Jimmy Nelson – Ode to the Netherlands (Netherlands 2023)

Posted on January 18, 2023 by VSC

[from the press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Jimmy Nelson – Ode to the Netherlands
Issue date: 25 January 2023

The series of four stamp sheets entitled “Jimmy Nelson – Ode to the Netherlands” feature portraits of women and girls in Dutch national and regional dress, photographed by Jimmy Nelson for his 2022 book Between the Sea and the Sky. The stamps were designed by graphic designer Larissa Rosvaenge of Jimmy Nelson Studio. The denomination on these stamps is ‘1’, the denomination for items weighing up to 20g destined for the Netherlands.

National and regional dress is location- and region-specific clothing that is subject to unwritten rules that are known and clear to those who wear it locally. Most Dutch regional dress can be traced back to earlier civic fashions, especially from the 17th and 19th centuries. In some places, elements of that fashion were maintained while the general fashion changed. Many variations emerged throughout the years. In many areas of the Netherlands, regional costume has disappeared; in others, the disappearance is taking longer than predicted.

Ode to the Netherlands I (item 830011) features the dress of Veluwe, Huizen, Schouwen-Duiveland, Volendam, Rijssen
Ode to the Netherlands II (item 830012) features Walcheren, Friesland, Leeuwarden, Scheveningen, Arnemuiden
Ode to the Netherlands III ((item 830013) features Spakenburg, Marken, Urk, Zaanstreek, Kampereiland
Ode to the Netherlands IV (item 830014) features Hindeloopen, Staphorst, Katwijk, Enkhuizen, Axel

In the book, British-Dutch artist Jimmy Nelson [right] portrays 20 Dutch communities in traditional and regional dress in their own environment. The 528-page book features intimate photographic portraits and iconic landscapes, captured with an analogue plate camera. The detailed nature of the images, with plenty of contrast and depth, harks back to the work of the Dutch master painters of the 17th century.

The Jimmy Nelson – Ode to the Netherlands stamps were designed by Larissa Rosvaenge [left], who is responsible for all designs as a graphic designer within the Jimmy Nelson Studio team. She also designed the book Between the Sea and the Sky from which the photos featured on the stamps were taken.

The Between the Sea and the Sky project was created during the COVID pandemic, when travelling to faraway places, where Nelson usually takes his photographs, was not possible. “As a creative company, we are always looking for human connection,” Nelson explains. “Thanks to the COVID measures, we discovered that there is actually a great wealth of cultural heritage within the Netherlands, a heritage that creates connections within the conscious community, also through storytelling and experiencing a collective past together. As a creative studio, we consider beauty to be an important factor. We are not anthropologists or regional dress experts, but we delved deep into the subject and presented it in the most beautiful and balanced way possible, both in the book, in the accompanying exhibition and now also on the stamps.”

In selecting the photos, designer Rosvaenge sought balance.

“Balanced ages, for example: the youngest person portrayed on the stamps is 3 years old, the oldest well into their 80s,” she said. “But also balance in where people came from, what colours predominated in the pictures and what viewing directions there were. Moreover, we tried to avoid repetition as much as possible.”

A colour scheme that reflects the seasons emerged almost spontaneously, Rosvaenge added.

“We ended up with stamp sheets on which white predominated in winter, light colours emerged in spring, stronger colours appeared in summer and darker shades surfaced in autumn.”

Nelson says technology played an important part in these pictures.

“I shoot in natural light with an analogue plate camera, with a wide aperture and a slow shutter speed. This requires people to sit still for a long period of time, and you can see that in the intensity of their facial expressions.”

Rosvaenge says the designs have multiple layers.

“All sorts of things are going on, and you will have to look several times to get through those layers,” the designer said. “That is why I would love it if people bought two of each stamp sheet: one to keep, the other for sending mail. Preferably for love letters, of course.”

Sale & Validity
The Jimmy Nelson – Ode to the Netherlands stamps are available while stocks last at www.postnl.nl/collect and can be ordered by telephone from the Collect Club customer service on telephone number +31 (0)88 868 99 00. The validity period is indefinite.

Technical Details
Stamp size: 30 x 40mm (wxh)
Sheet size: 170 x 122 mm (wxh)
Paper: normal with phosphor print
Gum: gummed
Printing technique: offset
Printing colours: cyan, magenta, yellow and black
Print run: 4 x 10,000 sheets
Appearance: four sheets of five personal stamps in five different : designs
Design: Larissa Rosvaenge
Photography: Jimmy Nelson
Printing company: Koninklijke Joh. Enschedé B.V., Haarlem

Typically Dutch: Museums (Netherlands 2023)

Posted on January 17, 2023 by VSC

[press release; translated by Google] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Iconic Shapes Dominate the Typically Dutch – Museums Stamps

The first stamp sheetlet of 2023 in the ‘Typisch Nederlands’ series from PostNL was issued on January 2^nd. The six stamps are dedicated to the many high-quality museums in our country. This year’s series “Typically Dutch” is devoted to various sights that are important and typical of the Netherlands.

