The U.S. Postal Service first announced this issue in its advisory August 28th about the Sparkling Holidays stamps first day ceremony:

The Postal Service issues four new stamps and a souvenir sheet [shown on right] showcasing classic images of Santa Claus painted by famed commercial artist Haddon Sundblom. Each stamp portrays a close-up of Santa’s face. The four images featured in the booklet are details from larger paintings created by Sundblom and originally published in ads for The Coca-Cola Company from the 1940s through the early 1960s. Sundblom is the man credited with refining the modern image of Santa Claus.

The souvenir sheet includes a semi-jumbo stamp as part of a wider scene of one of Sundblom’s paintings chosen for the Sparkling Holidays stamp booklet. In it, Santa is depicted standing by a fireplace holding a book that lists good boys and girls. Three Christmas stockings hang along a mantel decorated with greens and ornaments. Peering over his glasses, Santa reads a note among the stockings.

A quatrefoil design element surrounded by a metallic gold background encloses the scene. The use of gold metallic ink, the flow of the type, and the organic shape of the border are intended to harken back to the graphic style of the first half of the 20th century. Art director Greg Breeding designed the souvenir sheet and the stamps.

Santa’s legend is based on customs brought to America by European immigrants. St. Nicholas, the Dutch Sinterklaas, was one of Santa’s forebearers. He delivered gifts on Dec. 5, the eve of his feast day.

Note: Sparkling Holidays Stamps, sold in books of 20, and the Sparkling Holidays Souvenir Sheet, with one stamp, will be available for pre-order online starting Sept. 14 at The Postal Store at usps.com. The souvenir sheet will only be sold through usps.com or by calling 1-800-STAMP24.

The souvenir sheet, along with the stamps, will be issued Thursday, October 11th, at The Inn at Christmas Place in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

Updated September 13th:

On October 11, 2018, in Pigeon Forge, TN, the U.S. Postal Service® will issue the Sparkling Holidays Souvenir Sheet (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive souvenir sheet of one stamp (item 566300). The stamp will go on sale October 11, 2018.

Celebrate the holidays with the Sparkling Holidays Souvenir Sheet. The artwork features a detail of a Haddon Sundblom painting originally published in an ad for The Coca-Cola Company in 1963. The souvenir sheet features an iconic holiday scene of Santa Claus visiting a home on Christmas Eve and showcases one stamp, a semi-jumbo version of one of the four special-sized stamps featured in the Sparkling Holidays booklet of 20. The stamp itself features Santa‘s face and hat with one hand holding a book and the other adjusting his glasses. The souvenir sheet format offers the opportunity to see more of Sundblom‘s original painting.

Not Available to Post Offices: Item 566300, Sparkling Holidays (Forever Priced at the First-Class Mail Rate) Commemorative Souvenir Sheet of 1 Stamp

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
Customers have 120 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at The Postal Store website at usps.com/shop. They must affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

FDOI – Sparkling Holidays Souvenir Sheet
USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Suite 300
Kansas City, MO 64144-9900

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service™ will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark up to a quantity of 50. There is a 5-cent charge for each additional postmark over 50. All orders must be postmarked by February 11, 2019.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Sparkling Holidays Souvenir Sheet
Item Number: 566300
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Souvenir Sheet of 1 (1 design)
Series: Holiday Celebration: Holiday
Issue Date & City: October 11, 2018, Pigeon Forge, TN 37862
Art Director: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Designer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Typographer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Existing Art: Haddon Sundblom
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Pane: 1
Print Quantity: 1,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Colors: PMS 872 Gold, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 1.085 x 1.42 in./ 27.559 x 36.068 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 1.225 x 1.56 in./31.115 x 39.624 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 3.75 x 3.75 in./95.25 x 95.25 mm
Plate Size: 42 stamps per revolution
Marginal Markings:
Front: Sparkling Holidays
Back: ©2018 USPS • USPS logo • Barcode (566300) • Promotional text

A surprise addition to the stamp program, these souvenir sheets also went on sale August 7th with a first-day city of Las Vegas. They have been selling out in many locations, and also, many unperforated errors have been found — so much so that the second batch brought to APS StampShow/ATA National Topical Stamp Show was delayed so each sheet could be checked.

The Scott Catalogue numbers for this issue:
5306 Sheet of 3 #5306a (Lenticular printing)
a. (50¢) Art of Magic – Rabbit in Hat (Lenticular printing)
b. As #5306, die cutting omitted

From the Postal Bulletin:

On August 7, 2018, in Las Vegas, NV, the U.S. Postal Service® issued The Art of Magic Souvenir Sheet (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet of three stamps (Item 565200). The souvenir sheet went on sale August 7, 2018.

The Art of Magic Souvenir Sheet may not be split and the stamps may not be sold individually.

The Postal Service™ celebrates magic, an art form that holds a special place in American history. Each of the three identical stamps on this souvenir sheet features an effect that mimics a classic illusion. By rotating each stamp, customers can see a white rabbit popping out of a black top hat. A version of the stamp without the effect appears in The Art of Magic pane of 20 stamps (Item 476800). Art director Greg Breeding designed the stamp, while Jay Fletcher created the illustration and served as the typographer.

