Service in conjunction with Sony Music’s RCA/Legacy Recordings will release an exclusive CD of 18 Presley hits titled ELVIS PRESLEY FOREVER which includes a new performance of “If I Can Dream” and an additional previously unreleased song. Fans can get ELVIS PRESLEY FOREVER for $9.99 at select Post Offices beginning August 12. Both the CD and the stamps can be pre-ordered here for delivery shortly after Aug. 12.

In early June, Postmaster General Megan Brennan announced that the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll™ will be immortalized on a stamp. The stamp image was previewed in early July. The stamps are part of the Postal Service’s “Music Icons” series, which feature 16 stamps in panes designed to suggest a classic 45 RPM record sleeve.

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

Updated August 1st: Here are the first day postmarks for this issue:  The DCP measures 2.60″x1.40″. The B&W postmark measures 2.43″x1.02″.

Updated July 9th from the Postal Bulletin:
On August 12, 2015, at Graceland in Memphis, TN, the U.S. Postal Service® will issue the Elvis Presley (Forever® priced at 49 cents) commemorative First-Class Mail® stamp in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 16 stamps (Item #589000). The $7.84 Elvis Presley pane of 16 stamps may not be split, and the stamps may not be sold individually.

The stamp will go on sale nationwide August 12, 2015.

This issuance honors Elvis Presley (1935–1977), the singer, guitarist, musician, and actor who became one of the first true stars of rock and roll. The stamp, part of the Music Icons series, features a 1955 black-and-white photograph of Presley taken by William Speer. Presley’s signature, in gold ink, is featured along the right side of the stamp. A small gold crown, between the words “Forever” and “USA” is a nod to Presley’s nickname, “The King of Rock and Roll™.” The stamp pane resembles the appearance of a vintage 45 rpm record sleeve. One side of the pane includes the stamps and the image of a sliver of a record seeming to peek out of the top of the sleeve with a list of Presley’s number one hit songs bordering the block of stamps. The reverse side includes an image of Presley shot by photographer Alfred Wertheimer and the logo for the Music Icons series. Antonio Alcalá served as the art director and designed the stamp pane with Leslie Badani.

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:

Elvis Presley Stamp
Postmaster
555 South 3rd Street, Rm 7306
Memphis, TN 38101-9998

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 October 11, 2015.

There are thirteen philatelic products for this stamp issue:

• 589006 Press Sheet with Die-cut, $70.56 (print quantity 500).
• 589008 Press Sheet without Die-cut, $70.56 (print quantity 1,500).
• 589015 Keepsake (pane of 16 with Digital Color Postmark) $ 9.95.
• 589016 First-Day Cover single $0.93
• 589018 First-Day Cover Full Pane $10.34.
• 589019 Cancelled Full Pane $ 10.34.
• 589021 Digital Color Postmark single $1.64.
• 589023 Framed Art Small $ 19.95.
• 589024 Framed Art $ 39.95.
• 589027 The Forever Elvis Collection Folio $ 24.95.
• 589030 Ceremony Program $6.95.
• 589031 Stamped Deck Card $0.95.
• 589032 Stamped Deck Card with Digital Color Postmark $1.99.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Elvis Presley Stamp
Item Number: 589000
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail® Forever
Format: Pane of 16 (1 design)
Series: Music Icon
Issue Date & City: August 12, 2015, Memphis, TN 38101
Designer: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria VA and Leslie Badani, Alexandria, VA
Art Director: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria VA
Typographer: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria VA
Existing Photo: William Speer
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint —“USPS”
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Printed at: Williamsville, NY
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Pane: 16
Print Quantity: 100 million stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III Block Tag applied
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive adhesive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Colors: Stamps side: PMS Cool Grey #7, Black, PMS 8383 Gold Cover side: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black PMS 8383 Gold
Stamp Orientation: Square
Image Area (w x h): 1.09 x 1.09 in./27.56 x 27.56 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 1.23 x 1.23 in./31.12 x 31.12 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 7.00 x 7.00 in./177.80 x 177.80 mm
Press Sheet Size (w x h): 21.25 x 21.25 in./539.75 x 539.75 mm
Plate Size: 144 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: None
Marginal Markings: © 2015 USPS • USPS Logo • Verso text • Proprietary text • Promotional text
• Barcode (589000) in lower right corner of pane
Back: Photo

Updated July 2nd: The stamp design is now available, after leaking out. This is a better quality picture than the one I posted overnight. Also, below what the complete pane of 16 will look like: -0-

The Washington Post wonders if the USPS can recapture the magic of the 1993 Elvis stamps.

Updated June 11th: Although today’s Postal Bulletin has a chart showing August 10th as the first day, the USPS confirms to The Virtual Stamp Club that the first day is August 12th, as previously announced below.

USPS press release, June 3:

Postal Service to Issue Elvis Presley Stamp
Forever Stamp to be Dedicated August 12 at GracelandWASHINGTON — Postmaster General Megan Brennan announced today that Elvis Presley will be commemorated on a Forever stamp as the sixth inductee into the Postal Service’s Music Icon Series. The stamp image will be previewed at a later date.

[Shown on the right is the design for the back of the pane of stamps. —LdeV]

“Elvis is a natural addition to our Music Icon Series,” said Brennan. “His life and talents are an incredible story. Spanning from his humble beginnings in a Tupelo, Mississippi, two-room house to becoming one of the most legendary performance artists of the 20th Century, Elvis Presley’s works continues to resonate with millions the world over.”