The design of “Typically Dutch – Museums” is the work of senior graphic designer Adam Lane and creative director Edwin van Praet, of Total Design from Amsterdam. In the series, stamp sheets will appear later this year with the subject of windmills (February 13), flower fields (March 20), cheese markets (March 20) and Wadden Sea (August 14).

Hundreds of Museums, Millions of Visitors
The Netherlands is a real museum country. With many hundreds of museums that attract many millions of visitors. The oldest museum in our country is the Teylers Museum in Haarlem (from 1784). The Rijksmuseum Amsterdam (from 1885) attracts the most visitors every year.

Iconic Shapes
The stamps of the “Typically Dutch – Museums” stamp sheet feature picture frames and vases in various sizes. The iconic shapes are grouped in a tight pattern across the stamps. The design language is as simple and geometric as possible, but still recognizable, according to graphic designer Adam Lane. “In this way we have succeeded in designing stamps with powerful images within the pattern game. The loose stamp shows a strong design, while the story behind the theme remains legible.”

Content Aspects
It is not only the form that dominates on the stamp sheet, there is also a substantive aspect to the choice of design concept with icons and patterns. Creative director Edwin van Praet: “This applies to all stamp sheets that will be issued this year in the Typically Dutch series. Whichever museum you visit, a pattern has always been deliberately chosen for how, for example, paintings hang on the wall. When it comes to collecting art, museums naturally also follow a fixed pattern to build up their collection.”Availability
The stamp sheet “Typically Dutch – Museums” has six stamps in six equal designs, with the value indication Nederland 1, intended for mail up to and including 20 grams with a destination within the Netherlands.

The “Typically Dutch – Museums” stamps are available as long as stocks last at the post office in the Bruna stores and via the webshop [direct link]. The stamps can also be ordered by telephone from the Collect Club customer service on telephone number 088 868 99 00. The price per sheet of 10 stamps is € 10.10. The stamps are valid indefinitely.

[VSC Note: The link to first day covers (“Eerstedagenveloppen”) is here.]

Experience Nature: Marker Wadden (Netherlands 2023)

Posted on January 16, 2023 by VSC

[press release, translated via Google Translate] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
New nature on new stamps: full attention for the Marker Wadden

Between 2016 and 2021, five islands have been constructed in the Markermeer; the Marker Wadden. Representatives of the flora and fauna of this new nature reserve feature on the latest stamp sheetlet that PostNL has issued January 2 in the series “Experience Nature.”

[According to Wikipedia, “the Marker Wadden is an artificial archipelago under development in the Markermeer, a lake in the Netherlands.”]

The following ten inhabitants of this area play the leading role on the stamps “Experience Nature – Marker Wadden”: mute swan [right], bulrush, spoonbill, marram grass, little plover, bearded man, common tern, smelt, grasshopper warbler and sea buckthorn. All photos are included in a graphic layer of overlapping circles of different sizes, which break through the boundaries of the perforations.

Island 6 and 7
With the construction of the Marker Wadden, the initiators in the Markermeer want to promote nature restoration and improve bird abundance. The project is still ongoing, islands 6 and 7 will be completed this year. A visit to the Marker Wadden is already possible via a fixed ferry service, with departures from April to October from Lelystad.

Friesland, Overijssel and North Brabant
With the series “Experience nature’, PostNL draws attention to various nature areas in our country. After this first issue, three more stamp sheets will follow this year: about Skrok and Skrins in Friesland (February 13, 2023), the Wieden in Overijssel (June 12, 2023) and the Oisterwijkse Bossen en Vennen in North Brabant (August 24, 2023).

Close to the hearts
Natuurmonumenten manages the Marker Wadden. Roel Posthoorn, project director at the foundation, is proud of ‘his’ area. “The essence of Marker Wadden for me is that it was born from the feeling of desire. In nature management we are often busy looking for solutions to problems. But this is something we want, we desire. Something that is close to people’s hearts. That is why they are very welcome.”

Landscape variation
The stamp sheet Experience nature – Marker Wadden is a design by graphic designer Frank Janse from Gouda. “The common factor of this issue about Marker Wadden is the new nature that man has created here. There is a lot of variation in the landscape, with parts that are regularly flooded. This way you attract different species, mainly fish and birds, that feel at home where water and land meet.”

Availability
The stamp sheet “Experience Nature – Marker Wadden” has ten stamps in ten different designs, with the value indication Nederland 1, intended for mail up to and including 20 grams with a destination within the Netherlands.

The “Experience Nature – Marker Wadden” stamps are available while stocks last at all PostNL sales points, the post office in the Bruna stores and via shop.postnl.nl/webshop/collect-club/postzegeluitgiften/bdn-marker-wadden-10-vel-nl1 [direct link. The stamps can also be ordered by telephone from the Collect Club customer service on telephone number 088 868 99 00. The price per sheet of 10 stamps is € 10.10. The stamps are valid indefinitely. [VSC Note: The link to first day covers (“Eerstedagenveloppen”) is here. There are two for this issue, shown above and below.]

