Updated January 29th:

“Three new stamps in a pane of 18 mark the 150th anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad, a massive engineering feat that reduced travel time across the country from as many as six months to about one week and made the American West an integral part of the nation. Two different stamps feature the Jupiter and the No. 119 locomotives that powered the trains carrying the officers and guests of two train companies to the “Golden Spike Ceremony,” held when the two rail lines were joined at Promontory Summit in Utah. A third stamp portrays the famous golden spike that was a prominent part of the ceremony. Art director Greg Breeding designed the issuance. Michael J. Deas painted the Jupiter and No. 119 stamps. Kevin Cantrell illustrated the stamp depicting the ceremonial golden spike and did the border treatments and typography for all three stamps.”

No date or first-day city were given. Further updates will appear below, in order announced.

The Scott catalogue numbers for this issue are
5378 Jupiter Locomotive
5379 Golden Spike
5380 No. 119 Locomotive
a. Horiz. strip of 3, #5378-5380

Updated January 30th:
These stamps will be issued May 10th in Promontory Summit, Utah.

Updated March 11th:

[press release]
U.S. Postal Service Celebrates 150th Anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad

What: Marking the 150th anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad, the U.S. Postal Service will commemorate this 19th century marvel with a magnificent set of Forever stamps.

The first-day-of-issue event for the Transcontinental Railroad Forever stamp is free and open to the public. News of the stamp is being shared with the hashtag #RailroadStamps.

Who: Michael Mirides, District Manager Salt Lake City District, U.S. Postal Service

When: Friday, May 10, 2019 at 3:30 p.m. MT

Where: Golden Spike National Historic Site
6200 North 22300th Street West
Promontory Summit, UT 84037

Event parking is available through the Spike 150 Foundation website.

RSVP: Dedication ceremony attendees are encouraged to rsvp at: usps.com/transcontinentalrailroad

Background: Building the transcontinental railroad during the 1860s was one of the great achievements of the era. The completion was marked by the “Golden Spike Ceremony,” held on May 10, 1869, when rail lines built by the Central Pacific from the west and the Union Pacific from the east were joined at Promontory Summit in Utah.

A large immigrant labor force — including a majority of Chinese and Irish laborers — carried out most of the backbreaking and often dangerous work that made the achievement possible. The workforce, totaling more than 20,000 at its peak, also included immigrants from many nations — Germany, Italy, Russia, Czechoslovakia, Poland and others — as well as African-Americans and former Civil War soldiers from both the Union and Confederate armies. Many crews of Mormon workers helped make the final push across Utah.

Reminiscent of traditional 19th century oil painting techniques, the three distinct designs of the Transcontinental Railroad Forever stamps evoke the spirit of the era. Two separate stamps feature the Jupiter and the No. 119 locomotives that powered the trains carrying the officers and guests of the two train companies to the “Golden Spike Ceremony.” Centered between them, a third stamp portrays the famous golden spike that was a prominent part of the ceremony.

Also, the Golden Spike National Historic Site (National Park Service) has a webpage with information about the 150th anniversary celebration (although it doesn’t mention the stamps). It also has links to other sesquicentennial celebration pages. —VSC

Updated March 29th, from the Postal Bulletin:

On May 10, 2019, in Promontory Summit, UT, the U.S. Postal Service® will issue the Transcontinental Railroad stamps (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in three designs, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive pane of 18 stamps (Item 570400). The stamps will go on sale nationwide May 10, 2019, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue. The Transcontinental Railroad pane of 18 stamps may not be split and the stamps may not be sold individually.

Three new stamps in a pane of 18 mark the 150th anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad, a massive engineering feat that reduced travel time across the country from as much as 6 months to about 1 week and made the American West an integral part of the nation. Two different stamps feature the Jupiter and the No. 119 locomotives that powered the trains carrying the officers and guests of two train companies to the “Golden Spike Ceremony,” which was held when the two rail lines were joined at Promontory Summit in Utah.

A third stamp portrays the famous golden spike that was a prominent part of the ceremony. Each of the stamps and the header feature gold-foiled highlights that produce a glimmering effect. Art director Greg Breeding designed the issuance. Michael J. Deas painted the Jupiter and No. 119 stamps. Kevin Cantrell illustrated the stamp depicting the ceremonial golden spike and did the border treatments and typography for all three stamps.

