Updated September 3rd: The Scott Catalogue numbers for these stamps are 5098-5099.

Updated June 23rd: These are the item numbers for collectors who want to order quantities of 25.

• 781003 $6.25 Star Quilts (Presort First Class 3K) Strip of 25 w/ Plate No.
• 799903 $6.25 Star Quilts (Presort First Class 10K) Strip of 25 w/ Plate No.

There is a four strip limit

Updated June 10th, from the Postal Bulletin:

The first day of issue is July 6th.

On July 6, 2016, in Washington, DC, the U.S. Postal Service will issue the nondenominated Presorted First-Class Mail (25-cent value) Star Quilts stamps, in two designs, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) coil of 3,000 (Item 781000) and 10,000 (Item 799900).

The stamps will go on sale nationwide July 6, 2016.

The U.S. Postal Service issues Star Quilts, two Presorted First-Class Mail stamps for bulk mail use. Each stamp shows a detail from a photograph of one of the two quilts, highlighting the intricate work involved in creating the Lone Star design. Both quilts feature colorful eight-point stars. The quilts were made by Amish quiltmakers. Art director Derry Noyes designed the stamps with existing photographs by John Volk.

Stamp Fulfillment Services will not make an automatic push distribution to Post Offices. Post Offices may order stamps through SFS Web prior to the FDOI. Offices should draw down existing inventory of the Spectrum Eagle stamps (Item 788400, 3k or Item 788500, 10k) prior to ordering the Star Quilts stamps.

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
Customers have 60 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, at The Postal Store website at 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:

Star Quilts Stamps
Special Events
PO Box 92282
Washington, DC 20090-2282

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 6, 2016.

There is one philatelic product for this stamp issue:
799916 First-Day Cover (2 stamps, 1 of each design), $0.94.

Technical Specificiations:

Issue: Star Quilts Stamps
Item Number: 781000
Denomination & Type of Issue: Nondenominated, Presorted First-Class Mail
Format: Coil of 3,000 (2 designs)
Series: N?A
Issue Date & City: July 6, 2016, Washington, DC 20060
Art Director: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Designer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Typographer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Existing Photos: John Volk
Modeler: Sandra Lane?Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Printed at: Browns Summit, NC
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Coil: 3,000
Print Quantity: 150 million stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper, Overall
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America, Browns Summit, NC
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black,
PMS 1795 (Red)
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.73 x 0.84 in.?18.54 x 21.34 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.87 x 0.98 in.?22.10 x 24.89 mm
Plate Size: 560 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: ìBî followed by five (5) single digits
Coil Number Frequency: Plate numbers every 28th stamp below stamp image

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Star Quilts Stamps
Item Number: 799900
Denomination & Type of Issue: Nondenominated, Presorted First-Class Mail
Format: Coil of 10,000 (2 designs)
Series: N?A
Issue Date & City: July 6, 2016, Washington, DC 20060
Art Director: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Designer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Typographer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Existing Photos: John Volk
Modeler: Sandra Lane?Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Printed at: Browns Summit, NC
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Coil: 10,000
Print Quantity: 500 million stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper, Overall
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America, Browns Summit, NC
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black,
PMS 1795 (Red)
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.73 x 0.84 in.?18.54 x 21.34 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.87 x 0.98 in.?22.10 x 24.89 mm
Plate Size: 560 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: ìBî followed by five (5) single digits
Coil Number Frequency: Plate numbers every 28th stamp below stamp image

From the USPS:

Presorted First-Class (2 designs)
FDOI: Information to come.
Format: Coils of 3,000 and 10,000

With evocative names like Blazing Star, Touching Stars, and Starburst, stars are one of the most popular design motifs for American quilters. The 2016 Presorted First-Class Mail® stamps feature two versions of one of those favorites, the Lone Star pattern.

Each stamp shows a detail from a photograph of one of the two quilts highlighting the intricate work involved in creating the star design. As the name implies, the Lone Star design is one large star that covers the quilt top, created by stitching together many small diamond shaped pieces of fabric.

The Lone Star design has been known by several names, including the Mathematical Star, the Star of the East, and, among Native Americans, the Morning Star. The first dated example that carried the name “Lone Star” is inscribed “1835” and was made in Texas the year before the fall of the Alamo. The quilts featured in the stamp art were made by Amish quilt makers.

Art Director: Derry Noyes

[This seems to imply there will be future “quilts” stamps. —LdeV]

Updated March 7th: The Scott Catalogue number for this issue is 5040; the imperforate single is 5040a. The stamped envelope is U693.

Updated January 21st: From the Postal Bulletin:
On January 17, 2016, in Washington, DC, the U.S. Postal Service® issued the $6.45 La Cueva del Indio Priority Mail® stamp, in one design, in a pressure–sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 10 stamps (Item 119100).

The stamp went on sale nationwide January 17, 2016.

With this new Priority Mail stamp, the U.S. Postal Service celebrates one of Puerto Rico’s many magical and mysterious caves, La Cueva del Indio. The stamp art depicts a sunset view of La Cueva del Indio, or the Cave of the Indian, which is located near Arecibo on Puerto Rico’s north coast. The cave gets its name from the great number of engravings, known as petroglyphs, found on its walls. Art director Greg Breeding designed the stamp with original art by Dan Cosgrove.

