Announced November 1, 2021:

This stamp release commemorates the 50th anniversary of the passage of Title IX, the civil rights law prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex in any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. Applied at educational institutions over a wide range of programs, its most visible impact has been on school athletics. Four different stamps feature dark blue silhouettes of one of four female athletes: a runner, a swimmer, a gymnast and a soccer player. Yellow laurel branches, symbolic of victory, rest in their hair and on the swimmer’s cap. Artist Melinda Beck designed the stamps. Derry Noyes was the art director.

These stamps will be issued March 3.

Additional information will be posted below the line, with the newest at the top.

Updated April 14^th:
The latest issue of the USPS Philatelic catalogue offers a new product for this issue: Field Notes®raaFour “pocket-sized notebooks from the classic FIELD NOTES brand … each with a different Title IX stamp affixed to the cover and canceled with” the first-day pictorial postmark.

Updated February 8^th:
[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Title IX
First Day Ceremony Information

WHAT: The U.S. Postal Service will commemorate the 50th anniversary of Title IX with the release of four new Forever stamps, at a First Day of Issue (FDOI) ceremony. The stamps feature four female athletes: a runner, a swimmer, a gymnast, and a soccer player.

WHEN: 11 a.m. EST, Thursday, March 3, 2022

WHERE: U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Ave. SW
Washington, D.C. 20202

WHO:
• Amber McReynolds, governor, Postal Service Board of Governors
• Cindy Marten, deputy secretary, Department of Education
• Catherine Lhamon, assistant secretary, Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education
• Sheila Johnson, managing partner and governor, Washington Mystics

TICKETS: Those interested in attending this event must first register atusps.com/titleix. Attendees must attest to their COVID-19 vaccination status.

VENUE PROTOCOL: All visitors to the U.S. Department of Education (DoE) are required to show photo ID. Visitors are subject to screening upon entry. As of the date of this advisory, the Education Department requires individuals who visit its facilities to provide their vaccination status. Individuals must attest to the truthfulness of the response they provide. Individuals who are not vaccinated, partially vaccinated, or decline to provide information about their vaccination status must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test from no later than the previous three days prior to entry to a federal building. In addition, a face covering must be worn at all times in public areas, and social distancing is requested. This protocol may be adjusted at the time the FDOI is held. Guns or weapons of any sort are not permitted.

BACKGROUND: Passed as a clause in the Education Amendments of 1972, Title IX is a civil rights law prohibiting discrimination based on sex in any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. In the 50 years since its passage, Title IX has been applied widely at elementary, secondary, and post-secondary institutions. The law covers a broad range of programs and resources. Most visibly, Title IX has created pathways for enriching women’s athletics programs, allowing for more competitive sports offerings, stronger physical education regimens and equal spaces to play. Additionally, Title IX prohibits sexual harassment, including sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking on school campuses or during school programs or activities. Fifty years later, Title IX is still evolving. The law has affected generations of young people in the United States, and the work to provide protections for even more in the future continues.

Customers may purchase postage stamps and other philatelic products at the Postal Store, by calling 844-737-7826, by mail through USA Philatelic, or at Post Office locations nationwide.

Updated January 30^th:
Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue:
The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.16″ x 1.42″ The B&W pictorial measures 2.75″ x 1.24″

Updated January 27^th from the Postal Bulletin:
On March 3, 2022, in Washington, DC, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Title IX stamps (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in four designs, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 481700). These stamps will go on sale nationwide March 3, 2022, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue. The Title IX commemorative pane of 20 stamps may not be split and the stamps may not be sold individually.

With this stamp issuance, the Postal Service™ commemorates the 50th anniversary of the passage of Title IX, a civil rights law prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex from any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. The stamp art features four unique designs, each a dark blue silhouette of a different woman’s face in profile. The digital illustrations of the four women represent female athletes, specifically a runner, a swimmer, a gymnast, and a soccer player. Yellow laurel branches, symbolic of victory, rest in their hair and on the swimmer’s cap. “Title IX” appears written across the women‘s cheeks, intended as an empowering message about the inclusion of women and girls in all educational settings. The pane of 20 stamps includes a header. The stamps were designed and created by Melinda Beck. Derry Noyes served as art director.