Not Available to Post Offices: Item 565200, The Art of Magic Souvenir Sheet (Forever Priced at the First-Class Mail Rate) of Three Commemorative Stamps

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
Customers have 120 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at The Postal Store® website at usps.com/shop. They must affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

FDOI – The Art of Magic Souvenir Sheet
USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Suite 300
Kansas City, MO 64144-9900

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark up to a quantity of 50. There is a 5-cent charge for each additional postmark over 50. All orders must be postmarked by December 7, 2018.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: The Art of Magic Souvenir Sheet
Item Number: 565200
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Souvenir Sheet of 3 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: August 7, 2018, Las Vegas, NV 89199
Art Director: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Designer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Typographer: Jay Fletcher
Illustrator: Jay Fletcher
Modeler: Sandra Lane/Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Flexo, Lenticular Lamination
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: MPS EF-430
Stamps per Pane: 3
Print Quantity: 1,500,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Taggged Paper, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America, Browns Summit, NC
Colors: Black, Pantone 131, Warm Gray 10, Pantone 7596
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 1.085 x 1.42 in./ 27.559 x 36.068 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 1.225 x 1.56 in./31.115 x 39.624 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 5.115 x 3.705 in./129.921 x 94.107 mm
Plate Size: 27 stamps per revolution
Marginal Markings:
Front: Header: The Art of Magic • Footer: United States Postal Service
Back: ©2017 USPS • USPS logo • Barcode (565200) • Plate position diagram • Promotional text

These stamps were announced August 15th. The issue date and first-day city were announced a week later: Saturday, September 29th, in Fort Worth TX at a race. See below.

The Scott catalogue numbers for this issue are:
5321 (50¢) Hot Wheels – Purple Passion
5322 (50¢) Hot Wheels – Rocket-Bye-Baby
5323 (50¢) Hot Wheels – Rigor Motor
5324 (50¢) Hot Wheels – Rodger Dodger
5325 (50¢) Hot Wheels – Mach Speeder
5326 (50¢) Hot Wheels – Twin Mill
5327 (50¢) Hot Wheels – Bone Shaker
5328 (50¢) Hot Wheels – HW40
5329 (50¢) Hot Wheels – Deora II
5330 (50¢) Hot Wheels – Sharkruiser

[press release]
U.S. Postal Service to Release Hot Wheels 50th Anniversary Forever Stamps
10 Designs Pay Homage to the Iconic Hot Wheels Cars

WASHINGTON — In celebration of Hot Wheels’ 50th anniversary, the U.S. Postal Service will issue 20 Forever stamps showcasing some of the most outrageous car designs from Hot Wheels.

For the first time, Hot Wheels car designs will grace the face of Forever stamps for fans of all ages to enjoy. Arranged in diagonal rows, the 20 stamps showcase photographer Len Rizzi’s images of 10 Hot Wheels cars — two of each design — speeding along a bright orange track.

Each stamp features the name of the vehicle shown in one of the top corners and the words “USA” and “Forever” in one of the bottom corners. The iconic Hot Wheels logo appears in the top right corner of the pane. The back of the pane displays the Hot Wheels 50th anniversary logo. The stamps will be dedicated during a first-day-of-issue ceremony on a date and location to be announced soon.

The miniature Hot Wheels depicted are:

Top row (left to right):

• The aptly named Purple Passion (1990), a super sleek metallic purple and green model. The car remains a favorite of collectors.
• Equipped with a roof-mounted rocket, the Rocket-Bye-Baby (1971) is one of the most aggressive racers in Hot Wheels history.
• Perfect for Halloween, the spooky Rigor Motor (1994) is a coffin-shaped hot rod that is powered by a huge engine adorned with two skulls.
• A spectacularly powerful version of a classic muscle car, the Rodger Dodger (1974) has a giant engine bursting out of its hood.
• With a twin turbo V6 hybrid engine and wide front air intakes built to look like a predatory fish, the Mach Speeder (2018) is a true 21st-century racer.

Bottom row (left to right):

• The Twin Mill (1969) is one of the most iconic Hot Wheels cars of all-time. The speed machine features dual big-block engines.
• The distinctive Bone Shaker (2006) is a hot rod with a fierce-looking skull for a grille. The car has a massive short-block engine made to rattle your bones.
• The HW40 (2008), a car introduced to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Hot Wheels, features a jet turbine engine. The space-age vehicle features a futuristic glass hood.
• The original surfboard-toting Deora (1968) was included in the first Hot Wheels line. The souped up Deora II, showcased on the stamp, came out in 2000.
• The Sharkruiser (1987) is a carnivore on wheels. The completely unique design features fins, a tail, a sharp-toothed grille, and a roaring V8 engine.

William J. Gicker was the project’s art director. Greg Breeding designed the stamps and was the typographer.