Iron Maiden (UK 2023)

Posted on January 16, 2023 by VSC

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Royal Mail Honours Rock Legends Iron Maiden with a Set of 12 Special Stamps

Issue date: 12 January 2023

Royal Mail has revealed images of 12 stamps being issued as a tribute to one of the most revered and influential bands of all time – Iron Maiden
Eight of the stamps will feature images of some of their legendary performances over the years
A further four stamps, presented in a miniature sheet, pays homage to the band’s long-serving mascot and pop-cultural icon in his own right, Eddie
The band has amassed over 100 million record sales, almost 2,500 live performances across 64 countries, 17 studio albums and has recently finished their Legacy Of The Beast World Tour where they played to over 3,000,000 fans
Royal Mail collaborated closely with the band members and Phantom Music Management Ltd on the stamp issue
Iron Maiden become only the fifth music group to feature in a dedicated stamp issue – following on from The Beatles in 2007, Pink Floyd in 2016, Queen in 2020, and the Rolling Stones in 2022
The band will be back on the road in 2023 with their brand new The Future Past tour, with dates across the UK and Europe
The stamps and a range of collectible products are available at www.royalmail.com/ironmaiden and by phone on +44 (0)3457 641 641
The Presentation Pack containing all 12 stamps is priced at £17.70

Royal Mail has revealed images of 12 new Special Stamps celebrating one of the most legendary rock bands of all time, Iron Maiden.

The main stamp set celebrates Iron Maiden’s live performances, featuring a selection of photos from their world-wide tours across the years, internationally and at home – and feature all current members of the band.

Images range from the 1980s until 2018 and show:

Steve Harris in Vancouver, June 2010
Bruce Dickinson at Hammersmith, Odeon, London, May 1983
Dave Murray, Adrian Smith and Steve Harris in Pamplona, September 1988
Nicko McBrain in Quito, March 2009
Dave Murray, Bruce Dickinson and Janick Gers in Rio de Janeiro, January 2001
Adrian Smith and Steve Harris in Helsinki, May 2018
Iron Maiden at Twickenham Stadium, London, July 2008
Bruce Dickinson sword fighting with Eddie in Birmingham, August 2018

A further four stamps pay homage to the band’s long-serving mascot and pop-cultural icon in his own right, Eddie, with his own miniature sheet. The stamps show four notorious Eddie artworks, including the latest addition featuring Eddie as a samurai warrior from the recent Senjutsu album.Shown on the stamps are:

- ‘Iron Maiden’ Eddie: The stare that started it all. Born in 1980 – on the cover of the band’s debut album
- ‘The Trooper’ Eddie: The unforgettable artwork for one of Iron Maiden’s greatest hit singles and, more recently, the logo for their award-winning beer
- ‘Aces High’ Eddie: Reimagined as a fighter pilot for a song honouring the RAF servicemen who defended Britain during the Second World War
- ‘Senjutsu’ Eddie: Samurais, feudal Japan and flashing blades inspired this katana-wielding warrior, from the band’s most recent album
The backdrop of the miniature sheet is taken from Iron Maiden’s first official live album, Live After Death (1985).

Founded in east London in the mid-1970s by songwriter and bassist Steve Harris, Iron Maiden’s decades-spanning career has made them one of the most revered and influential bands of all time. With over 100 million record sales, almost 2,500 live performances across 64 countries and 17 studio albums – including their latest, Senjutsu, released in 2021 – Iron Maiden have remained fearlessly creative and dedicated to their legions of fans for almost half a century.

Iron Maiden founder member and bassist Steve Harris comments: “We were all absolutely astounded – in a good way! – when we heard first about the commemorative project, and equally pretty much speechless when we saw the stamps for the very first time. They look superb and I think they really capture the essence and energy of Maiden. We’re all very proud that Royal Mail has chosen to honour the band’s legacy like this and we know our fans will feel the same way,”

Iron Maiden manager, Rod Smallwood adds: “As a band who have never played by anyone else’s rules for over 40 years, it’s very gratifying to see them honoured in their home country in this way. We’re proud to show how these six band members are still appealing to more and more fans every year with their music and their legendary shows – which I think these stamps really capture well. It’s also fantastic that Eddie has been honoured too – it’s incredible to think that Her Majesty, may she rest in peace, saw these and lent her iconic silhouette to them too.”

David Gold, Director of External Public Affairs & Policy, Royal Mail, said: “Few bands in the history of rock music can be called bona fide rock legends – but Iron Maiden are just that – and more. With legions of devoted fans of all ages and from every corner of the globe, not only have they changed the way rock music sounds, but they have also changed the way it looks. We fully expect their fans will love these stamps as much as we do.”

Royal Mail collaborated closely with the band members and Phantom Music Management Ltd on the stamp issue.

The band will be back on the road in 2023 with their brand new, The Future Past tour, with dates across the UK and Europe.

The stamps are now on general sale from 12 January 2023 with a Presentation Pack containing all 12 stamps priced at £17.70. They may be ordered at www.royalmail.com/ironmaiden and by phone on 03457 641 641.

VSC Notes: The “special products” include

A “highly collectible keepsake featuring platinum-layered Eddie Stamp Sheet stamps packaged in an Iron Maiden flight case” [shown here]. It is currently “out of stock” but when it is available, the price is £199.99.
A special edition version of the Iron Maiden stamp set “plated in pure 24 carat gold with colourised and embossed detailing.” This one is in-stock and only £149.99.
Various fan and collector sheets (£7.50 to £12.40), a press sheet, postcards, and “full sheets” (48 stamps) and “half sheets” (24), with either the four first-class designs or four £1.85 designs
The only first day covers offered are two silver-plated “medal” covers at £19.99 each.

