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

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

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

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

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

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

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

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark up to a quantity of 50. For more than 50, customers have to pay five cents each. All orders must be postmarked by November 17, 2015.

There are twelve philatelic products for this stamp issue:

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

Technical Specifications:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here is the location:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark up to a quantity of 50. There is a 5-cent charge for each additional postmark over 50. All orders must be postmarked by October 19, 2015.

There are 12 philatelic products for this stamp issue:

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

Technical Specifications:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sweden’s press release, in Swedish:

Filmstjärnan Ingrid Bergman porträtteras på nya frimärken

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Digitala foton av de tre frimärkena bifogas.

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

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

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

Scott Catalog numbers:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service™ will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark up to a quantity of 50. There is a 5-cent charge for each additional postmark over 50. All orders must be postmarked by September 29, 2015.

There are two philatelic products for this stamp issue:

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

Technical Specifications (single card):

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

Technical Specifications (double reply):

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

Technical Specifications (sheet of 40):

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

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

From the USPS June 3rd:

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

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

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

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

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

Scott Catalog numbers:

5009 (49¢) Elvis Presley
a. Imperforate

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

[press release – August 7th]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark up to a quantity of 50. There is a 5-cent charge for each additional postmark over 50. All orders must be postmarked by October 11, 2015.

There are thirteen philatelic products for this stamp issue:

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

Technical Specifications:

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

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

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

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

USPS press release, June 3:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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