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:

La Cueva del Indio Stamp
Special Events
PO Box 92282
Washington, DC 20090-2282

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 March 17, 2016.

There are four philatelic products for this stamp issue:

• 119106, Press Sheet with Die-cut, $387.00 (print quantity 300).
• 119108, Press Sheet without Die-cut, $387.00 (print quantity 500).
• 119116 First-Day Cover, $6.89.
• 119121 Digital Color Postmark, $7.60.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: La Cueva Del Indio
Item Number: 119100
Denomination & Type of Issue: $6.45 Priority Mail Price
Format: Pane of 10 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: January 17, 2016, Washington,
DC 20066
Designer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Art Director: 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)
Printed at: Williamsville, NY
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Pane: 10
Print Quantity: 12 million stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tag applied
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
Stamp Orientation: Horizontal
Image Area (w x h): 1.42 x 1.085 in./36.07 x 27.56 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 1.56 x 1.225 in./39.62 x 31.12 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 4.12 x 7.12 in./104.64 x 180.85 mm
Press Sheet Size (w x h): 8.24 x 21.36 in./209.30 x 542.54 mm
Plate Size: 180 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “P” followed by four (4) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Plate numbers in two corners of pane
Back: © 2015 USPS • USPS logo • Plate position diagram • UPC Code in upper right and lower left corners of pane • Static UPC Code behind each stamp • Plate Position Diagram • Website Information

Updated January 15th: This stamp will be issued January 17th, still with a Washington postmark and still without a ceremony.

From the USPS:

Priority Mail
FDOI: January in Washington, DC (no ceremony)
Format: Pane of 10

With this new Priority Mail® stamp, the U.S. Postal Service® celebrates one of Puerto Rico’s many magical and mysterious caves, La Cueva del Indio.

The stamp art depicts a sunset view of La Cueva del Indio, or the Cave of the Indian, which is located near Arecibo on Puerto Rico’s north coast.
The cave gets its name from the great number of engravings, known as petroglyphs, found on its walls.

Art Director: Greg Breeding
Illustrator: Dan Cosgrove

Updated March 7th: The Scott Catalogue number for this issue is 5041; the imperforate single is 5041a.

Updated January 21st: From the Postal Bulletin:
On January 17, 2016, in Washington, DC, the U.S. Postal Service® issued the $22.95 Columbia River Gorge Priority Mail Express® stamp, in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 10 stamps (Item 119300).

The stamp went on sale nationwide January 17, 2016.

With this new Priority Mail Express stamp, the U.S. Postal Service celebrates the grandeur of the Columbia River Gorge. Approximately 80 miles long and up to 4,000 feet deep, the gorge runs along the Columbia River, which forms part of the border between Oregon and Washington. The stamp art captures the beauty of the Columbia River as it winds its way through the steep cliffs of the Cascade Mountain Range. The historic Vista House, sitting atop Crown Point and overlooking the river 725 feet below, shimmers in the golden light of the setting sun. Art director Phil Jordan designed the stamp with original art by Dan Cosgrove.

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:

Columbia River Gorge Stamp
Special Events
PO Box 92282
Washington, DC 20090-2282

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 March 17, 2016.

There are four philatelic products for this stamp issue:

• 119306, Press Sheet with Die-cut, $688.50 (print quantity 100).
• 119308, Press Sheet without Die-cut, $688.50 (print quantity 250).
• 119316 First-Day Cover, $23.39.
• 119321 Digital Color Postmark, $24.10.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Columbia River Gorge
Item Number: 119300
Denomination & Type of Issue: $22.95 Priority Mail Express Price
Format: Pane of 10 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: January 17, 2016, Washington, DC 20066
Designer: Phil Jordan, Falls Church, VA
Art Director: Phil Jordan, Falls Church, VA
Typographer: Phil Jordan, Falls Church, VA
Artist: Dan Cosgrove, Chicago, IL
Modeler: Michelle Finn/Sandra Lane
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Printed at: Browns Summit, NC
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Pane: 10
Print Quantity: 1,500,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper, Overall
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America, Browns Summit SC
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Horizontal
Image Area (w x h): 1.42 x 1.085 in./36.07 x 27.56 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 1.56 x 1.225 in./39.62 x 31.12 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 4.12 x 7.12 in./104.65 x 180.85 mm
Press Sheets Size (w x h): 4.12 x 21.36 in./104.65 x 542.54 mm
Plate Size: 150 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “B” followed by four (4) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Plate numbers in two corners of pane
Back: © 2015 USPS • USPS logo • Plate position diagram • Two (2) selvage UPC codes plus one (1) UPC code per stamp • Website information

Updated January 15th: This stamp will be issued January 17th, still with a Washington postmark and still without a ceremony.

From the USPS:

Priority Mail Express
FDOI: January in Washington, DC (no ceremony)
Format: Pane of 10

With this new Priority Mail Express™ stamp, the U.S. Postal Service® celebrates the grandeur of the Columbia River Gorge. Approximately 80 miles long and up to 4,000 feet deep, the gorge runs along the Columbia River, which forms part of the border between Oregon and Washington.