USPS Adds Dates, Cities for 2023 Stamps (February-May)

Posted on January 10, 2023 by VSC

A quick list:

Women’s Soccer February 16 Orlando FL 32862
$10 Floral Geometry (no national ceremony) February 24 San Diego CA 92199
Patriotic Block (nonprofit org.) (no national ceremony) March 1 Liberty NY 12754
Toni Morrison March 7 Princeton NJ 08540
Railroad Stations March 9 Cincinnati OH 45234
Art of the Skateboard March 24 Phoenix AZ 85026
Tulip Blossoms April 5 Woodburn OR 97071
Roy Lichtenstein April 24 New York NY 10199
Tomie dePaola May 5 Manchester NH 03103
Chief Standing Bear May 12 Lincoln NE 68501
Endangered Species May 19 Wall SD 57790

If you’re wondering why some of these were chosen

The U.S.Women’s National (soccer) Team will play Canada in the “SHEBELIEVES” Cup on that date in Orlando.
Toni Morrison was associated with Princeton University from 1989 to 2006.
The Union Terminal is one of the railroad stations featured.
PHXAM (some sort of skateboard competition) begin on that date there.
The Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival will be held there March 17 – April 30.
Lichtenstein‘s studio in New York is being refurbished by the Whitney Museum.
The Currier Museum in Manchester showcases dePaola‘s work.
Chief Standing Bear won one of the first major civil rights cases in the Nebraska capital.
A National Forest Service visitors center features exhibits about grassland wildlife and plants and, presumably, endangered species.

Click on the links for more information about those specific issues.

Canada’s 2023 Stamp Program Preview

Posted on December 21, 2022 by VSC

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Canada’s 2023 stamps will feature His Majesty King Charles III, trailblazers and changemakers
Other stamps will continue to honour Indigenous leaders and celebrate Black History Month

OTTAWA – The 2023 Canadian stamp program will celebrate some of the country’s most accomplished individuals, historic milestones, and the holidays that bring communities together. The lineup includes these topics, among others:

Canada’s first definitive stamp to honour His Majesty King Charles III, who was proclaimed Canada’s new head of state on September 10, 2022.
Ferries that charm tourists and serve commuters across Canada.
Six new stamps that demonstrate how a picture is worth a thousand words
Quebec activists and trailblazers.
A hockey pioneer who broke boundaries and gave back to his sport and community.
A courageous Canadian in the resistance during the Second World War.

Stamps will also be issued in several popular annual series:

A new stamp to celebrate Black History Month.
The annual flower series will feature the delicate ranunculus, a favourite of gardeners and the soon-to-be-wed.
The fundraising stamp for the Canada Post Community Foundation, which supports children and youth.
Three new stamps will honour Indigenous leaders in the second stamp issue of the series.
The second stamp issue to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
New Eid, Diwali and Hanukkah stamps will mark these important celebrations.
Annual Christmas and holiday stamp issues will celebrate the Nativity story and creatively depict the beauty of the Canadian winter.

Canada Post is proud of its role as one of Canada’s storytellers. The independent Stamp Advisory Committee recommends the subjects for the annual stamp program and relies on thoughtful input from groups and individuals to choose subjects that are meaningful to all Canadians.

[en Francais pour les médias d’information]
Les timbres canadiens de 2023 mettront en vedette Sa Majesté le roi Charles III et des personnes d’ici ayant laissé leur marque
D’autres timbres rendront hommage à des dirigeants autochtones et au Mois de l’histoire des Noirs

OTTAWA – Le programme des timbres-poste du Canada de 2023 comptera parmi ses sujets variés des personnes d’ici accomplies, des moments marquants de l’histoire et des fêtes rassembleuses. En voici un aperçu :

Le premier timbre courant du Canada en l’honneur de Sa Majesté le roi Charles III, proclamé chef d’État du Canada le 10 septembre 2022;
Des traversiers qui charment les touristes et font la navette partout au Canada;
Six nouveaux timbres illustrant qu’une image vaut mille mots;
Des activistes et visionnaires du Québec;
Un pionnier du hockey qui a brisé des barrières et redonné à son sport et à sa communauté;
Un brave Canadien dans la résistance pendant la Seconde Guerre mondiale.

Des timbres de plusieurs séries annuelles populaires seront également émis:

Un nouveau timbre du Mois de l’histoire des Noirs;
Une vignette consacrée à la délicate renoncule, une fleur chouchou dans les jardins et les mariages;
Le timbre philanthropique de la Fondation communautaire de Postes Canada, qui vient en aide aux enfants et aux jeunes;
Trois nouveaux timbres en l’honneur de dirigeants et dirigeantes autochtones (le deuxième volet de la série);
La deuxième émission de timbres soulignant la Journée nationale de la vérité et de la réconciliation;
De nouveaux timbres consacrés aux fêtes importantes que sont l’Aïd, Diwali et Hanoukka;
Les vignettes de l’émission annuelle de Noël et des fêtes, qui célébreront l’histoire de la Nativité et présenteront de manière originale la beauté de l’hiver canadien.