Hot Wheels History
Hot Wheels was born when Mattel co-founder Elliot Handler challenged his design team, which included a General Motors car designer and a rocket scientist to create a toy car that was cooler and performed better than anything on the market. Mattel soon introduced its iconic orange tracks, which provided children unlimited ways to test out stunts and racing skills. The Hot Wheels toy line expanded rapidly. Since the inception of Hot Wheels, Mattel has produced thousands of varieties of cars. In 2011, Hot Wheels was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame. Today, children and their parents still love racing the eye-poppin’, colorful, lightning-fast cars.

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

[press release August 23rd]
Iconic Hot Wheels Rev up on Forever Stamps
10 Hot Car Designs Mark 50th Anniversary

What:
In celebration of Hot Wheels’ 50th anniversary, the U.S. Postal Service will issue a pane of 20 Forever stamps showcasing 10 of the most outrageous Hot Wheel car designs during a first-day-of-issue dedication ceremony at the Goodguys 26th Summit Racing Lone Star Nationals in Fort Worth, TX.

News on the stamps is being shared with the hashtags #HotWheelsStamps or #HotWheels50.

When: 10 a.m. CDT, Saturday, Sept. 29

Where:
Texas Motor Speedway
3545 Lone Star Circle
Fort Worth, TX 76177

Followers of the U.S. Postal Service’s Facebook page can view the ceremony live at facebook.com/USPS.

Background:
For the first time, Hot Wheels car designs will grace the face of Forever stamps for fans of all ages to enjoy. Arranged in diagonal rows, the 20 stamps showcase photographer Len Rizzi’s images of 10 Hot Wheels cars — two of each design — speeding along a bright orange track.

Hot Wheels was born when Mattel co-founder Elliot Handler challenged his design team, which included a General Motors car designer and a rocket scientist, to create a toy car that was cooler and performed better than anything on the market. Mattel soon introduced its iconic orange tracks, which provided children unlimited ways to test out stunts and racing skills. The Hot Wheels toy line expanded rapidly. Since the inception of Hot Wheels, Mattel has produced thousands of varieties of cars. In 2011, Hot Wheels was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame. Today, children and their parents still love racing the eye-poppin’, colorful, lightning-fast cars.

Updated August 30th:

On September 29, 2018, in Fort Worth, TX, the U.S. Postal Service will issue the Hot Wheels stamps (Forever priced at the First-Class Mail rate) in 10 designs, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive pane of 20 stamps (Item 569000). The stamps will go on sale nationwide September 29, 2018, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue. The Hot Wheels pane of 20 stamps may not be split and the stamps may not be sold individually.

This issuance celebrates Hot Wheels, the iconic die-cast cars that for the last 50 years have ignited the imaginations of generations of children around the world. Arranged in diagonal rows, the 20 stamps showcase photographer Len Rizzi’s images of 10 Hot Wheels cars — two of each design — speeding along a bright orange track. Each stamp features the name of the vehicle shown as follows:

• First row, left to right: Purple Passion, Rocket-Bye-Baby, Rigor Motor, Rodger Dodger, and Mach Speeder.
• Second row, left to right: Twin Mill, Bone Shaker, HW 40, Deora II, and Sharkruiser.

The iconic, curvy Hot Wheels logo appears in the top right corner of the pane. The back of the pane displays the Hot Wheels 50th anniversary logo. William J. Gicker served as art director. Greg Breeding designed the stamps and was the typographer.

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
Customers have 120 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office™ or at The Postal Store website at usps.com/shop. They must affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

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

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark up to a quantity of 50. There is a 5-cent charge for each additional postmark over 50. All orders must be postmarked by January 29, 2019.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Hot Wheels Stamps
Item Number: 569000
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (10 designs)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: September 29, 2018, Fort Worth, TX 76161
Art Director: William J. Gicker, Washington, DC
Designer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Typographer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Photographer: Len Rizzi, Bethesda, MD
Modeler: Sandra Lane/Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 100,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America
Colors: Pantone Orange 021, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Horizontal
Image Area (w x h): 1.42 x 0.84 in./ 36.068 x 21.336 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 1.56 x 0.98 in./39.624 x 24.892 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 9.125 x 6.435 in./231.775 x 163.449 mm
Press Sheets Size (w x h): 18.25 x 25.74 in./463.55 x 653.8 mm
Plate Size: 160 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “B” followed by five (5) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Header: Hot Wheels logo • Plate number in bottom two corners of pane
Back: ©2018 USPS • USPS logo • Hot Wheels 50 year logo • 2 barcodes (569000) • Plate position diagram • Promotional text

Added September 8th:
Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue:The Digital Color postmark measures 2.82″x1.25″The B&W pictorial measures 2.36″x1.38″The “special” postmark for use by local post offices measures 2.89″x1.22″

Rochester Philatelic Association Larry Rausch purchased a pane of the new U.S. Dragons stamps at APS StampShow/ATA National Topical Stamp Show, and put one on a postcard before noticing something was amiss: The clerk wanted the sheet back, but Larry tells The Virtual Stamp Club he wouldn’t part with it. The other 15 stamps are still on the backing sheet.

Because the last row of the sheet has no perforations, Scott catalogue editors who have seen the sheet say it is “unperforated,” not “misperforated.”