The First-Day-of-Issue dedication ceremony will take place on the morning of Aug. 12 at Graceland in Memphis as part of this year’s Elvis Week celebration. The public is encouraged to tweet about this news using #ElvisForever.

Launched in 2013, the Music Icons series consists of beloved musicians whose blend of sound and way of life broke musical boundaries. The first inductees included Lydia Mendoza, Johnny Cash and Ray Charles. Last year’s inductees were Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin.

Elvis Presley is regarded as one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century. Known worldwide as “The King of Rock ‘n Roll,” his music and provocative performance style, combined with a singularly potent mix of influences, made him enormously popular and controversial. “The King’s” influence continues to inspire today’s artists, musicians, designers and social influencers.

The Postal Service previously honored Presley on a stamp in 1993. Visit this link for more information.

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

Updated June 1st: First day postmarks:
Standard 4-bar FIRST DAY OF ISSUE
Digital Color Postmark:

from the Postal Bulletin May 27th:
On June 5, 2015, in McLean, VA, the U.S. Postal Service® will issue the Flannery O’Connor three ounce rate mail-use stamp (Non-denominated priced at 93 cents), in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 118900).

The stamp will go on sale nationwide June 5, 2015.

The 30th stamp in the Literary Arts series honors Flannery O’Connor (1925–1964), who crafted unsettling and darkly comic stories and novels about the potential for enlightenment and grace in what seem like the worst possible moments. The color portrait on this stamp, a watercolor painting completed digitally, is based on a black-and-white photograph taken when O’Connor was a student at the Georgia State College for Women from 1942 to 1945. Surrounding O’Connor are peacock feathers, a symbol often associated with the author. The words “THREE OUNCE” on this stamp indicate its usage value. Like a Forever® stamp, this stamp will always be valid for the rate printed on it. The initial price and value for this stamp is 93 cents. Art director Phil Jordan designed the stamp with artwork by Sam Weber.

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:

93¢ Flannery O’Connor Stamp
McLean Main Post Office
6841 Elm Street
McLean, VA 22101-9998

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 August 4, 2015.

There are seven philatelic products for the Flannery O’Connor stamp issue:

• 118906, Press Sheet with Die-cut, $111.60 (print quantity 250).
• 118908 Press Sheet without Die-cut, $111.60 (print quantity 500).
• 118910 Digital Color Postmark Keepsake, $20.95.
• 118916 First-Day Cover, $1.37.
• 118921 Digital Color Postmark, $2.08.
• 118931 Stamp Deck Card, $0.95.
• 118932 Stamp Deck Card with Digital Color Postmark, $2.43.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Flannery O’Connor Stamp
Item Number: 118900
Denomination & Type of Issue: Three Ounce Rate Non-Denominated, Mail-Use
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: Literary Arts
Issue Date & City: June 5, 2015, McLean, VA 22101
Designer: Phil Jordan, Falls Church, VA
Art Director: Phil Jordan, Falls Church, VA
Typographer: Phil Jordan, Falls Church, VA
Artist: Sam Weber, Brooklyn, NY
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Printed at: Williamsville, NY
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 20 Million stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, PMS 123C Yellow, PMS 696C Burgundy
Stamp Orientation: Horizontal
Image Area (w x h): 1.42 x 0.84 in./36.07 x 21.34 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 1.56 x 0.98 in./39.62 x 24.89 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 7.24 x 5.95 in./183.90 x 151.13 mm
Press Sheet Size (w x h): 21.72 x 11.90 in./551.69 x 302.26 mm
Plate Size: 240 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “P” followed by six (6) single digits
Marginal Markings: Front: Plate numbers in four corners of pane 
• Header: Literary Arts 30th in a Series
Back: © 2015 USPS • USPS logo • Plate position diagram • Barcode (118900) in upper right and lower left corners of pane • Promotional text • Verso text

From the USPS May 26th:
The 30th stamp in the Literary Arts series honors Flannery O’Connor (1925–1964), who crafted unsettling and darkly comic stories and novels about the potential for enlightenment and grace in what seem like the worst possible moments. The color portrait on this stamp, a watercolor painting completed digitally, is based on a black-and-white photograph taken when O’Connor was a student at the Georgia State College for Women from 1942 to 1945. Surrounding O’Connor are peacock feathers, a symbol often associated with the author. The words “THREE OUNCE” on this stamp indicate its usage value. These Forever stamps will always be equal in value to the applicable price for the price category printed on them, at the time of use. The 93 cent Forever stamp will be issued June 5 in McLean, VA, at the NAPEX Stamp Show. Art director Phil Jordan of Falls Church, VA, designed the stamp with artwork by Sam Weber of Brooklyn, NY.

From the USPS May 18th:
The 30th stamp in the Literary Arts series honors Flannery O’Connor (1925–1964), who crafted unsettling and darkly comic stories and novels about the potential for enlightenment and grace in what seem like the worst possible moments. The color portrait on this stamp, a watercolor painting completed digitally, is based on a black-and-white photograph taken when O’Connor was a student at the Georgia State College for Women from 1942 to 1945. Surrounding O’Connor are peacock feathers, a symbol often associated with the author. The words “THREE OUNCE” on this stamp indicate its usage value. These Forever stamps will always be equal in value to the applicable price for the price category printed on them, at the time of use. The initial price and value for this stamp is 93 cents. Art director Phil Jordan designed the stamp with artwork by Sam Weber.