Postes Canada est fière de faire partie des conteurs du Canada. Le Comité consultatif sur les timbres-poste, qui travaille de façon indépendante, recommande les sujets du programme annuel des timbres en s’appuyant sur la contribution réfléchie de groupes et de particuliers pour choisir des sujets significatifs pour tout le pays.

Life Magnified (U.S. 2023)

Posted on December 13, 2022 by VSC

This issue was announced by the USPS on December 13^th:

These stamps reveal life on Earth like many have never seen it. Twenty stamps feature 20 different images taken with microscopes and highly specialized photographic techniques that capture details of life undetectable by the human eye. The images show the phenomena of life in exquisitely fine detail. While stunning on their own as works of art, these images also hold scientific significance. Art director Derry Noyes designed the stamps using existing photographs.

We will post additional information as we get it below the line, with the most recent information at the top.

Updated September 5^th:
Here are the Scott catalogue numbers for this issue:
5802 Life Magnified pane of 20
a. (66¢) Red blood cells
b. (66¢) Macaw parrot feather
c. (66¢) Human hair
d. (66¢) Moss leaves
e. (66¢) Arranged diatoms
f. (66¢) Freshwater protozoans
g. (66¢) Acorn barnacle
h. (66¢) Moth antenna
i. (66¢) Diving beetle front foot
j. (66¢) Mouse brain neurons
k. (66¢) Starling bone tissue
l. (66¢) Moth wing scales
m. (66¢) Zebrafish
n. (66¢) Mushroom gills
o. (66¢) Freshwater snail tongue
p. (66¢) Blue button organism
q. (66¢) Mold spores
r. (66¢) Barnacle legs
s. (66¢) Flame lily pollen
t. (66¢) Oak leaf surface

Updated August 11^th:
APS’ Ken Martin speaks during the first-day ceremony:Updated July 11^th:
Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue:The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.73″ x 1.06″.The Pictorial Postmark measures 2.75″ x 1.08″This is the Great American Stamp Show Postmark for August 10th.This is the Americover show postmark for August 10th.

Updated July 7^th:

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Postal Service to Release Life Magnified Stamps

What: The U.S. Postal Service will commemorate the beauty of the microscopic world with 20 new stamps featuring otherworldly images of some of the smallest components of life as we know it.

The first-day-of-issue event for the Life Magnified Forever stamps will be held at theGreat American Stamp Show in partnership with the American Philatelic Society. The ceremony is free and open to the public. News of the stamp is being shared with the hashtag #LifeMagnifiedStamps.

Who: Luke Grossmann, senior vice president, Finance and Strategy, United States Postal Service
When: Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023, at 11 a.m. EDT

Where:
The Great American Stamp Show
Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland — Hall C
300 Lakeside Ave. ∙ Cleveland, OH 44113

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

Background: For hundreds of years, scientists have held deep fascination with making the invisible elements of our world visible. Development of more refined and precise microscopes over several centuries brought smaller and smaller components of life into focus. By the 20th century, microscopes had become ubiquitous in laboratories across the country and around the globe. Electron microscopes are now essential tools in a variety of scientific fields.

The images that result from microscope-based research show, in exquisitely fine detail, the phenomena of life. While stunning on their own as works of art, these images also hold scientific significance.

Microscopists, both professional and amateur, use a variety of techniques to capture the beauty of their subjects.

Derry Noyes, an art director with USPS, designed the stamps and the stamp pane using existing photographs.

The Life Magnified stamps are being issued as Forever® stamps. These Forever stamps will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail® one-ounce price

Updated June 29^th from the Postal Bulletin:
On August 10, 2023, in Cleveland, OH, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Life Magnified stamps (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in 20 designs, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 484000). These stamps will go on sale nationwide August 10, 2023, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue. The Life Magnified commemorative pane of 20 stamps must not be split and the stamps must not be sold individually.

The Life Magnified stamps explore life on Earth, as few have ever seen it. Twenty stamps feature different images taken with microscopes and highly specialized photographic techniques that capture details of life undetectable by the human eye. Each stamp includes the name of the specimen that is showcased. Art director Derry Noyes designed the stamps and the stamp pane using existing photographs.

No automatic distribution.

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 store.usps.com/store/home. 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 – Life Magnified 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 December 10, 2023.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Life Magnified Stamps
Item Number: 484000
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (20 designs)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: August 10, 2023, Cleveland, OH 44101
Art Director: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Designer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Existing Photo: Don Komarechka
Existing Photo: David Liittschwager
Existing Photos: Tagide deCarvalho
Existing Photos: Charles Krebs
Existing Photos: Igor Siwanowicz
Existing Photos: Steve Gschmeissner
Existing Photos: Dennis Kunkel
Existing Photos: Jason Kirk
Modeler: Sandra Lane / Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Flexographic
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Gallus RCS
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 32,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper, Block
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: 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): 7.25 x 7.25 in / 184.150 x 184.150 mm
Press Sheets Size (w x h): 14.75 x 22.25 in / 374.65 x 565.15 mm
Plate Size: 120 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “B” followed by four (4) single digits in two corners
Marginal Markings:
Front: Header: Life Magnified • Plate number in bottom two corners
Back: ©2022 USPS • USPS logo • Two barcodes (484000) • Plate position diagram (6) • Promotional text

Updated December 20^th:
The American Philatelic Society says these stamps will be issued at its Great American Stamp Show on the first day of the show, Thursday, August 10.