Availability to Post Offices: Item 570400, Transcontinental Railroad (Forever Priced at the First-Class Mail Rate) Commemorative Pane of 18 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 – Transcontinental Railroad 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 September 10, 2019.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Transcontinental Railroad Stamps
Item Number: 570400
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 18 (3 designs)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: May 10, 2019, Promontory Summit, UT 84307
Art Director: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Designer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Typographer: Kevin Cantrell, Salt Lake City, UT
Artist: Michael J. Deas, New Orleans, LA
Modeler: Sandra Lane/Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Gallus RCS
Stamps per Pane: 18
Print Quantity: 50,400,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor, Block Tagged
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Other: Gold Foil
Stamp Orientation: Horizontal and Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 1.7828 x 1.1592 in./45.283 x 29.444 mm
0.8395 x 1.1592 in./21.323 x 29.444 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 1.9228 x 1.2992 in./48.839 x 33 mm
0.9795 x 1.2992 in./24.879 x 33 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 5.82 x 10.32 in./147.828 x 262.128 mm
Press Sheets Size (w x h): 11.64 x 20.64 in./295.656 x 524.256 mm
Plate Size: 72 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “B” followed by four (4) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Header: Transcontinental Railroad: 150th Anniversary • Plate number in bottom two corners of pane
Back: ©2019 USPS • USPS logo • 2 barcodes (570400) • Plate position diagram • Promotional text

Updated April 13th:
Here are the first-day cancels for this issue:The Digital Color Postmark measures 3.00″ x 0.86″ The B&W pictorial measures 3.00″ x 1.5″

Updated May 6th:
Note that the stamps are nearly five inches wide when displayed as three se-tenant!

This version was announced by the USPS on December 19, and will be issued January 27th without a ceremony, but with a Kansas City postmark. A sheet version of this design was issued February 18, 2017.

Says the USPS, “The stamp features eight graphic top hats in Uncle Sam’s signature style, with red and white vertical stripes above a blue band with a white star and a gray brim. Beneath each hat is an oval shape representing a face, each in a different shade, meant to suggest the ethnic and racial diversity of the United States. Art director Antonio Alcalá designed the stamp. The words “ADDITIONAL OUNCE” on this stamp indicate its usage value.”

The latest information on this issue will appear below the large illustration. The Scott catalogue number is 5341.

December 19th: The stamp will be issued in coils of 100.

December 21st: On January 27, 2019, in Kansas City, MO, the U.S. Postal Service will issue the Uncle Sam’s Hat (Non-denominated additional ounce rate) stamp in one design (with new format), in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) coil of 100 stamps (Item 746900). The stamp will go on sale nationwide January 27, 2019, and must not be sold or cancelled before the first-day-of-issue.

Availability to Post Offices: Item 746900 Uncle Sam’s Hat Non-denominated Additional Ounce Rate, PSA Coil of 100 Stamps: Stamp Fulfillment Services will not make an automatic push distribution to Post Offices.

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
Customers have 120 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. Each cover must have sufficient postage to meet First-Class Mail requirements. 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 – Uncle Sam’s Hat 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 May 27, 2019.

Updated January 9th:

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Uncle Sam’s Hat Stamp
Item Number: 746900
Denomination & Type of Issue: Non-denominated Additional Ounce Rate
Format: Coil of 100 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: January 27, 2019, Kansas City, MO 64108
Art Director: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Designer: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Typographer: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Modeler: Sandra Lane/Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Coil: 100
Print Quantity: 100,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper, Overall
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America
Colors: Pantone 7687, Pantone 7621, Cool Gray 7, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.73 x 0.84 in./18.542 x 21.336 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.87 x 0.98 in./22.098 x 24.892 mm
Plate Size: 744 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “B” followed by seven (7) single digits
Coil Number Frequency: Plate number every 31st stamp

The only first-day cancellation for this issue is the “FIRST DAY OF ISSUE” four-bar.

This issue was not initially announced by the USPS, but was confirmed December 20th in response to a query from The Virtual Stamp Club. The illustration below is a mock-up.

The most recent information will appear after the large illustration and the introductory description from the USPS. The Scott catalogue number is U698. Celebrating the desolate beauty of the Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia) and its distinct desert environment, this Priority Mail stamp depicts a common scene throughout much of the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts. Using the bold colors of the sun’s reflection off the trees, rocks, and other shrubby vegetation, artist Dan Cosgrove illuminates the desert scene in warm, golden hues. Art director Greg Breeding designed the stamp.