At last report, veteran EFO collector John Hotchner now owns the sheet.

The U.S. Postal Service says there may be as many as 12 different issues — a total of 18 different stamps—from which mailers can choose this holiday season. The July 24th USPS press release begins:

U.S. Postal Service Delivers Happy Holidays
New 2018 Forever Stamps

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service today unveiled four more stamps for the upcoming holiday season, as well as new releases and re-issues from recent years.

On August 28th, the USPS added that there also will be a souvenir sheet for Sparkling Holidays.

Here are the stamps, with links to our pages for each:

Sparkling Holidays (2018)Global PoinsettiaMadonna & Child by BachiaccaKwanzaa 2018Hanukkah 2018 Diwali (2016)Eid Greetings (2016)

The USPS warns that the following are on sale “while supplies last but may not be available in all Post Office locations:”Nativity (2016)Christmas Carols (2017)Florentine Madonna & Child (2016)Kwanzaa (2016)Hanukkah (2016)

Updated August 1st: Missed by most of us the first time around is the passing mention in the first sentence: This will be a joint issue with Israel.

The Virtual Stamp Club obtained a copy of the Israeli stamp design on October 9th, and it is virtually the same. Details and illustrations are here.

Announced by the USPS on July 24th:

The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah is celebrated with a new stamp issued jointly with Israel Post. Hanukkah celebrates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in the second century B.C. after it was reclaimed from armies that desecrated the sanctuary. Tradition relates that during the Temple rededication — Hanukkah is the Hebrew word for “dedication” — the sacramental oil needed to light the lamps was enough to burn for only one day; miraculously, it burned for eight days until new oil could be pressed. To commemorate this story, celebrations include the ritual lighting of the hanukiah, the nine-branched menorah used only during Hanukkah. Eight branches hold candles representing each of the eight nights and days of Hanukkah; the ninth, the shamash or “servant,” is used to light the other candles.

The stamp features a Hanukkah menorah created using Jewish folk art papercutting techniques. Artist Tamar Fishman made a pencil sketch of the design, then cut the two-dimensional image on white paper with a fine blade. She chose blue-purple and green papers for the background to highlight the central design. Behind the menorah is a shape reminiscent of an ancient oil jug that represents the heart of the Hanukkah miracle. Additional design elements include dreidels — spinning tops used to play a children’s game during the holiday — and a pomegranate plant with fruit and flowers.

Hanukkah is a family-centered holiday, with celebrations taking place in people’s homes. Games, songs, gifts and food all contribute to making the holiday festive and fun for family and friends.

Hanukkah begins on the 25th of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar, a date that falls in late November or December. In 2018, Hanukkah begins at sundown Dec 2.

Art director Ethel Kessler was the designer. Tamar Fishman created the original art for the stamp.

Updated July 26th:
This stamp will be issued October 16th in Newport, RI, where the first synagogue in America was founded (and still exists).

Updated September 13th:
On October 16, 2018, in Newport, RI, the U.S. Postal Service will issue the Hanukkah 2018 stamp (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail rate) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive pane of 20 stamps (Item 565600). The stamp will go on sale nationwide October 16, 2018, and must not be sold or cancelled before the first-day-of-issue.

The U.S. Postal Service and Israel Post join together to celebrate Hanukkah, a joyous Jewish holiday. The stamp features a papercut design of a 9-branch menorah used during the holiday. Drawing on Jewish papercutting traditions, the artist based her design on Hanukkah themes and references from ancient texts. Behind the menorah, the artist cut a design reminiscent of the shape of an ancient oil jug to represent the heart of the Hanukkah miracle. Meant to last one day, the sacred oil burned for eight. On each side of the design are two broken oil jugs and two dreidels — spinning tops used in the modern Hanukkah game. The plant twining along the sides is a pomegranate; both the flowers and the fruit are seen in the twisting branches. Art director Ethel Kessler designed the stamp with original art by Tamar Fishman.

Availability to Post Offices: Item 565600, Hanukkah 2018 (Forever Priced at the First-Class Mail Rate) Commemorative Pane of 20 Stamps

Stamp Fulfillment Services will make an automatic push distribution to Post Offices of a quantity to cover approximately 30 days of sales.

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
Customers have 120 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office™ or at The Postal Store® website at usps.com/shop. They must affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

FDOI – Hanukkah 2018 Stamp
USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Suite 300
Kansas City, MO 64144-9900

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service™ will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark up to a quantity of 50. There is a 5-cent charge for each additional postmark over 50. All orders must be postmarked by February 16, 2019.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Hanukkah 2018 Stamp
Item Number: 565600
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: Holiday Celebrations
Issue Date & City: October 16, 2018, Newport, RI 02840
Art Director: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Designer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Typographer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Artist: Tamar Fishman, Bethesda, MD
Modeler: Sandra Lane/Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 12,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper Overall
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America
Colors: Pantone 316, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.77 x 1.05 in/19.558 x 26.67 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 0.91 x 1.19 in/23.114 x 30.226 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 5.425 x 5.875 in/137.795 x 149.225 mm
Press Sheet Size (w x h): 16.275 x 11.75 in/413.39 x 298.45 mm
Plate Size: 240 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “B” followed by five (5) digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Header: HAPPY HANUKKAH • Footer: Issued Jointly with Israel • Plate numbers in bottom corners
Back: ©2018 USPS • USPS logo • Two barcodes (565600) • Plate position diagram • Promotional text

Added September 17th: Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue:The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.58″x1.41″ The B&W pictorial postmark measures 2.03″x1.43″

Updated October 10th:
USPS Cancellation Services will have the Israeli pictorial postmark (shown on the right) available and advises it measures 1.25″x1.27″. It adds, “The USPS will have the Israel postage available for purchase on or before 10/16/18.” More information from Israel Post can be found here.