The stamp art captures the beauty of the Columbia River as it winds its way through the steep cliffs of the Cascade Mountain Range. The historic Vista House, sitting atop Crown Point and overlooking the river 725 feet below, shimmers in the golden light of the setting sun.

Art Director: Phil Jordan
Illustrator: Dan Cosgrove

Added January 17, 2019:
A 3,000-stamp coil was added, effective January 27th. It is item 750300.

Updated February 17, 2017: The 2017 sheet version has been split off into its own page.

Updated January 5, 2017: The USPS says a version or versions of this stamp will be issued March 23rd in Cleveland at the Garfield-Perry March Party stamp show. There is no word on the format or formats. Further updates for the 2017 version are here.

From 2016:

Updated March 7th: The Scott Catalogue number for this issue is 5039; the imperforate single is 5039a.

Updated January 21st: From the Postal Bulletin:
On January 17, 2016, in Washington, DC, the U.S. Postal Service® issued the 10-cent Pears stamp, in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) coil of 10,000 stamps (Item 799300).

The stamp went on sale nationwide January 17, 2016.

Pears, a new 10-cent definitive stamp, features two red pears on a white background. The stamp art is an existing illustration by John Burgoyne, who created the original artwork with pen and ink and watercolor. 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:

Pears Stamp
Special Events
PO Box 92282
Washington, DC 20090-2282

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 March 17, 2016.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Pears
Item Number: 799300
Denomination & Type of Issue: 10-cent Denominated
Format: Coil of 10,000 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: January 17, 2016, Washington, DC 20066
Art Director: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Designer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Typographer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Existing Art: John Burgoyne, West Barnstable, MA
Modeler: Michelle Finn/Sandra Lane
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Printed at: Browns Summit, NC
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Coil: 10,000
Print Quantity: 200,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America, Browns Summit, NC
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, PMS Warm Gray4, PMS 7619 Red
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.73 x 0.84 in./18.54 x 21.34 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.87 x 0.98 in./22.10 x 24.89 mm
Plate Size: 540 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “S” followed by six (6) single digits
Coil Number Frequency: Plate numbers every 27th stamp below stamp image

Updated January 15th: This stamp will be issued January 17th, still with a Washington postmark and still without a ceremony.

From the USPS:

Pears 10-Cent (1 design)
FDOI: January in Washington, DC (no ceremony)
Format: Information to come.
In 2016, the U.S. Postal Service® will issue a new ten-cent definitive stamp featuring two red pears on a white background.

Art Director: Derry Noyes
Illustrator: John Burgoyne. Burgoyne used pen and ink and watercolor to produce the original art.

Added January 17, 2019:
A 3,000-stamp coil was added, effective January 27th. It is item 750200.

Updated April 3rd: The Scott Catalogue number for this issue is 5177, with a serpentine die cut 11¼x11.

Updated January 30, 2017: Here is the pictorial first-day postmark for this issue: It measures 2.92” x 1.25″.

Updated January 18, 2017:
On February 24, 2017, in Grapevine, TX, the U.S. Postal Service will issue the 5-cent denominated Grapes stamp, in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 111400).

The stamp will go on sale nationwide February 24, 2017.

Originally issued in 2016, in a coil format, Grapes, a 5-cent definitive stamp, will be available in 2017, in panes of 20. The stamp art features two clusters of deep-purple Pinot noir grapes growing on vines among several green leaves. The illustrations were created with pen and ink and watercolor. Art director Derry Noyes designed this stamp with an existing illustration by John Burgoyne.

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

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
Customers have 60 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, at The Postal Store website at 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:

FDOI – Grapes 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 April 24, 2017.

There is one philatelic product for this stamp issue:

• 111416 First-Day Cover, $0.98

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Grapes Stamp
Item Number: 111400
Denomination & Type of Issue: 5-cent Denominated, Mail Use
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: February 24, 2017, Grapevine, TX 76051
Art Director: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Designer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Typographer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Existing Art: John Burgoyne, West Barnstable, MA
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: 20
Print Quantity: 30,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, PMS 7667 C Purple, PMS Warm Gray 4 C
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.73 x 0.84 in/18.54 x 21.34 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 0.87 x 0.98 in/22.10 x 24.89 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 5.35 x 4.93 in/135.89 x 125.22 mm
Plate Size: 400 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “P” followed by six (6) digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Plate number in 4 corners
Back: ©2015 USPS • USPS Logo • Two barcodes (111400) • Plate Position Diagram • Promotional Text

Updated January 5, 2017: The USPS says a version or versions of this stamp will be issued February 24th in Grapevine, Texas, at the TEXPEX show. There is no word on the format or formats.   (It is a pane of 20.)

From 2016:

Updated April 6th: The Scott Catalogue editors are calling this issue “Pinot Noir Grapes” (USPS just called it “Grapes”) and assigned 5038 to it.

Updated February 18th: The USPS is offering a strip of 500 stamps for $25, order number 781915.