Updated January 17th:

Only the pictorial postmark will be available. The DCP reportedly does not work well on the envelope stock: The B&W Pictorial measures 2.98″x1.21″.

Here are the product numbers:

• 232900 $7.35 Prepaid PM Envelope (1), $7.35
• 232905 Prepaid PM Envelope Pack of 5, $36.75
• 232910 Prepaid PM Envelope Pack of 10, $73.50
• 232925 Prepaid PM Envelope Pack of 25, $183.75
• 232916 Prepaid PM Envelope FDC, $7.79

[press release – April 6th]
U.S. Postal Service Reveals New Forever Stamp Design Honoring Former President George H.W. Bush

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service today announced it will issue a commemorative Forever stamp honoring former President George H.W. Bush, who died Nov. 30, 2018, at the age of 94.

The 41st president guided the United States through the end of the Cold War and drove the creation of a multinational coalition that successfully forced Iraq to withdraw from Kuwait in the Persian Gulf War.

An advocate for public service, Bush explained his vision of a nation of volunteers as “a brilliant diversity spread like stars, like a thousand points of light in a broad and peaceful sky.” [The stamp design was unveiled Saturday at the Bush Library, above]

The stamp art is a portrait of Bush painted by award-winning artist Michael J. Deas. It is based on a 1997 photograph taken by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders. Phil Jordan was the art director and stamp designer.

The first-day-of-issue ceremony will be held on the president’s birthday, June 12, at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, 1000 George Bush Drive West, College Station, TX. (shown below)

Robert M. Duncan, chairman of the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors, will serve as the dedicating official.

The stamp will be available for pre-order April 6, 2019, for delivery on or after the June 12 ceremony at usps.com/stamps, or by phone at 800-Stamp24 (800-782-6724).

The stamp is being issued as a Forever stamp, which will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.

Our initial posting here:
We can expect a stamp on or about June 12th for President George H.W. Bush, who passed away December 1st at the age of 94. He was born June 12, 1924, and U.S. custom is that former presidents are honored with a stamp on their first birthday after their death.

Although he was born in Milton, Mass., the family compound where he spent a significant part of each year is in Kennebunkport, Maine. He spent the rest of the year in Houston.

The USPS has not confirmed release of this stamp.

Here’s a larger version of this stamp:

Further details and information will appear below the line, in the order received.

From the May 9th Postal Bulletin:
On June 12, 2019, in College Station, TX, the U.S. Postal Service will issue the George H.W. Bush stamp (Forever priced at the First-Class Mail rate) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive pane of 20 stamps (Item 478200). The stamp will go on sale nationwide June 12, 2019. The George H.W. Bush stamp must not be sold or canceled before the June 12th first-day-of-issue.

This stamp honors former President George H.W. Bush, who died on November 30, 2018, at the age of 94. The stamp art is a portrait of Bush painted by award-winning artist Michael J. Deas. It is based on a 1997 photograph taken by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders. The 41st president of the United States guided the U.S. through the end of the Cold War and drove the creation of a multinational coalition that successfully forced Iraq to withdraw from Kuwait in the Persian Gulf War. An advocate for public service, Bush explained his vision of a nation of volunteers as “a brilliant diversity spread like stars, like a thousand points of light in a broad and peaceful sky.” Phil Jordan was the art director and stamp designer.

Availability to Post Offices: Item 478200, George H.W. Bush (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.

A special dedication postmark is available to local post offices: 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 – George H.W. Bush 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 October 12, 2019.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: George H.W. Bush Stamp
Item Number: 478200
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: June 12, 2019, College Station, TX 77840
Art Director: Phil Jordan, Falls Church, VA
Designer: Phil Jordan, Falls Church, VA
Typographer: Phil Jordan, Falls Church, VA
Artist: Michael J. Deas, New Orleans, LA
Modeler: Sandra Lane/Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 40,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America
Colors: Pantone 5513, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.84 x 1.42 in/21.336 x 36.068 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 0.98 x 1.56 in/24.892 x 39.624 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 5.92 x 7.24 in/150.368 x 183.896 mm
Press Sheet Size (w x h): 11.84 x 21.72 in/300.736 x 551.688 mm
Plate Size: 240 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “B” followed by five (5) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Plate numbers in four corners
Back: ©2019 USPS • USPS logo • Two barcodes (478200) • Plate position diagram • Promotional text

Updated May 18th:
Here are scratch versions of the first-day cancels:

Updated May 23rd:

[press release]
U.S. Postal Service Honoring Former President George H.W. Bush with Forever Stamp
First Day of Issue Event June 12th at Bush Center in College Station, Acknowledging President Bush’s 95th Birthday

What: The U.S. Postal Service is issuing a Forever stamp honoring George Herbert Walker Bush, America’s 41st president, who died on November 30, 2018.