[press release]
Postal Service and Israel Post to Jointly Dedicate Hanukkah Stamps

What: The U.S. Postal Service will be issuing a new Hanukkah Forever stamp to celebrate the Jewish holiday. The stamp will be dedicated in conjunction with a new stamp being issued by Israel Post. News about the stamp is being shared with the hashtag #HanukkahStamps

Who: Judge Gary Shapiro, Judicial Officer, U.S. Postal Service

When:
Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2018, 11 a.m., Eastern Daylight Time

Where:
Touro Synagogue
85 Touro Street
Newport, RI 02840

Followers of the U.S. Postal Service’s Facebook page can view the ceremony live atfacebook.com/USPS.

RSVP:
Dedication ceremony attendees are encouraged to RSVP at usps.com/hanukkahstamps to gain entrance to the event.

Background: The new Hanukkah stamp artwork features a menorah created using the techniques of the traditional Jewish folk art of papercutting. Artist Tamar Fishman made a pencil sketch of the design and then with a fine blade, cut the two-dimensional image on white paper. She chose blue-purple and green papers for the background to highlight the central design. Behind the menorah is a shape reminiscent of an ancient oil jug that represents the heart of Hanukkah. Additional design elements include dreidels — spinning tops used to play a children’s game during the holiday — and a pomegranate plant with fruit and flowers.

Art director Ethel Kessler designed the stamp. As a Forever stamp, Hanukkah will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.

Hanukkah begins on the 25th of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar, a date that falls in late November or December. In 2018, Hanukkah begins at sundown Dec. 2.

Updated October 23rd, from the USPS:
The Israel postage is now on sale. The item number is 801217. It is only being sold in a pane of 15 for $35.00. FDC services should note that the Israeli stamp is larger than the U.S. one.

Announced by the USPS July 24th:

With this new stamp, the Postal Service celebrates Kwanzaa with the seventh stamp since 1997 designed for the annual Pan-African holiday. Kwanzaa takes place over seven days from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, and brings family, community and culture together for many African-Americans.

The stamp depicts a man, woman and child adorned in a mixture of western and traditional clothing, paying tribute to the holiday’s focus on the contemporary African-American experience, while also drawing on African roots. The family is gathered around a kinara (candleholder), the warm light from seven candles (mishumaa saba) illuminating their faces. Several other important Kwanzaa symbols sit on the table — a few ears of corn (muhindi) and various fruits and vegetables (mazao); the kikombe cha umoja (unity cup); and the mkeka, a straw mat on top of which everything is placed.

Created in 1966 during the height of the Black Freedom Movement, Kwanzaa was conceived as a unifying holiday during initiatives to end racial oppression in the United States. It draws on African traditions, deriving its name from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” meaning “first fruits.” With origins in Africa’s ancient and modern first-harvest festivities, Kwanzaa synthesizes and reimagines many of these communal traditions as a contemporary celebration and reaffirmation of African-American culture.

Artist Floyd Cooper worked with art director Derry Noyes, who designed the stamp.

Updated July 26th:
This stamp will be issued in Raleigh, NC, on October 10th. Ceremony details to be announced.

Updated August 30th:

On October 10, 2018, in Raleigh, NC, the U.S. Postal Service will issue the Kwanzaa 2018 stamp (Forever priced at the First-Class Mail rate) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive pane of 20 stamps (Item 565800). The stamp will go on sale nationwide October 10, 2018, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

With this new stamp, the Postal Service continues its tradition of celebrating Kwanzaa. The annual holiday, which takes place over 7 days from December 26 to January 1, brings family, community, and culture together for many African Americans. The stamp depicts a small family adorned in a mixture of western and traditional clothing, paying tribute to the holiday’s focus on the contemporary African-American experience while also drawing on African roots. They are gathered around a kinara (candleholder), the warm light from the seven candles illuminating their faces. Several other important Kwanzaa symbols sit on the table. Artist Floyd Cooper used a method he calls “oil erasure” — covering an illustrated board in oil paint and then erasing layers of paint to reveal his images — to create this design of familial love and connection. Art director Derry Noyes designed the stamp.