Updated February 18th, from the Postal Bulletin: On February 19, 2016, in Kansas City, MO, the U.S. Postal Service® will issue the 5-cent denominated Grapes stamp, in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) coil of 10,000 stamps (Item 781900).

The stamp will go on sale nationwide February 19, 2016.

In 2016, the Postal Service issues Grapes, a new 5-cent definitive stamp. The stamp art features two clusters of deep-purple pinot noir grapes growing on vines among several green leaves. The illustrations were created with pen and ink and watercolor. Art director Derry Noyes designed this stamp with an existing illustration by John Burgoyne.

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
Customers have 60 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, 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:

Grapes Stamp
Cancellation Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Pillar 210
Kansas City, MO 64144-0001

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark up to a quantity of 50. There is a 5-cent charge for each additional postmark over 50. All orders must be postmarked by April 19, 2016.

There is one philatelic product for this stamp issue:

• 781916 First-Day Cover, $0.98.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Grapes
Item Number: 781900
Denomination & Type of Issue: 5-cent Denominated
Format: Coil of 10,000, 1 design
Series: N⁄A
Issue Date & City: February 19, 2016, Kansas City, 
MO 64108
Art Director: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Designer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Typographer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Existing Photos: John Burgoyne, West Barnstable, MA
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint – “USPS”
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Printed at: Williamsville, NY
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Coil: 10,000
Print Quantity: 150,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, PMS 7667 C Purple, PMS Warm Grey #4
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.73 x 0.84 in.⁄18.54 x 21.34 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.87 x 0.98 in.⁄22.10 x 24.89 mm
Plate Size: 594 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “P” followed by six (6) single digits
Coil Number Frequency: Plate numbers every 27th stamp below stamp image

From the USPS:

FDOI: Information to come.
Format: Information to come.

In 2016, the U.S. Postal Service® will issue a new five-cent definitive stamp featuring two clusters of deep-purple Pinot noir grapes growing on vines among several green leaves.
Art Director: Derry Noyes
Illustrator: John Burgoyne. Burgoyne used pen and ink and watercolor to produce the original art.

Updated October 4th: The Scott Catalogue number for this issue is 5037.

Updated August 4th: From the USPS:
On August 12, 2016, in Kansas City, MO, the U.S. Postal Service® will issue a 1-cent Apples mail-use stamp in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) coil of 3,000 (782300) and also a PSA coil of 10,000 (780000).

The stamp will go on sale nationwide August 12, 2016.

In 2016, the Postal Service™ issues Apples, a new 1-cent definitive stamp. The stamp art features two apples on a branch surrounded by leaves. The illustration was created with pen and ink and watercolor. Art director Derry Noyes designed this stamp with an existing illustration by John Burgoyne.

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

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
Customers have 60 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, 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:

Apples Stamp
Cancellation Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Pillar 210
Kansas City, MO 64144-0001

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark up to a quantity of 50. There is a 5-cent charge for each additional postmark over 50. All orders must be postmarked by October 12, 2016.

There are no philatelic products for the coil of 3,000.
There is one philatelic product for the coil of 10,000: 780016 First-Day Cover, $0.92.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Apples Stamp
Item Number: 782300
Denomination & Type of Issue: 1-cent, Mail-Use
Format: Coil of 3,000, 1 design
Series: N⁄A
Issue Date & City: August 12, 2016, Kansas City, MO 64108
Art Director: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Designer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Typographer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Existing Art: John Burgoyne, West Barnstable, MA
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Printed at: Williamsville, NY
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Coil: 3,000
Print Quantity: 150,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, PMS 7571C Brown, PMS Warm Grey #4
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.73 x 0.84 in.⁄18.54 x 21.34 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.87 x 0.98 in.⁄22.10 x 24.89 mm
Plate Size: 594 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “P” followed by six (6) single digits
Coil Number Frequency: Plate numbers every 27th stamp below stamp image

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Apples Stamp
Item Number: 780000
Denomination & Type of Issue: 1-cent, Mail-Use
Format: Coil of 10,000, 1 design
Series: N⁄A
Issue Date & City: August 12, 2016, Kansas City, MO 64108
Art Director: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Designer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Typographer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Existing Art: John Burgoyne, West Barnstable, MA
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Printed at: Williamsville, NY
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Coil: 10,000
Print Quantity: 1,000,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, PMS 7571C Brown, PMS Warm Grey #4
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.73 x 0.84 in.⁄18.54 x 21.34 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.87 x 0.98 in.⁄22.10 x 24.89 mm
Plate Size: 594 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “P” followed by six (6) single digits
Coil Number Frequency: Plate numbers every 27th stamp below stamp image

Updated August 3rd: This stamp will be issued August 12th, without a first-day ceremony and with a Kansas City postmark. The format will be coils of 3,000 and 10,000.

From the USPS:

FDOI: Information to come.
Format: Information to come.

In 2016, the U.S. Postal Service® will issue a new one-cent definitive stamp featuring Albemarle Pippin Apples.
The stamp design features two apples on a branch surrounded by leaves.

Art Director: Derry Noyes
Illustrator: John Burgoyne. Burgoyne used pen and ink and watercolor to produce the original art.