The first day of issue event for the stamps is free and open to the public. News of the stamp is being shared with the hashtags #GHWBushStamp or #USPresidentsStamps.

Who: Pierce Bush, CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star, Grandson of George H.W. Bush
Hon. Robert M. Duncan, Chairman, Board of Governors, U.S. Postal Service, and Dedicating Official
David B. Jones, President and CEO, George & Barbara Bush Foundation
Warren Finch, Director, George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum
Amb. Chase Untermeyer, Founding Chairman, Qatar-America Institute
Jean Becker, Former Chief of Staff, Office of George H.W. Bush

When: Wednesday, June 12, 2019, at 11 a.m. CDT

Where: Annenberg Presidential Conference Center
Frymire Auditorium
1002 George Bush Drive West
College Station, TX 77845

RSVP: Dedication ceremony attendees are encouraged to RSVP at usps.com/georgehwbush.

Background: George Herbert Walker Bush (1924–2018), served as America’s 41st president from 1989 to 1993. During his term in office, he guided the U.S. and its allies to a peaceful end of the Cold War, helped reunify Germany, and led a multinational coalition that successfully forced Iraq to withdraw from Kuwait during the Persian Gulf War.

On the domestic front, President Bush signed historic civil rights legislation to integrate Americans with disabilities more fully into society. His Clean Air Act tightened air pollution standards and dramatically reduced urban smog and acid rain. George Bush also called and inspired millions of Americans to serve their communities with his vision of “a thousand points of light.”

In addition to serving as vice president under President Reagan, Bush held a number of other senior leadership roles including Ambassador to the United Nations, Chairman of the Republican National Committee, Chief of the U.S. Liaison Office in China, and Director of Central Intelligence.

George H.W. Bush was the first sitting vice president elected president since Martin van Buren in 1836, and one of only two presidents to have a son who also served as Commander-in-Chief.

Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shop, by calling 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724), by mail through USA Philatelic or at Post Office locations nationwide.

Updated May 24th:
Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue: The Digital Color Postmark for this issue measures 2.94″x0.98″ The B&W pictorial measures 2.93″x0.94″ The “special” postmark, for other post offices, measures 2.24″x1.46″

Updated August 7th:
The Scott catalogue number for this issue is 5393.

Announced November 20, 2018. The most recent information will appear after the large illustration and the introductory description from the USPS. The Scott catalogue number is 5346. The California dogface graces the seventh non-machineable butterfly stamp for use on irregularly sized envelopes, such as square greeting cards, invitations or announcements. The stamp art was digitally created using images of preserved butterflies as a starting point. The result is a highly stylized, simplified image of a California dogface (Zerene eurydice) rather than an exact replica. Nationally known artist Tom Engeman created the stamp art. Art director Derry Noyes designed the stamp.

December 19th: This stamp will be issued Sunday, January 27th, with a Kansas City MO postmark but no first-day ceremony.

December 21st:

On January 27, 2019, in Kansas City, MO, the U.S. Postal Service will issue the California Dogface stamp (Non-denominated priced at the Non-machineable Surcharge rate) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 120100). The stamp will go on sale nationwide January 27, 2019, and must not be sold or cancelled before the first-day-of-issue.

The California dogface graces the seventh non-machineable butterfly stamp for use on irregularly sized envelopes, such as square greeting cards, invitations, or announcements. The stamp art was digitally created using images of preserved butterflies as a starting point. The result is a highly stylized, simplified image of a California dogface (Zerene eurydice) rather than an exact replica. Nationally known artist Tom Engeman created the stamp art. Art director Derry Noyes designed the stamp.

Availability to Post Offices: Item 120100, California Dogface (Butterfly) Non-machineable Surcharge Rate, Non-denominated PSA Pane of 20 Stamps: Stamp Fulfillment Services will not make an automatic push distribution to Post Offices.