Bridges (Presorted First-Class Mail)

Posted on December 13, 2022 by VSC

This issue was announced by the USPS on December 13^th:

Four new Presorted First-Class Mail stamps will be available for purchase by bulk mail users in coils of 3,000 and 10,000. The stamps feature existing photographs of four different bridges that range from modern to historic, pedestrian to car-carrying, but all are important landmarks in their communities. They are the Arrigoni Bridge in Middletown, CT; the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge in Omaha, NE; the Skydance Bridge in Oklahoma City; and the Iowa-Illinois Memorial Bridge in Bettendorf, IA, and Moline, IL. Art director Ethel Kessler designed the stamps with existing photographs.

We will post additional information as we get it below the line, with the most recent information at the top.

Updated October 3^rd:
Here are the Scott catalogue numbers for this issue:
5808 (25¢) Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
5809 (25¢) Skydance Bridge
5810 (25¢) Iowa-Illinois Memorial Bridge
5811 (25¢) Arrigoni Bridge
a. Horiz. coil strip of 4, #5808-5811

Updated August 24^th:
The location of the first day ceremony sponsored by the Connecticut Cover Club for the Bridges Presorted First Class stamps has changed to the Brownstone Intermediate School, 314 Main Street, Portland, CT. Over 150 people RSVPed for the ceremony; this exceeds the capacity of the Portland Senior Center, the planned location. The ceremony starts at 11AM.

Updated July 13^th:
Here is the first-day postmark for this issue:

From the Postal Bulletin:

On August 24, 2023, in Portland, CT, the United States Postal Service® will issue the non-denominated, Presorted First-Class Mail® rate (25-cent value) Bridges stamps in four designs, in pressure-sensitive adhesive coils of 3,000 (Item 751600) and 10,000 (Item 761800). These stamps will go on sale nationwide August 24, 2023, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

The Bridges stamp issuance features photographs of four bridges, ranging from modern to historic and pedestrian to car-carrying. All are important landmarks in their communities:

Arrigoni Bridge connecting Middletown and Portland, CT;
Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge between Council Bluffs, IA, and Omaha, NE;
Skydance Bridge in Oklahoma City, OK; and
Iowa-Illinois Memorial Bridge connecting Bettendorf, IA, and Moline, IL.

These stamps, intended for bulk mail users, will be issued in coils. Art director Ethel Kessler designed the stamps with existing photographs.

No automatic distribution.

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 store.usps.com/store/home. 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 – Bridges Stamps
USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Suite 300
Kansas City, MO 64144-9900

Technical Specifications – Coil of 3,000:

Issue: Bridges Stamps
Item Number: 751600
Denomination & Type of Issue: Non-denominated, Presorted First-Class Mail Rate
Format: Coil of 3,000 (4 designs)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: August 24, 2023, Portland, CT 06480
Art Director: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Designer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Existing Photo: Kyle Henderson
Existing Photo: Christina Woods
Existing Photo: MILLER + MILLER Architectural Photography
Existing Photo: Joe Gowac
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd (APU)
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Coil: 3,000
Print Quantity: 20,100,000
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tagged
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
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: 594 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “P” followed by four (4) single digits
Coil Number Frequency: Plate numbers every 27th stamp below stamp image

Technical Specifications – Coil of 10,000:

Issue: Bridges Stamps
Item Number: 761800
Denomination & Type of Issue: Non-denominated, Presorted First-Class Mail Rate
Format: Coil of 10,000 (4 designs)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: August 24, 2023, Portland, CT 06480
Art Director: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Designer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Existing Photo: Kyle Henderson
Existing Photo: Christina Woods
Existing Photo: MILLER + MILLER Architectural Photography
Existing Photo: Joe Gowac
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd (APU)
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Coil: 10,000
Print Quantity: 600,000,000
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tagged
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
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: 594 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “P” followed by four (4) single digits
Coil Number Frequency: Plate numbers every 27th stamp below stamp image

Updated March 14^th:
The issue date is August 24th in Portland, Connecticut, less than half a mile from the eastern side of the Arrigoni Bridge and about 14 miles south of Hartford. There will be no “headquarters” first-day ceremony for this issue.

Northern Cardinal (Stamped Envelope) (U.S. 2023)

Posted on December 13, 2022 by VSC

This issue was announced by the USPS on December 13^th:

The Northern Cardinal stamped envelope showcases one of the most beloved and popular songbirds native to North America. The art features a male cardinal, immediately recognizable by its crimson-colored feathers and black facial markings. Art director Antonio Alcalá designed the stamped envelope with Kandis Vermeer Phillips’s highly realistic illustration.

We will post additional information as we get it below the line, with the most recent information at the top.

Updated August 7^th:
The Scott catalogue number for this issue is U702

Updated June 4^th:
This is the only first-day postmark for this issue:Updated June 1^st:
On July 9, 2023, in Bird City, KS, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Northern Cardinal stamped envelope (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate).