Updated March 7th: The Scott Catalogue numbers for this issue are:

5052 (49¢) Flag coil stamp, with microprinted “USPS” to right of pole under flag, serpentine die cut 11 vert.
5053 (49¢) Flag coil stamp, with microprinted “USPS” on second white flag stripe, serpentine die cut 9½ vert.
5054 (49¢) Flag booklet stamp, with microprinted “USPS” to right of pole under flag, serpentine die cut 11¼x10¾ on 2 or 3 sides
a. Convertible booklet pane of 10
b. Convertible booklet pane of 20
5055 (49¢) Flag booklet stamp, with microprinted “USPS” on second white flag stripe, serpentine die cut 11¼x10¾ on 2 or 3 sides
a. Convertible booklet pane of 20

Updated January 21st: From the Postal Bulletin:
On January 29, 2016, in Washington, DC, the U.S. Postal Service® will issue the U.S. Flag First-Class Mail® stamp (Forever® priced at 49 cents), in one design. The formats available are a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) booklet of 10 stamps (Item 679100) produced by security printer Banknote Corporation of America/SSP (SSP), a PSA booklet of 20 stamps (Item 680500) produced by security printers Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd (APU) and SSP, and a PSA coil of 100 stamps (Item 787300) produced by security printers APU and SSP.

The stamp will go on sale nationwide January 29, 2016.

The American flag has long symbolized the strength and spirit of our nation. This U.S. Flag First-Class Mail Forever stamp features a detail of Emmanuel Faure’s vivid photograph of a flag waving against the background of the sky. Greg Breeding designed the stamp. Terrence W. McCaffrey was the art director.

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
Customers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office, at The Postal Store® website at http://www.usps.com/shop, or by calling 800-782-6724. 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:

U.S. Flag Stamp
Special Events
PO Box 92282
Washington, DC 20090-2282

There is one philatelic product for the booklet of 20:

• 680516 First-Day Cover, $0.93.

There is one philatelic product for the coil of 100:

• 787316 First-Day Cover, $0.93.

There are no philatelic products for the booklet of 10.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: U.S. Flag
Item Number: 679100
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Booklet of 10 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: January 29, 2016, Washington, DC 20066
Art Director: Terrence W. McCaffrey, New Braunfels, TX
Designer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Typographer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Existing Photo: Emmanuel Faure
Modeler: Michelle Finn/Sandra Lane
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America/SSP
Printed at: Browns Summit, NC
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Booklet: 10
Print Quantity: 100,000,000 Stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper, Overall
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America, Browns Summit, NC
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.73 x .84 in./18.54 x 21.34 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.87 x 0.98 in./22.10 x 24.89 mm
Booklet Size (w x h): 5.31 x 1.74 in./134.87 x 44.20 mm
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black,
PMS 5405
Plate Size: 560 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “S” followed by five (5) single digits
Marginal Markings: © 2015 USPS in peel strip area

Technical Specifications:

Issue: U.S. Flag
Item Number: 680500
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Booklet of 20 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: January 29, 2016, Washington, DC 20066
Art Director: Terrence W. McCaffrey, New Braunfels, TX
Designer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Typographer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Existing Photo: Emmanuel Faure
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Printed at: Williamsville, NY
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Booklet: 20
Print Quantity: 1,250,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tag applied
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.73 x 0.84 in./18.54 x 21.34 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.87 x 0.98 in./22.10 x 24.89 mm
Full Booklet Size (w x h): 5.52 x 1.96 in./140.21 x 49.78 mm
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
Plate Size: 1040 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “P” followed by four (4) single digits
Marginal Markings: Header. “U.S. Flag” Twenty First-Class Forever Stamps • Plate numbers in peel strip area • Barcode • © 2015 USPS in peel strip area

Technical Specifications:

Issue: U.S. Flag
Item Number: 680500
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Double-Sided Booklet of 20 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: January 29, 2016, Washington, DC 20066
Art Director: Terrence W. McCaffrey, New Braunfels, TX
Designer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Typographer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Existing Photo: Emmanuel Faure
Modeler: Michelle Finn/Sandra Lane
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America/SSP
Printed at: Browns Summit, NC
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Booklet: 20
Print Quantity: 1,250,000,000 Stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper, Block
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America, Browns Summit, NC
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.71 x .82 in./18.03 x 20.83 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.87 x 0.98 in./22.10 x 24.89 mm
Booklet Size (w x h): 5.52 x 1.96 in./140.21 x 49.78 mm
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, PMS 5405
Plate Size: 960 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “S” followed by five (5) single digits
Marginal Markings: • Plate numbers in peel strip area • © 2015 USPS in peel strip area

Technical Specifications:

Issue: U.S. Flag
Item Number: 787300
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Coil of 100 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: January 29, 2016, Washington, DC 20066
Art Director: Terrence W. McCaffrey, New Braunfels, TX
Designer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Typographer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Existing Photo: Emmanuel Faure
Modeler: Michelle Finn/Sandra Lane
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Printed at: Browns Summit, NC
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Coil: 100
Print Quantity: 1,000,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper, Block
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America, Browns Summit, NC
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, PMS 5405
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.73 x 0.84 in./18.54 x 21.34 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.87 x 0.98 in./22.10 x 24.89 mm
Plate Size: 744 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “S” followed by five (5) single digits
Coil Number Frequency: Plate numbers every 31st stamp below stamp image