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 – California Dogface 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 May 27, 2019.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: California Dogface Stamp
Item Number: 120100
Denomination & Type of Issue: Non-machineable Surcharge Rate
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: January 27, 2019, Kansas City, MO 64108
Art Director: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Designer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Typographer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Artist: Tom Engeman, Kensington, 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: 100,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor, Block Tagged
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America
Colors: Black, Pantone 2726, Pantone Black 6 C, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
Stamp Orientation: Square
Image Area (w x h): 1.085 x 1.085 in/27.559 x 27.559 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 1.225 x 1.225 in/31.115 x 31.115 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 5.9 x 7.12 in/149.860 x 180.848 mm
Plate Size: 240 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “B” followed by six (6) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Header: CALIFORNIA DOGFACE • Plate numbers in four corners
Back: ©2016 USPS • USPS Logo • Two barcodes (120100) • Plate position diagram • Promotional text

Updated January 17th:
An earlier Postal Bulletin had indicated a Digital Color Postmark for this issue, and showed a design. The USPS now says there will not be one. We have inquired why, since the last thee or four nonmachineable-rate butterfly stamps did have DCPs, and a design was obviously prepared for this one.

“Sales data did not support the continuation of Digital Color Postmarks for the non-machinable surcharge stamps,” USPS spokesman Roy Betts said on January 22nd, in response to an email inquiry from The Virtual Stamp Club.

Meanwhile, here is the design for the Pictorial first-day postmark: It measures 2.98″x1.39″.

Announced November 20, 2018. The most recent information will appear after the large illustration and the introductory description from the USPS. Four new postcard stamps celebrate the beauty and wonder of coral reefs. Each stamp depicts a type of stony coral, along with associated reef fish, in a highly stylized manner: elkhorn coral, shown with two French angelfish; brain coral, with a spotted moray eel; staghorn coral, with bluestriped grunts; pillar coral, with a coney grouper and neon gobies. Art director Ethel Kessler designed the stamps. Tyler Lang created the stamp art.

Updated February 28th:
On March 29, 2019, in St. Louis, MO, the U.S. Postal Service® will issue the Coral Reefs stamps (non-denominated priced at the postcard rate) in four designs, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 120200) and a PSA coil of 100 stamps (Item 745100). The stamps will go on sale nationwide March 29, 2019, and must not be sold or cancelled before the first-day-of-issue.

Four new postcard stamps celebrate the beauty and wonder of coral reefs. Each stamp depicts a type of stony coral, along with associated reef fish, in a highly stylized manner:

• Elkhorn coral, shown with two French angelfish;
• Brain coral, with a spotted moray eel;
• Staghorn coral, with bluestriped grunts; and
• Pillar coral, with a coney grouper and neon gobies.

Art director Ethel Kessler designed the stamps. Tyler Lang created the stamp art.

• Item 120200, Coral Reefs (Non-denominated Priced at the Postcard Rate) PSA Pane of 20 Stamps
• Item 745100, Coral Reefs (Non-denominated Priced at the Postcard Rate) PSA Coil of 100 Stamps

Stamp Fulfillment Services will not make an automatic push distribution to Post Offices.

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
Customers have 120 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. Each cover must have sufficient postage to meet First-Class Mail® requirements. 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 – Coral Reefs 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 July 29, 2019.

Technical Specifications (pane):

Issue: Coral Reefs Stamps
Item Number: 120200
Denomination & Type of Issue: Postcard Rate Non-denominated, Mail-use
Format: Pane of 20 (4 designs)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: March 29, 2019, St. Louis, MO 63121
Art Director: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Designer: Tyler Lang, Portland, OR
Typographer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Artist: Tyler Lang, Portland, OR
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 125,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Colors: Pantone 635 C Seafoam, Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Pantone 2234 C Aqua
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.73 x 0.84 in./18.542 x 21.336 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 0.87 x 0.98 in./22.098 x 24.892 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 5.35 x 4.93 in./135.89 x 125.222 mm
Plate Size: 400 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “P” followed by six (6) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Plate numbers in four corners of pane
Back: ©2018 USPS • USPS Logo • Two barcodes (120200) • Plate position diagram • Promotional text

Technical Specifications (coil):