The Northern Cardinal stamped envelope celebrates a much-loved songbird. The highly realistic stamp art features an illustration of a northern cardinal perching on the branch of an evergreen tree. Art director Antonio Alcalá designed the stamped envelope, using an illustration by artist Kandis Vermeer Phillips.

The pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) Northern Cardinal stamped envelope will be available in the following formats in the field and through Stamp Fulfillment Services:

#10 regular envelope (Item 292500)
#10 window envelope (Item 292600)
#9 regular security envelope (Item 293300)
#9 window security envelope (Item 293400)
#6-¾ regular envelope (Item 281500)
#6-¾ window envelope (Item 281600)

The water-activated gum (WAG) Northern Cardinal stamped envelope will be available in the following formats only through Stamp Fulfillment Services at store.usps.com/store/home or by calling 844-737-7826:

#10 regular envelope (Item 293500)
#10 window envelope (Item 293600)
#9 regular security envelope (Item 293700)
#6-¾ regular envelope (Item 281700)

Priced at 85¢ (66¢ Forever rate + 19¢ surcharge). No automatic distribution.

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 stamped envelopes at their local Post Office™ or at The Postal Store® website at store.usps.com/store/home. They should address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

FDOI – Northern Cardinal Stamped Envelope
USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Suite 300
Kansas City, MO 64144-9900

Technical Specifications: (all)
Issue: Northern Cardinal Stamped Envelope
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Stamped Envelope (Forever)
Issue Date & City: July 9, 2023, Bird City, KS 67731
Art Director: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Designer: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Artist: Kandis Vermeer Phillips, Gaithersburg, MD
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Flexographic, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Halm Jet EM4000
Folding Machine: W&D #527
Print Quantity: Fulfillment
Paper Type: 61# Postal Envelope, Block, Type III
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, PMS 339 Green
Marginal Markings: FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL logo • “THIS ENVELOPE IS RECYCLABLE AND MADE WITH 30% POST CONSUMER CONTENT” • Recycling logo • ©USPS 2022

Specific Sizes and Configurations:
Item Number: 292500
Format: #10 Regular Envelope
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Envelope Orientation: Horizontal
Envelope Size: (w x h): 9.5 x 4.125 in / 241.3 x 104.775 mm
Image Size (w x h): 1.845 x 1.448 in / 48.863 x 36.779 mm

Item Number: 292600
Format: #10 Window Envelope
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Envelope Orientation: Horizontal
Envelope Size: (w x h): 9.5 x 4.125 in / 241.3 x 104.775 mm
Image Size (w x h): 1.845 x 1.448 in / 46.863 x 36.779 mm

Item Number: 293300
Format: #9 Regular Security Envelope
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Envelope Orientation: Horizontal
Envelope Size: (w x h): 8.875 x 3.875 in / 225.425 x 98.425 mm
Image Size (w x h): 1.845 x 1.448 in / 46.863 x 36.779 mm

Item Number: 293400
Format: #9 Window Security Envelope
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Envelope Orientation: Horizontal
Envelope Size: (w x h): 8.875 x 3.875 in / 225.425 x 98.425 mm
Image Size (w x h): 1.845 x 1.448 in / 46.863 x 36.779 mm

Item Number: 281500
Format: #6¾ Regular Envelope
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Envelope Orientation: Horizontal
Envelope Size: (w x h): 6.5 x 3.625 in / 165.1 x 92.075 mm
Image Size (w x h): 1.845 x 1.394 in / 46.863 x 34.408 mm

Item Number: 281600
Format: #6¾ Window Envelope
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Envelope Orientation: Horizontal
Envelope Size: (w x h): 6.5 x 3.625 in / 165.1 x 92.075 mm
Image Size (w x h): 1.845 x 1.394 in / 46.863 x 34.408 mm

Item Number: 293500
Format: #10 Regular Envelope
Adhesive Type: Water-activated
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Envelope Orientation: Horizontal
Envelope Size: (w x h): 9.5 x 4.125 in / 241.3 x 104.775 mm
Image Size (w x h): 1.845 x 1.448 in / 46.863 x 36.779 mm

Item Number: 293600
Format: #10 Window Envelope
Adhesive Type: Water-activated
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Envelope Orientation: Horizontal
Envelope Size: (w x h): 9.5 x 4.125 in / 241.3 x 104.775 mm
Image Size (w x h): 1.845 x 1.448 in / 46.863 x 36.779 mm

Item Number: 293700
Format: #9 Regular Security Envelope
Adhesive Type: Water-activated
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Envelope Orientation: Horizontal
Envelope Size: (w x h): 8.875 x 3.875 in / 225.425 x 98.425 mm
Image Size (w x h): 1.845 x 1.448 in / 46.863 x 36.779 mm

Item Number: 281700
Format: #6¾ Regular Envelope
Adhesive Type: Water-activated
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Envelope Orientation: Horizontal
Envelope Size: (w x h): 6.5 x 3.625 in / 165.1 x 92.075 mm
Image Size (w x h): 1.845 x 1.394 in / 46.863 x 34.408 mm

Updated April 3^rd:
This “indicia” will be available in 10 formats:

Size & Type
No. 10 plain – pressure-sensitive adhesive
No. 10 window – pressure-sensitive adhesive
No. 9 plain – pressure-sensitive adhesive
No. 9 window – pressure-sensitive adhesive
No. 6¾ plain – pressure-sensitive adhesive
No. 6¾ window – pressure-sensitive adhesive
No. 10 plain – water-activated glue
No. 10 window – water-activated glue
No. 9 plain – water-activated glue
No. 6¾ plain – water-activated glue

Order #
292500
292600
293300
293400
281500
281600
293500
293600
292700
292900

Updated March 14^th:
The issue date is Sunday, July 9th in Bird City, KS. There will be no first-day ceremony.