Technical Specifications:

Issue: U.S. Flag
Item Number: 787300
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Coil of 100 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: January 29, 2016, Washington, C 20066
Art Director: Terrence W. McCaffrey, New Braunfels, TX
Designer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Typographer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Existing Photo: Emmanuel Faure
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Printed at: Williamsville, NY
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Coil: 100
Print Quantity: 1,000,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tag applied
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, PMS 5405
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.73 x 0.84 in./18.54 x 21.34 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.87 x 0.98 in./22.10 x 24.89 mm
Plate Size: 744 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “P” followed by five (5) single digits
Coil Number Frequency: Plate numbers every 31st stamp below stamp image

From the USPS:

FDOI: January in Washington, DC (no ceremony)
Format: Booklets of 10 and 20, Coils of 100

The American flag has long symbolized the strength and spirit of our nation.
This U.S. Flag First-Class Mail® Forever® stamp features a detail of Emmanuel Faure’s vivid photograph of a flag waving against the background of a blue sky.

Art Director: Terrence W. McCaffrey
Designer: Greg Breeding

Updated April 6th: Scott Catalogue editors have assigned 5058 to this issue.

Updated February 18th: Here is the Digital Color Postmark for this issue. It measures 2.98″ by 1.21″.

Updated February 18th, from the Postal Bulletin: On  February 22, 2016, in Washington, DC, the U.S. Postal Service® will issue The Moon Forever® International rate stamp, in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 10 stamps (Item 589200).

The stamp will go on sale nationwide February 22, 2016.

In 2016, the U.S. Postal Service introduces The Moon, a new Forever international rate stamp. Issued at the $1.20 price, this Global Forever stamp can be used to mail a one-ounce letter to any country to which First-Class Mail International® service is available. As with all Global Forever stamps, this stamp will have a postage value equivalent to the price of a single-piece First-Class Mail International one-ounce machinable letter in effect at the time of use. To distinguish this stamp from other Forever stamps, the shape of the international stamp is round and bears the words “Global Forever.” The Moon features a detailed photograph of the full moon. The image captures the brilliant surface of Earth’s only natural satellite. The selvage features a tree line silhouetted against the night sky. The new Global Forever stamps are being issued in self-adhesive panes of 10. William J. Gicker was the art director. Greg Breeding illustrated the selvage and he designed the stamp with an existing photograph by Beth Swanson.

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:

The Moon Stamp
Special Events
PO Box 92282
Washington, DC 20090-2282

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 April 22, 2016.

There are four philatelic products for this stamp issue:

• 589206, Press Sheet with Die-cut, $120.00 (print quantity 1,000)
• 589210 Digital Color Postmark Keepsake, $14.95
• 589216 First-Day Cover, $1.64
• 589221 Digital Color Postmark, $2.35

Technical Specifications:

Issue: The Moon
Item Number: 589200
Denomination & Type of Issue: Forever International Rate
Format: Pane of 10 (1 design)
Series: N⁄A
Issue Date & City: February 22, 2016, Washington, DC 20066
Designer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Art Director: William J. Gicker, Washington, DC
Existing Photo: Beth Swanson
Modeler: Sandra Lane⁄Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Printed at: Browns Summit, NC
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Pane: 10
Print Quantity: 75 million stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper, Block
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America, Browns Summit SC
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, PMS Midnight Blue⁄Blue, 1225 Gold
Stamp Orientation: Round
Image Area (w x h): 1.27 x 1.27 in.⁄32.26 x 32.26 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 1.41 x 1.41 in.⁄35.81 x 35.81 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 8.50 x 4.50 in.⁄215.90 x 114.30 mm
Press Sheets Size (w x h): 17.00 x 23.50 in.⁄431.80 x 596.90 mm
Plate Size: 100 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “B” followed by six (6) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Plate numbers in four corners of pane
Back: © 2015 USPS • USPS logo • Plate position diagram • Barcode (589200) in upper right and lower left corners of pane plus one Barcode per stamp • Promotional text

Updated January 15th: It now appears this stamp is not likely to be issued in January. In response to a query from The Virtual Stamp Club, the USPS says “FDOI and the possibility of a ceremony is still TBD.” However, the USPS has set dates for the other stamps that were initially tabbed for January.

From the USPS:

FDOI: January in Washington, DC (no ceremony)
Format: Pane of 10
This round stamp features a detailed photograph of the moon. Taken as the full moon rose over Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the image captures the brilliant surface of Earth’s only natural satellite. The selvage features a small tree line silhouetted against the night sky.

The moon has long had considerable impact on mankind. Its gravitational pull creates ocean tides and affects our planet’s motions. A full moon occurs approximately every 29.5 days when the moon is opposite the sun, with Earth between the two. From our planet, the visible surface of the moon appears fully illuminated and larger than anything else in the night sky. Since the rotation and orbit periods of the moon are the same, the same part of the moon is always seen from Earth.