The first day of issue will be at the NAPEX stamp show in McLean, Virginia, on June 5th.

From Wikipedia:

Mary Flannery O’Connor (March 25, 1925 – August 3, 1964) was an American writer and essayist. An important voice in American literature, she wrote two novels and 32 short stories, as well as a number of reviews and commentaries. She was a Southern writer who often wrote in a Southern Gothic style and relied heavily on regional settings and grotesque characters. Her writing also reflected her own Roman Catholic faith, and frequently examined questions of morality and ethics.

O’Connor’s The Complete Stories won the 1972 U.S. National Book Award for Fiction and was named the “Best of the National Book Awards” by internet visitors in 2009.

The three-ounce (93¢) stamp subject will be Flannery O’Connor. These new rate change stamps, including the three reprint-designs, will not have denominations, but rather a description of the rate they cover:

Flannery O’Connor: Three Ounce

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly: Non-Machineable Surcharge

Yes I Do, Wedding Cake, Vintage Tulip: Two Ounce

Coastal Birds: Postcard

Penguins: Additional Ounce.

The plan is to have all future definitives with these names rather than denominations. The word Forever is not used to avoid confusion by customers.

Updated June 1st: First day postmarks:
Standard 4-bar FIRST DAY OF ISSUE
Digital Color Postmark:

from the Postal Bulletin May 27th:
On June 1, 2015, in Kansas City, MO, the U.S. Postal Service® will reissue the Wedding Cake two ounce rate mail-use stamp, (Non-denominated priced at 71 cents), in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 589600).

The stamp will go on sale nationwide June 1, 2015.

The Wedding Cake issuance, first introduced in 2009 and sold at the two ounce stamp price, accommodates the heavier weight of an invitation, as well as other mailings such as oversize cards or small gifts that require extra postage. The stamp art features a photograph taken by Renée Comet of a three-tiered wedding cake topped with white flowers. Pastry chef Peter Brett created and designed the cake. The words “Two Ounce” on the stamp indicate its usage value. Like a Forever® stamp, this stamp will always be valid for the rate printed on it. The initial price and value for this stamp is 71 cents. Art director Ethel Kessler 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-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:

71¢ Wedding Cake 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. For more than 50, customers have to pay five cents each. All orders must be postmarked by July 31, 2015.

There are five philatelic products for the Wedding Cake stamp issue:

• 589610, Digital Color Postmark Keepsake, $16.95.
• 589616, First-Day Cover, $1.15.
• 589621, Digital Color Postmark, $1.86.
• 589631, Stamp Deck Card, $0.95.
• 589632, Stamp Deck Card with Digital Color Postmark, $2.21.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Wedding Cake Stamp
Item Number: 589600
Denomination & Type of Issue: Two Ounce Rate Non-Denominated, Mail-Use
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: Weddings
Issue Date & City: June 1, 2015, Kansas City, MO 64108
Designer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Art Director: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Typographer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Photographer: Renée Comet, Washington, DC
Modeler: Donald Woo
Manufacturing Process: Microprint, Offset
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America/SSP
Printed at: Browns Summit, NC
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 30 million stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper, Overall
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America, Browns Summit SC
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black PMS 874, PMS Warm Gray 9
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.76 x 0.87 in./19.18 x 22.01 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 0..91 x 1.19 in./23.11 x 30.22 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 5.43 x 5.64 in./137.80 x 143.12 mm
Press Sheets Size (w x h): 10.85 x 22.54 in./275.59 x 572.52 mm
Plate Size: 200 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “S” followed by six (6) single digits
Marginal Markings: Front: Plate numbers in two corners of pane
Back: © 2008 USPS • USPS logo • Plate position diagram • Barcode (589600) in upper right and lower left corners of pane • Promotional text

From the USPS May 26th:
The Wedding Cake issuance, introduced in 2009 and sold at the two-ounce stamp price, accommodates the heavier weight of an invitation, as well as other mailings such as oversize cards or small gifts that require extra postage. The stamp art features a photograph taken by Renée Comet of Washington, DC, of a three-tiered wedding cake topped with white flowers. Pastry chef Peter Brett of Washington, DC, created and designed the cake. The words “TWO OUNCE” on the stamp indicate its usage value. These Forever stamps will always be equal in value to the applicable price for the price category printed on them, at the time of use. The initial price and value for this stamp is 71 cents effective May 31. Art director Ethel Kessler of Bethesda, MD, designed the stamp.

From the USPS May 18th:
The Wedding Cake issuance, first introduced in 2009 and sold at the two-ounce stamp price, accommodates the heavier weight of an invitation, as well as other mailings such as oversize cards or small gifts that require extra postage. The stamp art features a photograph taken by Renée Comet of a three-tiered wedding cake topped with white flowers. Pastry chef Peter Brett created and designed the cake. The words “Two Ounce” on the stamp indicate its usage value. These Forever stamps will always be equal in value to the applicable price for the price category printed on them, at the time of use. The initial price and value for this stamp is 71 cents. Art director Ethel Kessler designed the stamp.