Tomie dePaola (U.S. 2023)

Posted on December 13, 2022 by VSC

This issue was announced by the USPS on December 13^th:

This stamp honors prolific children’s book author and illustrator Tomie dePaola (1934-2020), whose extraordinarily varied body of work encompasses folktales and legends, informational books, religious and holiday stories, and touching autobiographical tales. The stamp art features a detail from the cover of “Strega Nona” (1975), the Caldecott Honor winning first book in the series. Set in southern Italy, the gently humorous story focuses on Strega Nona, “Grandma Witch,” who uses magic to help with matters of the heart and to cure her neighbors’ ills. Art director Derry Noyes designed the stamp with Tomie dePaola’s original art.

We will post additional information as we get it below the line, with the most recent information at the top.

Updated June 6^th:
The Scott catalogue number for this issue is 5797 and 5797a for the imperforate version.

Updated March 24^th from the Postal Bulletin:
On May 5, 2023, in Manchester, NH, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Tomie dePaola stamp (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 483600). This stamp will go on sale nationwide May 5, 2023, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

This stamp honors prolific children’s book author and illustrator Tomie dePaola (1934–2020), whose extraordinarily varied body of work encompasses folktales and legends, informational books, religious and holiday stories, and touching autobiographical tales. The stamp art features a detail from the cover of Strega Nona (1975), the Caldecott Honor-winning first book in the series. The story focuses on Strega Nona, “Grandma Witch,” who uses magic to help with matters of the heart and to cure her neighbors’ ills. The cover shows Strega Nona carrying her magic pasta pot. Art director Derry Noyes designed the stamp with Tomie dePaola‘s original art.

No automatic distribution.

FDOI – Tomie dePaola 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 September 5, 2023.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Tomie dePaola Stamp
Item Number: 483600
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: May 5, 2023, Manchester, NH, 03103
Art Director: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Designer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Existing Art: Tomie dePaola
Modeler: Ty Schroeder
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd (APU)
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 22,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tagged
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Pantone 7584C, Pantone 624C
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): 7.24 x 7.90 in / 183.896 x 200.66 mm
Press Sheets Size (w x h): 22.75 x 27 in / 577.85 x 685.80 mm
Plate Size: 180 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “P” followed by six (6) single digits in two corners
Marginal Markings:
Front: Header: Tomie • Plate number in bottom 2 corners
Back: ©2022 USPS • USPS logo • Two barcodes (483600) • Plate position diagram (9) • Promotional text

Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue: The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.87″ x 1.48″ The pictorial postmark measures 2.53″ x 1.48″

Updated March 22^nd:
[ceremony details] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
USPS Celebrates Award-Winning Children’s Book Author and Illustrator Tomie dePaola

What: The U.S. Postal Service will honor prolific children’s book author and illustrator Tomie dePaola with the issuance of a Forever stamp.

The first-day-of-issue event for the stamp is free and open to the public. News of the release is being shared with the hashtag #TomiedePaolastamp.

Who: Steve Monteith, chief customer and marketing officer and executive vice president, U.S. Postal Service, will serve as dedicating official.

Alan Chong, director and chief executive officer, Currier Museum of Art

Dr. Susan Lynch, former first lady of New Hampshire

Jon Anderson, president, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers and
publisher of Strega Nona

Erin Fehlau, WMUR-TV anchor

Sarah Mackenzie, founder, Read Aloud Revival

When: Friday, May 5, 2023, at 11 a.m. ET

Where:
Currier Museum of Art
150 Ash St.
Manchester, NH 03104

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

Background: This stamp honors Tomie dePaola (1934–2020), whose extraordinarily varied body of work encompasses folk tales and legends, informational books, religious and holiday stories, and touching autobiographical accounts. His illustrations are immediately recognizable by their clean, bold lines and uncomplicated shapes. Deceptively simple, dePaola’s stories contain layers of emotional meaning and appeal to readers of all ages.

The stamp art features a detail from the cover of “Strega Nona” (1975), a Caldecott Honor Book and the first in a popular series. The title character, “Grandma Witch” in Italian, uses magic to cure her neighbors’ ills and to help with matters of the heart. The stamp image shows her carrying her magic pasta pot.

Derry Noyes, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp with dePaola’s original art.

Updated January 10^th:
This stamp will be issued Friday, May 5, in Manchester, NH. The Currier Museum of Art here has a number of his works in its collection and has established The Tomie dePaola Art Education Fund to support art education for young people.