Issued at the $1.20 price, this Global Forever® stamp can be used to mail a one-ounce letter to any country to which First-Class Mail International® service is available.

Art Director: William Gicker
Designer: Greg Breeding

Scott Catalogue Numbers: 5141

Updated September 17th: Here is the DCP for this issue: It measures 1.65” x 1.41”. The B&W postmark for this issue is the standard 4-bar First Day of Issue postmark.

Updated September 1st, from the USPS:
On October 1, 2016, in Charleston, SC, the U.S. Postal Service® will issue the Kwanzaa stamp (Forever® priced at 47 cents), in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 556600).

The stamp will go on sale nationwide October 1, 2016.

This bright and colorful new stamp design celebrates the annual non-religious holiday of Kwanzaa, which takes place over seven days from December 26 to January 1. December 26, 2016, marks the 50th anniversary of this widely celebrated holiday. Kwanzaa derives its name from the phrase “first fruits” in Swahili. The holiday honors African-American family, community, and culture. The stamp art features a young African-American woman as the embodiment of Africa. She wears a lavender dress with a collar of African design that also appears in her earring. A large purple bowl overflows with fruits and vegetables, symbolizing the abundance of African first harvest celebrations. Artist Synthia Saint James worked with art director Greg Breeding, who designed the stamp.

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

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:

Kwanzaa Stamp
Stamp Fulfillment Services
Cancellation Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Pillar 210
Kansas City, MO 64144-9998

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 December 1, 2016.

There are six philatelic products for this stamp issue:

• 556606 Press Sheet with Die-cut, $75.20.
• 556610 Digital Color Postmark Keepsake, $11.95.
• 556616 First-Day Cover, $0.91.
• 556621 Digital Color Postmark, $1.62.
• 556624 Framed Art, $19.95.
• 556630 Ceremony Program, $6.95

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Kwanzaa Stamp
Item Number: 556600
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail, Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: Holiday Celebrations
Issue Date & City: October 1, 2016, Charleston, SC 29403
Art Director: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Designer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Typographer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Artist: Synthia Saint James, Los Angeles, CA
Modeler: Sandra Lane⁄Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Printed at: Browns Summit, NC
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 15 million stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper, Overall
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America, Browns Summit SC
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.77 x 1.05 in.⁄19.56 x 26.67 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 0.91 x 1.19 in.⁄23.11 x 30.22 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 5.43 x 5.64 in.⁄317.79 x 143.12 mm
Press Sheets Size (w x h): 10.85 x 22.54 in.⁄275.59 x 572.52 mm
Plate Size: 320 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “B” followed by four (4) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Plate numbers in four corners of pane
Back: © 2015 USPS • USPS logo • Plate position diagram • Barcode (556600) in upper right and lower left corners of pane • Promotional text

Updated August 25th, from the USPS: The date and city of issue have changed:

The first-day-of-issue ceremony for the Kwanzaa Forever stamp will take place 12:30 p.m., Sat., Oct. 1 in Charleston, SC’s Marion Square (329 Meeting St, 29403) at the MOJA Art Festival. www.mojafestival.com

With this vibrant new stamp design, the U.S. Postal Service continues its tradition of celebrating Kwanzaa. This annual non-religious holiday, which takes place over seven days from Dec. 26 to January 1, brings family, community and culture together for many African Americans. Dec. 26, 2016, marks the 50th anniversary of this widely celebrated holiday.

The colorful stamp art features a woman holding a bowl that overflows with fruits and vegetables, symbolizing the abundance of African first harvest celebrations that inspired the creation of Kwanzaa.

Created in 1966, Kwanzaa draws on African traditions, deriving its name from the phrase “first fruits” in Swahili, a widely spoken African language. It has its origins in first harvest celebrations that occurred across the African continent in ancient and modern times. Kwanzaa synthesizes and reinvents these tribal traditions as a contemporary celebration of African-American culture.

Each year, millions of African Americans gather with friends and family around a table set with the mkeka — a straw mat symbolizing the history of African Americans. They light seven candles known as the mishumaa saba, each representing one of the founding principles, and share in a feast that celebrates their shared heritage. Kwanzaa is a festive occasion that rejoices in the prospect of health, prosperity, and good luck in the coming year, while recalling the past and its role in future happiness.

Artist Synthia Saint James worked with art director Greg Breeding, who designed the stamp.

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

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

Stamp artist Synthia Saint James

Growing up in New York and Los Angeles, Synthia Saint James always knew she wanted to be an artist. Self-taught, she developed an artistic style that is uniquely and recognizably her own.

Saint James sold her first painting at age 20 — a commissioned piece for a coworker — which helped launch her artistic career. A professional artist for more than 45 years, she has worked with clients such as Barnes and Noble, Maybelline, UNICEF, Essence magazine, and The Coca-Cola Company, among others. Saint James created the original cover art for Terry McMillan’s novel Waiting to Exhale and has illustrated and/or authored 17 children’s books. Her work has been exhibited internationally and has appeared in several United States embassies around the world.