The first day of issue is June 1, without a ceremony. The city is Kansas City (Stamp Fulfillment Services).

Updated June 1st: First day postmarks:
Standard 4-bar FIRST DAY OF ISSUE
Digital Color Postmark:

from the Postal Bulletin May 27th:
On June 1, 2015, in Kansas City, MO, the U.S. Postal Service® will reissue the Yes, I Do two ounce rate mail-use stamp, (Non-denominated priced at 71 cents), in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 589400).

The stamp will go on sale nationwide June 1, 2015.

The Weddings series Yes, I Do stamp, first issued in 2013, accommodates the heavier weight of an invitation, as well as other mailings such as oversized cards or small gifts that require extra postage. The stamp highlights the words “Yes, I Do” nestled in a bouquet of flowers in the shape of a heart on a white background. A similarly designed companion stamp, Where Dreams Blossom — a Forever® stamp first issued in 2013 — is also available for response cards, save-the-date notices, thank-you notes, and other correspondence. The stamp artwork was designed by Michael Osborne under the direction of Ethel Kessler. The words “two ounce” on this stamp indicate its usage value. Like a Forever® stamp, this stamp will always be valid for the rate printed on it. The initial price and value for this stamp is 71 cents.

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:

71¢ Yes, I Do 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. For more than 50, customers have to pay five cents each. All orders must be postmarked by July 31, 2015.

There are five philatelic products for the Yes, I Do stamp issue:

• 589410, Digital Color Postmark Keepsake, $16.95.
• 589416, First-Day Cover, $1.15.
• 589421, Digital Color Postmark, $1.86.
• 589431, Stamp Deck Card, $0.95.
• 589432, Stamp Deck Card with Digital Color Postmark, $2.21.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Yes, I Do Stamp
Item Number: 589400
Denomination & Type of Issue: Two Ounce Rate Non-Denominated, Mail-Use
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: Weddings
Issue Date & City: June 1, 2015, Kansas City, MO 64108
Designer: Michael Osborne, Palo Alto, CA
Art Director: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Typographer: Michael Osborne, Palo Alto, CA
Artist: Michael Osborne, Palo Alto, CA
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Microprint, Offset
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Printed at: Williamsville, NY
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 15 million stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tag applied
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, PMS 032 C Red
Stamp Orientation: Horizontal
Image Area (w x h): 1.42 x 0.84 in./36.07 x 21.34 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 1.56 x 0.98 in./39.62 x 24.89 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 7.24 x 5.95 in./183.90 x 151.13 mm
Press Sheet Size (w x h): n/a
Plate Size: 240 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “P” followed by five (5) single digits
Marginal Markings: Front: Plate numbers in four corners of pane
Back: © 2012 USPS • USPS logo • Plate position diagram • Barcode (589400) in upper right and lower left corners of pane • Promotional text

From the USPS May 26th:
The Weddings series’ Yes, I Do stamp, issued in 2013, accommodates the heavier weight of an invitation, as well as other mailings such as oversized cards or small gifts that require extra postage. The stamp highlights the words “Yes, I Do” nestled in a bouquet of flowers in the shape of a heart on a white background. A similarly designed companion stamp, Where Dreams Blossom — a Forever stamp first issued in 2013 — is available for response cards, save-the-date notices, thank-you notes, and other correspondence. The stamp artwork was designed by Michael Osborne of Palo Alto, CA, under the direction of Ethel Kessler of Bethesda, MD. The words “TWO OUNCE” on this stamp indicate its usage value. These Forever stamps will always be equal in value to the applicable price for the price category printed on them, at the time of use. The initial price and value for this stamp is 71 cents effective May 31.

From the USPS May 18th:
The Weddings series’s Yes, I Do stamp, first issued in 2013, accommodates the heavier weight of an invitation, as well as other mailings such as oversized cards or small gifts that require extra postage. The stamp highlights the words “Yes, I Do” nestled in a bouquet of flowers in the shape of a heart on a white background. A similarly designed companion stamp, Where Dreams Blossom—a Forever stamp first issued in 2013—is available for response cards, save-the-date notices, thank-you notes, and other correspondence. The stamp artwork was designed by Michael Osborne under the direction of Ethel Kessler. The words “two ounce” on this stamp indicate its usage value. These Forever stamps will always be equal in value to the applicable price for the price category printed on them, at the time of use. The initial price and value for this stamp is 71 cents.

The first day of issue is June 1, without a ceremony. The city is Kansas City (Stamp Fulfillment Services).

Updated June 1st: First day postmarks:
Standard 4-bar FIRST DAY OF ISSUE
Digital Color Postmark: from the Postal Bulletin May 27th:
On June 1, 2015, in Kansas City, MO, the U.S. Postal Service® will reissue the Vintage Tulip, two ounce rate mail-use stamp, (Non-denominated priced at 71 cents), in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 589500).

The stamp will go on sale nationwide June 1, 2015.

In 2015, the U.S. Postal Service issued Vintage Tulip, an all-occasion stamp available to accommodate the weight of heavy invitations for weddings and other celebrations, greeting cards, and mailings such as small gifts that require extra postage. The words “Two Ounce” on this stamp indicate its usage value. Like a Forever® stamp, this stamp will always be valid for the rate printed on it. The initial price and value for this stamp is 71 cents. The stamp art features an elaborate floral line drawing of a tulip similar to the design of the 2015 Vintage Rose Forever stamp. Jeanne Greco designed these stamps using details from drawings originally created by naturalist artist Maria Sibylla Merian (1647–1717). A small, deep crimson heart on both stamps adds a dash of color to the designs and makes them a natural pair. These stamps were printed using the intaglio printing technique. Vintage Tulip and Vintage Rose are the latest additions to the popular Weddings series. Greg Breeding was the art director.