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
Customers have 120 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office™ or at The Postal Store website at usps.com/shop. They must affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

FDOI – Kwanzaa 2018 Stamp
USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Suite 300
Kansas City, MO 64144-9900

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark up to a quantity of 50. There is a 5-cent charge for each additional postmark over 50. All orders must be postmarked by February 10, 2019.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Kwanzaa 2018 Stamp
Item Number: 565800
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: October 10, 2018, Raleigh, NC 27676
Art Director: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Designer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Typographer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Artist: Floyd Cooper, Easton, PA
Modeler: Sandra Lane/Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 15,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper Overall
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.77 x 1.05 in/19.558 x 26.67 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 0.91 x 1.19 in/23.114 x 30.226 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 5.425 x 5.635 in/137.795 x 143.129 mm
Press Sheet Size (w x h): 16.275 x 11.27 in/413.39 x 286.26 mm
Plate Size: 240 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “B” followed by four (4) digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Plate numbers in four corners
Back: ©2018 USPS • USPS Logo • Two barcodes (565800) • Plate position diagram • Promotional text

Added September 8th:
Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue:The Digital Color postmark measures 2.92″x1.29″The B&W pictorial measures 2.98″x1.37″

Updated September 20th:

[press release]
Postal Service Dedicating Kwanzaa Forever Stamp

What: The U.S. Postal Service continues its tradition of celebrating Kwanzaa, an annual Pan-African holiday that brings family, community, and culture together for many African Americans. News of the stamp is being shared with the hashtag #KwanzaaStamps.

When: Wednesday, Oct.10, 2018, 11 a.m., Eastern Daylight Time

Where: North Carolina State University
Witherspoon Student Center
African American Cultural Center
2810 Cates Avenue
Raleigh, NC 27606

[According to its website, the Student Center has a 500-seat auditorium. —VSC]

Followers of the U.S. Postal Service’s Facebook page can view the ceremony live at facebook.com/USPS.

Background: With this new stamp design, the U.S. Postal Service continues its tradition of celebrating Kwanzaa, the annual Pan-African holiday, which takes place over seven days from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1 and brings family, community and culture together for many African-Americans.

The stamp art depicts a man, woman and child adorned in a mixture of western and traditional clothing, paying tribute to the holiday’s focus on the contemporary African-American experience while also drawing on African roots. The family is gathered around a kinara (candleholder), the warm light from the seven candles (mishumaa saba) illuminating their faces. Several other important Kwanzaa symbols sit on the table — a few ears of corn (muhindi) and various fruits and vegetables (mazao); the kikombe cha umoja(unity cup); and the mkeka, a straw mat on top of which everything is placed.

Each year, millions of African-Americans gather with friends and family throughout the week of Kwanzaa to honor the holiday’s seven founding principles — unity (Umoja), self-determination (Kujichagulia), collective work and responsibility (Ujima), cooperative economics (Ujamaa), purpose (Nia), creativity (Kuumba) and faith (Imani). Each day of Kwanzaa is dedicated to the focus of one of these seven principles, collectively known as the Nguzo Saba.

Artist Floyd Cooper worked with art director Derry Noyes, who designed the stamp.

This is the seventh stamp design issued by the Postal Service in celebration of Kwanzaa. The first Kwanzaa commemorative stamp was issued in 1997. New designs also were issued in 2004, 2009, 2011, 2013 and 2016.

The Kwanzaa stamp is being issued as a Forever stamp. This Forever stamp will always be equal to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.

Announced by the USPS July 24th:

Five centuries ago, Francesco d’Ubertino Verdi (1494–1557), the Italian Renaissance painter known as Bachiacca, proved himself to be a versatile and popular Florentine artist. Today, his work still vividly evokes the timeless traditions of Christmas.

This stamp features a detail of Bachiacca’s oil-and-gold-on-panel painting “Madonna and Child,” which dates from the early 1520s, showing the Christ child clutching a bouquet of jasmine, a symbol of divine love, alongside the Virgin Mary’s profile, left shoulder and right hand.

This painting is part of the Jack and Belle Linsky Collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. William J. Gicker served as art director for this stamp, and Greg Breeding was the designer.

“Madonna and Child” is being issued as a Forever stamp and will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.

Updated July 26th:
This stamp will be issued October 13th in Santa Fe, NM. Ceremony location? Photo by Lloyd A. de Vries, taken May 5, 2017.

Updated August 30th:

On October 3, 2018, in Santa Fe, NM, the U.S. Postal Service will issue the “Madonna and Child” by Bachiacca stamp (Forever priced at the First-Class Mail rate) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive booklet of 20 stamps (Item 682200). The stamp will go on sale nationwide October 3, 2018, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

This Christmas stamp features a detail of Madonna and Child, an oil-and-gold-on-panel painting by Italian Renaissance artist Francesco d’Ubertino Verdi (1494–1557), known as Bachiacca. Dating from the early 1520s, the painting is part of the Jack and Belle Linsky Collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. William J. Gicker served as art director for this stamp, and Greg Breeding was the designer.