Automatic Distribution.

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

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

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark up to a quantity of 50. There is a 5-cent charge for each additional postmark over 50. All orders must be postmarked by July 3, 2022.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Title IX Stamps
Item Number: 481700
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (4 designs)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: March 3, 2022, Washington, DC 20066
Art Director: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Designer: Melinda Beck, Brooklyn, NY
Typographer: Melinda Beck, Brooklyn, NY
Artist: Melinda Beck, Brooklyn, NY
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 30,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 1.085 x 1.42 in. / 27.559 x 36.068 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 1.225 x 1.56 in. / 31.12 x 39.62 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 7.12 x 7.85 in. / 180.848 x 199.39 mm
Press Sheet Size (w x h): 22.25 x 27 in. / 565.15 x 685.8 mm
Plate Size: 180 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “P” followed by four (4) digits in bottom two corners
Marginal Markings:
Front: Header: “TITLE IX” • Plate number in two corners
Back: ©2021 USPS • USPS Logo • Two barcodes (481700) • Plate position diagram (9) • Promotional text

Announced November 1, 2021:

These four new stamps celebrate the beauty of mountain flowers. Each Mountain Flora stamp features a different flower: a purple pasqueflower, an orange-red wood lily, a bright yellow alpine buttercup and a dark pink Woods’ rose. The artist’s hand-drawn illustrations, refined digitally, create a block-print aesthetic. The stamps will be issued in booklets of 20 and coils of 3,000 and 10,000. Art director Ethel Kessler designed the stamps with original art by Lili Arnold.

Additional information will be posted below the line, with the newest at the top.

Updated February 16th:
Here are the Scott catalogue numbers for this issue:

Coil stamps, all serpentine die cut 10 vert.
5672 Wood lily,
5673 Alpine buttercup
5674 Woods’ rose
5675 Pasqueflower
a. Horiz. strip of 4, #5672-5675
Note: Plate number strips for the Mountain Flora coils will be listed as strips of 7 and 9 with No. 5675, bearing the plate number, in the center of the strips.

Booklet stamps, all serpentine die cut 10¼x 11 on 2 or 3 sides:
5676 Pasqueflower
5677 Wood lily
5678 Alpine buttercup
5679 Woods’ rose
a. Block of 4, #5676-5679
b. Convertible booklet pane of 20, 5 each #5676-5679

Updated February 16th:
Here is the Digital Color Postmark for this issue: It measures 2.72″ x 1.26″.

There is no pictorial postmark for this issue, just the FIRST DAY OF ISSUE “killer bar.”

Updated February 10th:
On March 14, 2022, in Alpine, WY, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Mountain Flora stamps (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in four designs, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) double-sided booklet (Item 683700), coil of 3,000 stamps (Item 750900), and coil of 10,000 stamps (Item 761100). These stamps will go on sale nationwide March 14, 2022, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

Celebrate the beauty of Mountain Flora with four new stamps, each featuring a different flower:

• A purple pasqueflower.
• An orange-red wood lily.
• A bright yellow alpine buttercup.
• A dark pink Woods‘ rose.

The artist’s hand-drawn illustrations, refined digitally, create a block-print aesthetic. The cover of the booklet of 20 stamps features a detail from the pasqueflower stamp art. In addition to the booklet, the stamps will also be issued in coils of 3,000 and 10,000. Art director Ethel Kessler designed the stamps with original art by Lili Arnold.

No automatic distribution

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

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

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service™ will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark up to a quantity of 50. There is a 5-cent charge for each additional postmark over 50. All orders must be postmarked by July 14, 2022.