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:

71¢ Vintage Tulip 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. For more than 50, customers have to pay five cents each. All orders must be postmarked by July 31, 2015.

There are five philatelic products for the Vintage Tulip stamp issue:

• 589510, Digital Color Postmark Keepsake, $16.95.
• 589516, First-Day Cover, $1.15.
• 589521, Digital Color Postmark, $1.86.
• 589531, Stamp Deck Card, $0.95.
• 589532, Stamp Deck Card with Digital Color Postmark, $2.21.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Vintage Tulip Stamp
Item Number: 589500
Denomination & Type of Issue: Two Ounce Rate Non-Denominated, Mail-Use
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: Weddings
Issue Date & City: June 1, 2015, Kansas City, MO 64108
Designer: Jeanne Greco, New York, NY
Art Director: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Typographer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Modeler: Donald Woo
Manufacturing Process: Intaglio, Offset
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America/SSP
Printed at: Browns Summit, NC
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 15 million stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper, Overall
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America, Browns Summit SC
Colors: PMS 433, PMS 207 (Intaglio)
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.77 x 1.05 in./19.56 x 26.67 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 0.91x 1.19 in./23.11 x 30.22 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 5.55 x 5.76 in./140.97 x 146.30 mm
Press Sheets Size (w x h): 16.65 x 23.04 in./422.91 x 585.22 mm
Plate Size: 240 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “S” followed by two (2) single digits
Marginal Markings: Front: Plate numbers in four corners of pane
Back: © 2014 USPS • USPS logo • Plate position diagram • Barcode (589500) in upper right and lower left corners of pane • Promotional text

From the USPS May 26th:
In 2015, the Postal Service issues Vintage Tulip, an all-occasion stamp available to accommodate the weight of heavy invitations for weddings and other celebrations, greeting cards, and mailings such as small gifts that require extra postage. The words “TWO OUNCE” on this stamp indicate its usage value. These Forever stamps will always be equal in value to the applicable price for the price category printed on them, at the time of use. The initial price and value for this stamp is 71 cents effective May 31. The stamp art features an elaborate floral line drawing of a tulip similar to the design of the 2015 Vintage Rose Forever stamp. Jeanne Greco designed these stamps using details from drawings originally created by naturalist artist Maria Sibylla Merian (1647–1717). A small, deep crimson heart on both stamps adds a dash of color to the designs and makes them a natural pair. These stamps were printed using the intaglio printing technique. Vintage Tulip and Vintage Rose are the latest additions to the popular Weddings series. Greg Breeding was the art director.

From the USPS May 18th:
In 2015, the U.S. Postal Service issues Vintage Tulip, an all-occasion stamp available to accommodate the weight of heavy invitations for weddings and other celebrations, greeting cards, and mailings such as small gifts that require extra postage. The words “Two Ounce” on this stamp indicate its usage value. These Forever stamps will always be equal in value to the applicable price for the price category printed on them, at the time of use. The initial price and value for this stamp is 71 cents. The stamp art features an elaborate floral line drawing of a tulip similar to the design of the 2015 Vintage Rose Forever stamp. Jeanne Greco designed these stamps using details from drawings originally created by naturalist artist Maria Sibylla Merian (1647–1717). A small, deep crimson heart on both stamps adds a dash of color to the designs and makes them a natural pair. These stamps were printed using the intaglio printing technique. Vintage Tulip and Vintage Rose are the latest additions to the popular Weddings series. Greg Breeding was the art director.

The first day of issue is June 1, without a ceremony. The city is Kansas City (Stamp Fulfillment Services).

Updated June 1st: First day postmarks:
Standard 4-bar FIRST DAY OF ISSUE
Digital Color Postmark:

from the Postal Bulletin May 27th:
On June 1, 2015, in Kansas City, MO, the U.S. Postal Service® will issue the Coastal Birds Postcard Rate stamps (non-denominated priced at 35 cents), in four designs, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) coil of 100 stamps (Item 783500) produced by Ashton Potter, and also a pane of 20 stamps (Item 117600) produced by Sennett Security Printers.

The stamps will go on sale nationwide June 1, 2015.

With the release of the Coastal Birds postcard stamps, the U.S. Postal Service celebrates four eye-catching birds: the red knot (Calidris canutus), king eider (Somateria spectabilis), roseate spoonbill (Platalea ajaja), and magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens). The stamps feature highly stylized, digital portraits of each bird. The word “POSTCARD” on the stamps indicates their usage value. Like Forever® stamps, these stamps will always be valid for the rate printed on them. The initial price and value for these stamps is 35 cents. Art director Greg Breeding designed the stamps with artwork by Tyler Lang.

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:

35¢ Coastal Birds 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 July 31, 2015.

There are two philatelic products for the Coastal Birds PSA coil of 100 stamps issue:

• 783516, First-Day Cover, 2 of same bird (set of 4), on each, $4.56.
• 783521, Digital Color Postmark, 2 of same bird (set of 4), $7.40.