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
Customers have 120 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office™ or at The Postal Store website at usps.com/shop. They must affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

FDOI – “Madonna and Child” by Bachiacca Stamp
USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Suite 300
Kansas City, MO 64144-9900

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service™ will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark up to a quantity of 50. There is a 5-cent charge for each additional postmark over 50. All orders must be postmarked by February 3, 2019.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: “Madonna and Child” by Bachiacca Stamp
Item Number: 682200
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Double-Sided Booklet of 20 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: October 3, 2018, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Art Director: William J. Gicker, Washington, DC
Designer: Greg Breeding, Charlotesville, VA
Typographer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Existing Art: Bachiacca
Modeler: Sandra Lane/Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Booklet: 20
Print Quantity: 300,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America
Colors: Pantone 8003, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.77 x 1.05 in./19.558 x 26.67 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.91 x 1.19 in./23.114 x 30.226 mm
Full Booklet Size (w x h): 5.743 x 2.375 in./145.872 x 60.325 mm
Press Sheet Size (w x h): 11.486 x 9.5 in./ 291.74 x 241.3 mm
Plate Size: 800 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “B” followed by five (5) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Header: “Madonna and Child by Bachiacca” Twenty First-Class Forever Stamps • USPS logo • Barcode • Plate number in peel strip area
Back: ©2018 USPS in peel strip area • Promotional text in peel strip area

Added September 8th:
Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue:The Digital Color postmark measures 2.71″x1.46″The B&W pictorial measures 2.36″x1.43″

Announced by the USPS July 24th
The Scott Catalogue number is 5311.

Updated August 2nd, from the Postal Bulletin:
On August 26, 2018, in Kansas City, MO, the U.S. Postal Service® will issue the Global Poinsettia stamp (Global Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail International® rate) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 10 stamps (565900). The stamp will go on sale nationwide August 26, 2018.

Global Poinsettia is a new Global Forever international rate stamp that can be used to mail a 1-ounce letter to any country to which First-Class Mail International® service is available. A striking photograph of a poinsettia arranged against a white background graces this round holiday stamp. Taken from above, the photo captures the beauty of the green leaves, the red bracts, and the yellow flowers in the center of the plant. Text repeated twice around the circumference of the stamp reads “GLOBAL” in bold red letters and “USA,” “FOREVER,” and “2018” in black. William J. Gicker was the art director and Greg Breeding designed the stamp with an existing photograph by Betsy Pettet.

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
Customers have 120 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office or at The Postal Store® website at usps.com/shop. They must affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

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

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service™ will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark up to a quantity of 50. There is a 5-cent charge for each additional postmark over 50. All orders must be postmarked by December 26, 2018.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Global Poinsettia Stamp
Item Number: 565900
Denomination & Type of Issue: Global Forever International Rate
Format: Pane of 10 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: August 26, 2018, Kansas City, MO 64108
Art Director: William J. Gicker
Designer: Greg Breeding
Typographer: Greg Breeding
Existing Photo: Betsy Pettet
Modeler: Sandra Lane/Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Printed at: Browns Summit, NC
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Pane: 10
Print Quantity: 100,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor, Block tagged
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America, Browns Summit, NC
Colors: 186 Red, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Round
Image Area (w x h): 1.2 x 1.2 in./30.48 x 30.48 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 1.414 x 1.414 in./35.916 x 35.916 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 8.4 x 4.041 in./213.36 x 102.641 mm
Plate Size: 120 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “B” followed by five (5) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Plate number in four corners of pane
Back: ©2018 USPS • USPS logo • Barcode (565900) on each stamp • Plate position diagram • Promotional text

Original July 24th announcement:
Celebrate the holidays with Poinsettia, a new Global Forever stamp. This stamp can be used to mail a 1-ounce letter to any country where First-Class Mail International service is available. As with all Global Forever stamps, this stamp will have a postage value equivalent to the price of the single-piece First-Class Mail International 1-ounce machineable letter in effect at the time of use. These stamps can also be used domestically.

The stamp art features a photo of a poinsettia. Taken from above, the photo captures the beauty of the green leaves, the red bracts, and the yellow flowers in the center of the plant.

Poinsettias are now as much a part of the holidays as evergreens and mistletoe; tens of millions of plants are sold during the season.

The art director for this stamp was William J. Gicker. Greg Breeding designed the stamp with an existing photograph by Betsy Pettet.

The new Global Forever stamps are being issued in self-adhesive panes of 10.

Updated July 26th:
This stamp will be issued August 26th with no ceremony and a Kansas City postmark.

Updated August 18th:
Here’s is the Digital Color Postmark for this issue: It measures 2.47″ x 1.49″. Here is the B&W pictorial postmark:It measures 2.94 x 1.44″.

Announced June 26th; updated July 26th: To be issued October 11th in Pigeon Forge, TN (home of Dollywood). On August 28th, the USPS announced the issue would also include a souvenir sheet and gave details on the first-day ceremony.

[press release]
U.S. Postal Service to Issue Classic Santa Stamps this Christmas
Art Features Images from 1950s Coca-Cola Ads

WASHINGTON — It’s beginning to look like a classic Christmas! This October, the Postal Service will ring in the 2018 holiday season with four Sparkling Holidays stamps featuring character-rich close-ups of Santa Claus.