Issue: Coral Reefs Stamps
Item Number: 745100
Denomination & Type of Issue: Postcard Rate Non-denominated, Mail-use
Format: Coil of 100 (4 designs)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: March 29, 2019, St. Louis, MO 63121
Art Director: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Designer: Tyler Lang, Portland, OR
Typographer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Artist: Tyler Lang, Portland, OR
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Coil: 100
Print Quantity: 600,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.70375 x 0.84 in./17.875 x 21.336 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.84375 x 0.98 in./21.431 x 24.892 mm
Coil Size (w x h): 0.98 x 84.375 in./24.892 x 2143.125 mm
Colors: Pantone 635 C Seafoam, Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Pantone 2234 C Aqua
Plate Size: 768 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “P” followed by six (6) single digits
Coil Number Frequency: Plate numbers every 32nd stamp below stamp image

Updated March 5th:

Only a pictorial (B&W) first-day cancel is being offered for this issue: It measures 2.90″ x 1.39″

Updated May 6th:
Here are the Scott catalogue numbers for this issue:

5363 (35¢) Coral Reefs – Elkhorn coral and French angelfish, serpentine die cut 11¼x10¾
5364 (35¢) Coral Reefs – Brain coral and Spotted moray eel, serpentine die cut 11¼x10¾
5365 (35¢) Coral Reefs – Pillar coral, Coney grouper and Neon gobies, serpentine die cut 11¼x10¾
5366 (35¢) Coral Reefs – Staghorn coral and Blue-striped grunts, serpentine die cut 11¼x10¾
a. Horiz. or vert. strip of 4, #5363-5366

5367 (35¢) Coral Reefs coil stamp – Pillar coral and Coney grouper and Neon gobies, serpentine die cut 9 ½ vert.
5368 (35¢) Coral Reefs coil stamp – Staghorn coral and Blue-striped grunts, serpentine die cut 9 ½ vert.
5369 (35¢) Coral Reefs coil stamp – Elkhorn coral and French angelfish, serpentine die cut 9 ½ vert.
5370 (35¢) Coral Reefs coil stamp – Brain coral and Spotted moray eel, serpentine die cut 9 ½ vert.
a. Horiz. strip of 4, #5367-5370

Announced November 20, 2018. The most recent information will appear after the large illustration and the introductory description from the USPS. The Scott catalogue number is 5348. With this Priority Mail Express stamp, the Postal Service commemorates the Bethesda Fountain, one of Central Park’s most iconic structures. Dedicated in 1873, the fountain is a gathering place beloved by New Yorkers and out-of-town visitors alike. The stamp art features a stylized depiction of the fountain. The illustration was first rendered as a pencil sketch and then scanned and finished digitally. Art director Greg Breeding designed the stamp with original art by Dan Cosgrove.

December 19th: This stamp will be issued Sunday, January 27th, with a Kansas City MO postmark but no first-day ceremony.

December 21st:

On January 27, 2019, in Kansas City, MO, the U.S. Postal Service will issue the $25.50 Bethesda Fountain Priority Mail Express stamp in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of four stamps (Item 129900). The stamp will go on sale nationwide January 27, 2019, and must not be sold or cancelled before the first-day-of-issue.

With this Priority Mail Express stamp, the Postal Service commemorates the Bethesda Fountain, one of Central Park‘s most iconic structures. Dedicated in 1873, the fountain is a gathering place beloved by New Yorkers and out-of-town visitors alike. The stamp art features a stylized depiction of the fountain. Art director Greg Breeding designed the stamp with original art by Dan Cosgrove.

Availability to Post Offices: Item 129900, $25.50 Bethesda Fountain Priority Mail Express PSA Pane of Four Stamps: Stamp Fulfillment Services will not make an automatic push distribution to Post Offices.

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 – Bethesda Fountain 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 May 27, 2019.

Updated January 9th:

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Bethesda Fountain Stamp
Item Number: 129900
Denomination & Type of Issue: $25.50 Priority Mail Express® Rate
Format: Pane of 4 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: January 27, 2019, Kansas City, MO 64108
Art Director: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Designer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Typographer: Dan Cosgrove, Chicago, IL
Artist: Dan Cosgrove, Chicago, IL
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Pane: 4
Print Quantity: 1,260,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
Stamp Orientation: Horizontal
Image Area (w x h): 1.42 x 1.085 in/36.068 x 27.559 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 1.56 x 1.225 in/39.624 x 31.115 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 4.12 x 3.45 in/104.648 x 87.63 mm
Plate Size: 24 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “P” followed by four (4) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Plate number in two corners of pane
Back: ©2018 USPS • USPS Logo • Four barcodes (129900) • Plate position diagram • Promotional text

Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue: The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.19″x1.41″. The B&W pictorial measures 2.84″1.42″.