There are seven philatelic products for the Coastal Birds pane of 20 stamps issue:

• 117606, Press Sheet with Die-cut, $70.00 (print quantity 250).
• 117608, Press Sheet without Die-cut, $70.00 (print quantity 500).
• 117610, Digital Color Postmark Keepsake, $14.95.
• 117616, First-Day Cover, 2 of same bird (set of 4), $4.56.
• 117621, Digital Color Postmark, 2 of same bird (set of 4), $7.40.
• 117631, Stamp Deck Card, $0.95.
• 117632, Stamp Deck Card with Digital Color Postmark, random 2 of same bird, $2.20.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Coastal Birds Stamps (coil)
Item Number: 783500
Denomination & Type of Issue: Postcard Rate Non-Denominated, Mail-Use
Format: Coil of 100 (4 designs)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: June 1, 2015, Kansas City, MO 64108
Art Director: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Designer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Typographer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Artist: Tyler Lang, Portland, OR
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Printed at: Williamsville, NY
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Coil: 100
Print Quantity: 600 million stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Phosphor Tag applied
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.70 x 0.84 in./17.88 x 21.34 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.84 x 0.98 in./21.43 x 24.89 mm
Coil Size (w x h): 84.38 x 0.98 in/2143.13 x 24.89 mm
Plate Size: 768 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “P” followed by four (4) single digits
Coil Number Frequency: Plate numbers located under first stamp of impression

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Coastal Birds Stamps (pane)
Item Number: 117600
Denomination & Type of Issue: Postcard Rate Non-Denominated, Mail-Use
Format: Pane of 20 (4 designs)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: June 1, 2015, Kansas City, MO 64108
Designer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Art Director: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Typographer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Artist: Tyler Lang, Portland, OR
Modeler: Donald Woo
Manufacturing Process: Microprint, Offset
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America/SSP
Printed at: Browns Summit, NC
Press Type: Alprinta &$
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 200 million stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper, 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): 0.73 x 0.84 in./18.54 x 21.33 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 0..87 x 0.98 in./22.10 x 24.89 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 5.3 x 4.88 in./134.62 x 123.95 mm
Press Sheets Size (w x h): 10.6 x 22.4 in./269.24 x 619.76 mm
Plate Size: 200 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “S” followed by four (4) single digits
Marginal Markings: Front: Plate numbers in four corners of pane
Back: © 2015 USPS • USPS logo • Plate position diagram • Barcode (117600) in upper right and lower left corners of pane • Promotional text

From the USPS May 26th:
With the release of the Coastal Birds postcard stamps, the U.S. Postal Service celebrates four eye-catching birds: the red knot (Calidris canutus), king eider (Somateria spectabilis), roseate spoonbill (Platalea ajaja), and magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens). The stamps feature highly stylized, digital portraits of each bird. These Forever stamps will always be equal in value to the applicable price for the price category printed on them at the time of use. The initial price and value for these stamps is 35 cents. The Coastal Birds stamps feature the art of illustrator Tyler Lang of Portland, OR. Greg Breeding of Charlottesville, VA, was the art director.

The word “POSTCARD” on the stamps indicates the usage value. The postcard price is effective May 31.

Updated May 18th, from the USPS:
With the release of the Coastal Birds postcard stamps, the U.S. Postal Service celebrates four eye-catching birds: the red knot (Calidris canutus), king eider (Somateria spectabilis), roseate spoonbill (Platalea ajaja), and magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens). The stamps feature highly stylized, digital portraits of each bird. The word “POSTCARD” on the stamps indicates their usage value. These Forever stamps will always be equal in value to the applicable price for the price category printed on them, at the time of use. The initial price and value for these stamps is 35 cents. Art director Greg Breeding designed the stamps with artwork by Tyler Lang.

The first day of issue is June1, without a ceremony. The city is Kansas City (Stamp Fulfillment Services).

Updated June 1st: First day postmarks:
Standard 4-bar FIRST DAY OF ISSUE
Digital Color Postmark:

from the Postal Bulletin May 27th:
On June 1, 2015, in Kansas City, MO, the U.S. Postal Service® will issue the Penguins additional ounce rate stamp, (Non-denominated priced at 22 cents), in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) coil of 100 stamps (Item 786200) and also a pane of 20 stamps (Item 117700).

The stamp will go on sale nationwide June 1, 2015.

This stamp from the U.S. Postal Service pays tribute to the majestic emperor penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri). Largest of the penguin species, the emperor stands over three feet tall and can weigh more than 80 pounds. Emperor penguins dive beyond 1,500 feet — deeper than any other bird. The stamp art is a stylized drawing of a pair of emperor penguins on a cool green background. The pop of orange and yellow on the birds’ beaks and ear patches lends a regal look to the aptly named emperors. Art director Carl Herrman designed the stamp, which was illustrated by Nancy Stahl. The words “ADDITIONAL OUNCE” on this stamp indicate its usage value. Like a Forever® stamp, this stamp will always be valid for the rate printed on it. The initial price and value for this stamp is 22 cents.

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:

22¢ Penguins Stamp
Cancellation Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Pillar 210
Kanas 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 July 31, 2015.