The Santa images are from Haddon Sundblom paintings created for The Coca-Cola Company holiday advertisements that ran from the1940s through the early 1960s. Sundblom, a famed commercial artist, depicted a rosy-cheeked, smiling, grandfatherly man in a red suit that came to embody the very essence of “Santa.”

The Sparkling Holidays stamps will be issued as Forever stamps. Forever stamps are always equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.

Additional details will be announced before the stamps’ release.

Added June 28th:

As reported by Foster Miller in The Stamp Collecting Forum, Bill Gicker of the USPS design team says the stamp designs were adapted from the original artwork produced by Sundblom for the soft drink company, not from specific Coca-Cola ads. Gicker was speaking at a Q&A session with Stamp Services staff June 27th at American Philatelic Society headquarters in Bellefonte, Pa.

FDC collector and retired professional artist Dave Bennett found matches for three of the stamp designs in Coca-Cola ads: Dave didn’t find a match for the fourth stamp design, but he did find what may be the inspiration for the official name for this issue: Added June 30th: And from VSC member Mary Kneller, the 4th design:

[USPS advisory August 28th]
USPS Issues “Sparkling Holidays” Stamps and Souvenir Sheet
Offerings Feature Sundblom Santa Paintings from Coca-Cola Ads

WHAT: U.S. Postmaster General and CEO Megan Brennan Dedicates New Sparkling Holidays Forever Stamps

WHEN: Oct. 11, 2018
11:15 a.m. (EDT)

WHERE: The Inn at Christmas Place
119 Christmas Tree Lane
Pigeon Forge, TN 37868

WHY: The Postal Service issues four new stamps and a souvenir sheet [shown on right] showcasing classic images of Santa Claus painted by famed commercial artist Haddon Sundblom. Each stamp portrays a close-up of Santa’s face. The four images featured in the booklet are details from larger paintings created by Sundblom and originally published in ads for The Coca-Cola Company from the 1940s through the early 1960s. Sundblom is the man credited with refining the modern image of Santa Claus.

The souvenir sheet includes a semi-jumbo stamp as part of a wider scene of one of Sundblom’s paintings chosen for the Sparkling Holidays stamp booklet. In it, Santa is depicted standing by a fireplace holding a book that lists good boys and girls. Three Christmas stockings hang along a mantel decorated with greens and ornaments. Peering over his glasses, Santa reads a note among the stockings.

A quatrefoil design element surrounded by a metallic gold background encloses the scene. The use of gold metallic ink, the flow of the type, and the organic shape of the border are intended to harken back to the graphic style of the first half of the 20th century. Art director Greg Breeding designed the souvenir sheet and the stamps.

Santa’s legend is based on customs brought to America by European immigrants. St. Nicholas, the Dutch Sinterklaas, was one of Santa’s forebearers. He delivered gifts on Dec. 5, the eve of his feast day.

Note: Sparkling Holidays Stamps, sold in books of 20, and the Sparkling Holidays Souvenir Sheet, with one stamp, will be available for pre-order online starting Sept. 14 at The Postal Store at usps.com. The souvenir sheet will only be sold through usps.com or by calling 1-800-STAMP24.

Updated August 30th:

On October 11, 2018, in Pigeon Forge, TN, the U.S. Postal Service will issue the Sparkling Holidays stamps (Forever priced at the First-Class Mail rate) in four designs, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive booklet of 20 stamps (Item 682100). The stamps will go on sale nationwide October 11, 2018, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

The U.S. Postal Service celebrates Christmas with Sparkling Holidays, four new stamps featuring classic images of Santa Claus painted by famed commercial artist Haddon Sundblom. Each of the four images portraying a close-up of Santa’s face are details from larger paintings created by Sundblom and originally published in ads for The Coca-Cola Company from the 1940s through the early 1960s. Sundblom is the man credited with refining the modern image of Santa Claus. Art director Greg Breeding designed the stamps.

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
Customers have 120 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office™ or at The Postal Store website at usps.com/shop. They must affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

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

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark up to a quantity of 50. There is a 5-cent charge for each additional postmark over 50. All orders must be postmarked by February 11, 2019.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Sparkling Holidays Stamps
Item Number: 682100
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Double-Sided Booklet of 20 (4 designs)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: October 11, 2018, Pigeon Forge, TN 37862
Art Director: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Designer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Typographer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Existing Art: Haddon Sundblom
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Booklet: 20
Print Quantity: 1,000,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Colors: PMS 872 Gold, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.77 x 1.05 in./19.558 x 26.67 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.91 x 1.19 in./23.114 x 30.226 mm
Full Booklet Size (w x h): 5.76 x 2.38 in./146.304 x 60.452 mm
Press Sheet Size (w x h): 23.29 x 4.76 in./ 591.566 x 120.904 mm
Plate Size: 880 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “P” followed by five (5) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Header: “Sparkling Holidays” Twenty First-Class Forever Stamps • Plate number in peel strip area
Back: ©2018 USPS in peel strip area • Barcode • Promotional text in peel strip area

Added September 8th:

Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue:The Digital Color postmark measures 2.86″x1.49″

The B&W pictorial measures 2.97″x1.47″

The “special” postmark for use by local post offices measures 2.66″x1.47″