With bright, bold colors, Saint James’s striking paintings convey the joy and vibrancy of her subjects. Inspired in part by French Impressionists, she focuses on shapes and overall visual effects, using as many as nine coats of paint to get the colors just right.

Saint James lives and works in Los Angeles. She created the art for the first Kwanzaa stamp issued in 1997. Kwanzaa (2016) is her second project for the Postal Service™.

Updated February 25th, from the USPS:
This stamp will be issued Friday, October 7th, in New York at the American Stamp Dealers Association Fall Postage Stamp Show 2016.

From the USPS:

FDOI: Information to come.
Format: Pane of 20

2016 marks the 50th anniversary of Kwanzaa.

The 2016 Kwanzaa stamp continues its tradition of honoring an annual holiday that celebrates African-American family, community, and culture with this vibrant new stamp design. Bold colors depict a young African-American woman as the embodiment of Africa. She wears a lavender dress with a collar of African design that also appears in her earring. In front of the woman sits a large purple bowl overflowing with fruits and vegetables, symbolizing the abundance of African first harvest celebrations that inspired the creation of Kwanzaa.

Artist Synthia Saint James hand-sketched the design and then painted it, using acrylic on canvas. Saint James also illustrated the first Kwanzaa stamp issued by the Postal Service in 1997.

Art Director: Greg Breeding

[Thanks to VSC member Don Neal for pointing out some needed corrections. —LdeV]

Updated December 3rd: The following Scott catalogue number has been assigned:

5153 (47¢) Hanukkah

Updated October 3rd:
On November 1, 2016, in Boca Raton, FL, the U.S. Postal Service will issue the Hanukkah stamp (Forever priced at 47 cents), in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 559900).

The stamp will go on sale nationwide November 1, 2016.

Hanukkah spans eight nights and days of remembrance and ritual. The U.S. Postal Service joins the celebration with a new Hanukkah stamp in 2016. The stamp art depicts a menorah in the window of a home, viewed as if from inside a room. The white window trim is visible through the branches of the menorah, which echo the tangle of snow-covered tree branches beyond the glass. In 2016, Hanukkah begins at sundown on December 24. Art director Ethel Kessler designed the stamp with original art by William Low.

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

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:

Hanukkah Stamp
Stamp Fulfillment Services
Cancellation Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Pillar 210
Kansas City, MO 64144-9998

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 January 1, 2017.

There are seven philatelic products for this stamp issue:

• 559906 Press Sheet with Die-cut, $75.20.
• 559910 Digital Color Postmark Keepsake, $11.95.
• 559916 First-Day Cover, $0.91.
• 559921 Digital Color Postmark, $1.62.
• 559924 Framed Art, $19.95.
• 559930 Ceremony Program, $6.95.
• 559966 Notecards (set of 10), $15.95.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Hanukkah Stamp
Item Number: 559900
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: Holiday Celebrations
Issue Date & City: November 1, 2016, Boca Raton, FL 33432
Designer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Art Director: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Typographer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Artist: William Low, Huntington, NY
Modeler: Sandra Lane⁄Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Printed at: Browns Summit, NC
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 15 million stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper, Overall
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America, Browns Summit SC
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, PMS 7443 Lavender
Stamp Orientation: Horizontal
Image Area (w x h): 1.05 x 0.77 in.⁄26.67 x 19.56 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 1.19 x 0.91 in.⁄30.22 x 23.11 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 5.64 x 5.43 in.⁄143.12 x 137.79 mm
Press Sheets Size (w x h): 22.54 x 10.85 in.⁄ 572.52 x 275.59 mm
Plate Size: 320 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “B” followed by five (5) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Plate numbers in four corners of pane
Back: © 2015 USPS • USPS logo • Plate position diagram • Barcode (559900) in upper right and lower left corners of pane • Promotional text

Updated October 1st: Here is the DCP for this issue: This postmark measures 2.73”x1.29”.

Updated September 22nd: Here is the first-day ceremony information from the USPS:

Hanukkah
11 a.m. Tue., Nov. 1
Temple Beth El of Boca Raton
333 SW 4th Ave.
Boca Raton, FL 33432

Reservations are not necessary to attend this ceremony. Note the first-day date change.

Updated February 25th, from the USPS:
This stamp will be issued Thursday, October 6th, in New York at the American Stamp Dealers Association Fall Postage Stamp Show 2016.

From the USPS:

FDOI: Information to come. (4th Quarter – October?)
Format: Pane of 20

The 2016 Hanukkah stamp features a warm, elegant illustration of a holiday menorah in the window of a home.

Traditionally, the menorah is displayed in a doorway or window to proclaim the miracle of Hanukkah. The menorah is viewed as if from inside a room, looking through a window to the outside. The candles—one for each of the eight nights and days of Hanukkah, and the ninth, the shamash or “servant,” used to light the other candles—are a creamy white and have all been lit.

The artist added visual interest to the scene by highlighting the contrast between the hot candle flames and the cool snow, the vertical candles and the horizontal window frame, and the dark menorah with the brightly lit candles.

Art Director: Ethel Kessler
Artist: William Low