There are two philatelic products for the Penguins PSA coil of 100 stamps issue:

• 786216, First-Day Cover, (plus 1 Winter Fun Random), $1.15.
• 786221, Digital Color Postmark (plus 1 Winter Fun Random), $1.86.

There are seven philatelic products for the Penguins pane of 20 stamps issue:

• 117706, Press Sheet with Die-cut, $44.00 (print quantity 250).
• 117708, Press Sheet without Die-cut, $44.00 (print quantity 500).
• 117710, Digital Color Postmark Keepsake, $6.95.
• 117716, First-Day Cover, (plus 1 Winter Fun random), $1.15.
• 117721, Digital Color Postmark, (plus 1 Winter Fun random), $1.86.
• 117731, Stamp Deck Card, $0.95.
• 117732, Stamp Deck Card with Digital Color Postmark, (plus 1 Winter Fun random), $2.21.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Penguins Stamp (coil)
Item Number: 786200
Denomination & Type of Issue: Additional Ounce Rate Non-Denominated, Mail-Use
Format: Coil of 100 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: June 1, 2015, Kansas City, MO 64108
Art Director: Carl T. Herman, Carlsbad, CA
Designer: Carl T. Herman, Carlsbad, CA
Typographer: Carl T. Herman, Carlsbad, CA
Artist: Nancy Stahl, New York, NY
Modeler: Donald Woo
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America/SSP
Printed at: Browns Summit, NC
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Coil: 100
Print Quantity: 200 million stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper, Overall
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America, Browns Summit, NC
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.73 x 0.84 in./18.54 x 21.33 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.87 x 0.98 in./22.09 x 24.89 mm
Plate Size: 775 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “S” followed by four (4) single digits
Coil Number Frequency: Plate numbers every 31st stamp below stamp image

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Penguins Stamp (pane)
Item Number: 117700
Denomination & Type of Issue: Additional Ounce Rate Non-Denominated, Mail-Use
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: June 1, 2015, Kansas City, MO 64108
Designer: Carl T. Herrman, Carlsbad, CA
Art Director: Carl T. Herrman, Carlsbad, CA
Typographer: Carl T. Herrman, Carlsbad, CA
Artist: Nancy Stahl, New York, NY
Modeler: Donald Woo
Manufacturing Process: Microprint, Offset
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America/SSP
Printed at: Browns Summit, NC
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 120 million stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper, 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): 0.73 x 0.84 in./18.54 x 21.33 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 0.87 x 0.98 in./22.10 x 24.89 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 5.35 x 4.93 in./135.89 x 125.22 mm
Press Sheets Size (w x h): 10.6 x 24.4 in./269.24 x 619.76 mm
Plate Size: 200 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “S” followed by four (4) single digits
Marginal Markings: Front: Plate numbers in four corners of pane
Back: © 2015 USPS • USPS logo • Plate position diagram • Barcode (117700) in upper right and lower left corners of pane • Promotional text

From the USPS May 26th:

This additional ounce stamp pays tribute to the majestic emperor penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri). Largest of the penguin species, the emperor stands over 3 feet tall and can weigh more than 80 pounds. Emperor penguins dive beyond 1,500 feet — deeper than any other bird. The stamp art is a stylized drawing of a pair of emperor penguins on a cool green background. The pop of orange and yellow on the birds’ beaks and ear patches lends a regal look to the aptly named emperors. Art director Carl Herrman of Carlsbad, CA, designed the stamp, illustrated by Nancy Stahl of New York City. The words “ADDITIONAL OUNCE” on this stamp indicate its usage value. These Forever stamps will always be equal in value to the applicable price for the price category at the time of use. The initial price and value for this stamp is 22 cents, effective May 31.

From the USPS May 18th:
This stamp from the U.S. Postal Service pays tribute to the majestic emperor penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri). Largest of the penguin species, the emperor stands over three feet tall and can weigh more than 80 pounds. Emperor penguins dive beyond 1,500 feet—deeper than any other bird. The stamp art is a stylized drawing of a pair of emperor penguins on a cool green background. The pop of orange and yellow on the birds’ beaks and ear patches lends a regal look to the aptly named emperors. Art director Carl Herrman designed the stamp, illustrated by Nancy Stahl. The words “ADDITIONAL OUNCE” on this stamp indicate its usage value. These Forever stamps will always be equal in value to the applicable price for the price category printed on the at the time of use. The initial price and value for this stamp is 22 cents.

The first day of issue is June 1, without a ceremony. The city is Kansas City (Stamp Fulfillment Services).

Updated June 1st: First day postmarks:
Standard 4-bar FIRST DAY OF ISSUE
Digital Color Postmark:

from the Postal Bulletin May 27th:
On June 1, 2015, in Kansas City, MO, the U.S. Postal Service® will issue the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Non-machineable Surcharge Rate, (Non-denominated priced at 71 cents), in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 117800).

The stamp will go on sale nationwide June 1, 2015.

The U.S. Postal Service celebrates the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail on its fifth butterfly stamp issuance for greeting card envelopes that require additional postage. The stamp art is a colorful, highly stylized depiction of the butterfly. The words “NON-MACHINEABLE SURCHARGE” on the stamp indicate its usage value. Like a Forever® stamp, this stamp will always be valid for the rate printed on it. The initial price and value for this stamp is 71 cents. Named for the black “tiger” stripes along the upper surfaces of its wings, the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is easily spotted. Abundant from southern New England to Florida and west to the Great Plains and central Texas, the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is a frequent visitor to gardens, woodlands, and riverbeds. Tom Engeman was the artist. 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-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:

71¢ Eastern Tiger Swallowtail 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. For more than 50, customers have to pay five cents each. All orders must be postmarked by July 31, 2015.

There are seven philatelic products for the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail stamp issue:

• 117806, Press Sheet with Die-cut, $85.20 (print quantity 250).
• 117808, Press Sheet without Die-cut, $85.20 (print quantity 500).
• 117810, Digital Color Postmark Keepsake, $16.95.
• 117816, First-Day Cover, $1.15.
• 117821, Digital Color Postmark, $1.86.
• 117831, Stamp Deck Card, $0.95.
• 117832, Stamp Deck Card with Digital Color Postmark, $2.21.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Stamp
Item Number: 117800
Denomination & Type of Issue: Non-Machineable Surcharge Rate, Mail-Use
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: June 1, 2015, Kansas City, MO 64108
Designer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Art Director: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Typographer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Artist: Tom Engeman, Frederick, MD
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Printed at: Williamsville, NY
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 100 million stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tag applied
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, PMS 2726C Purple
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 1.09 x 1.09 in./27.56 x 27.56 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 1.23 x 1.23 in./31.12 x 31.12 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 5.90 x 7.12 in./149.86 x 180.85 mm
Press Sheet Size (w x h): 11.80 x 21.36 in./299.72 x 542.54 mm
Plate Size: 240 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “P” followed by five (5) single digits
Marginal Markings: Front: Plate numbers in four corners of pane
Back: © 2015 USPS • USPS logo • Plate position diagram • Barcode (117800) in upper right and lower left corners of pane • Promotional text

From the USPS May 26th:
The U.S. Postal Service celebrates the Eastern tiger swallowtail on its fifth butterfly stamp issuance for greeting card envelopes that require additional postage. The stamp art is a colorful, highly stylized depiction of the butterfly. The words “NON-MACHINEABLE SURCHARGE” on the stamp indicate its usage value. Non-machinable items require sorting by hand. This stamp also may be used for mailing items weighing up to 2-ounces.

These Forever stamps will always be equal in value to the applicable price for the price category printed on them, at the time of use. The initial price and value for this stamp is 71 cents, effective May 31. Named for the black “tiger” stripes along the upper surfaces of its wings, the Eastern tiger swallowtail is easily spotted. Abundant from southern New England to Florida and west to the Great Plains and central Texas, the Eastern tiger swallowtail is a frequent visitor to gardens, woodlands, and riverbeds. Tom Engeman of Frederick, MD, was the artist. Art director Derry Noyes of Washington, DC, designed the stamp.

[Note “This stamp also may be used for mailing items weighing up to 2-ounces.” in the above writeup. —LdeV]

From the USPS May 18th:
The U.S. Postal Service celebrates the Eastern tiger swallowtail on its fifth butterfly stamp issuance for greeting card envelopes that require additional postage. The stamp art is a colorful, highly stylized depiction of the butterfly. The words “NON-MACHINEABLE SURCHARGE” on the stamp indicate its usage value. These Forever stamps will always be equal in value to the applicable price for the price category printed on them, at the time of use. The initial price and value for this stamp is 71 cents. Named for the black “tiger” stripes along the upper surfaces of its wings, the Eastern tiger swallowtail is easily spotted. Abundant from southern New England to Florida and west to the Great Plains and central Texas, the Eastern tiger swallowtail is a frequent visitor to gardens, woodlands, and riverbeds. Tom Engeman was the artist. Art director Derry Noyes designed the stamp.

The first day of issue is June1, without a ceremony. The city is Kansas City (Stamp Fulfillment Services).

[The article on the stamps themselves is here.]
[Photos courtesy VSC member Rollin Berger]

Long lines and a post office that hadn’t read the first-day instructions from USPS Cancellation Services in Kansas City. The clerks brought the only the cancels intended for Five Forks to the first day ceremony at the Appomattox Court House National Park, but didn’t bring enough stamps. For that, they might be forgiven, because the National Park Service rangers estimated 10-15,000 people at A.C.H. on the 150th anniversary of the surrender that all but ended the Civil War, versus the approximately 50 visitors it gets on a normal day.

There was also frustration at the Appomattox post office, where clerks refused to allow use of the red registry dater every post office must have – even after several calls from USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services. Resolution had to await the return of the postmaster from A.C.H. around 4 p.m. before the dater could be used.

However, VSC member Foster Miller (shown here) says this was an excellent, if long, first day ceremony.

The advance USPS press release said reenactors portraying Generals Robert E. Lee and Ulysses Grant would bring to life the surrender, and thattwo descendants of soldiers portrayed in the painting on which the Appomattox stamp is based would attend: Dennis Bigelow, descendant of Lt. Col. Chas. Marshall, Lee’s aide at the Appomattox surrender (pictured to Lee’s immediate right in stamp image); and Al Parker, descendant to Grant’s Military Secretary Lt. Col. Ely S. Parker (pictured to Grant’s immediate left). Parker, by the way, was a Native American.

Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe was among the dignitaries at the ceremony.

First day covers were being sold at the ceremony by the Capital District Civil War Round Table, including unserviced ArtCraft cacheted envelopes for $5 each.