Technical Specifications – Booklet:

Issue: Mountain Flora Stamps
Item Number: 683700
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Double-sided Booklet of 20 (4 designs)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: March 14, 2022, Alpine, WY 83128
Art Director: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Designer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Artist: Lili Arnold, Felton, CA
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Booklet: 20
Print Quantity: 500,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tagged
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.77 x 1.05 in./19.558 x 26.67 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.91 x 1.19 in./23.114 x 30.226 mm
Full Booklet Size (w x h): 5.76 x 2.38 in./146.304 x 60.452 mm
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
Plate Size: 880 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “P” followed by four (4) single digits
Marginal Markings: Header: “Mountain Flora”, Twenty First-Class Forever Stamps • ©2021 USPS in peel strip area • Barcode • USPS logo • Promotional text • Plate number in peel strip area

Technical Specifications – Coil of 3,000:

Issue: Mountain Flora Stamps
Item Number: 750900
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Coil of 3,000 (4 designs)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: March 14, 2022, Alpine, WY 83128
Art Director: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Designer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Artist: Lili Arnold, Felton, CA
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Coil: 3,000
Print Quantity: 12,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tagged
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.73 x 0.84 in./18.542 x 21.336 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.87 x 0.98 in./22.098 x 24.892 mm
Plate Size: 594 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “P” followed by four (4) single digits
Coil Number Frequency: Plate number every 27th stamp below stamp image

Technical Specifications – Coil of 10,000:

Issue: Mountain Flora Stamps
Item Number: 761100
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Coil of 10,000 (4 designs)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: March 14, 2022, Alpine, WY 83128
Art Director: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Designer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Illustrator: Lili Arnold, Felton, CA
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Coil: 10,000
Print Quantity: 30,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tagged
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.73 x 0.84 in./18.542 x 21.336 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.87 x 0.98 in./22.098 x 24.892 mm
Plate Size: 594 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “P” followed by four (4) single digits
Coil Number Frequency: Plate number every 27th stamp below stamp image

Updated December 11th:
Linn’s Stamp News now reports this issue will be delayed until Monday, March 14th, because of paper-supply problems.

Updated December 25th:
Linn’s Stamp News reports this issue will be released Thursday, February 17, with no “headquarters” first-day ceremony. The first-day city is Alpine, Wyoming. It will be produced in double-sided booklets of 20 and in coils of 3,000 and 10,000.

Announced November 1, 2021:

The two nondenominated Butterfly Garden Flowers stamps are intended for bulk mailings by authorized nonprofit organizations. Each stamp features one of two flowers that butterflies love to visit: scabiosas or cosmos. Inspired by block-printed textile and pattern design, the artist hand-carved the images into linoleum blocks. After inking the blocks, she pressed them onto paper, scanned the images and added color digitally. Art director Antonio Alcalá designed the stamps with original art by Rigel Stuhmiller.

The Scott catalogue numbers for these stamps are
5664 (5¢) Butterfly Garden Flowers coil stamp – Cosmos
5665 (5¢) Butterfly Garden Flowers coil stamp – Scabiosas
a. Pair, #5664-5665

Additional information will be posted below the line, with the newest at the top.

Updated January 10th:
The issue date is confirmed. From the Postal Bulletin:

On February 1, 2022, in Pine Mountain, GA, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Butterfly Garden Flowers nondenominated, nonprofit organization stamps (5–cent value) in two designs, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) coil of 3,000 stamps (Item 750800) and a PSA coil of 10,000 stamps (Item 761000). These stamps will go on sale nationwide February 1, 2022, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

The 2022 Butterfly Garden Flowers issuance features two nondenominated, nonprofit-price stamps intended for bulk mailings by authorized nonprofit organizations. Inspired by block-printed textile and pattern design, the artist hand-carved the images into linoleum blocks. After inking the blocks, she pressed them onto paper, scanned the images into the computer, and added color digitally. Each stamp features an illustration of one of two flowers — scabiosas or cosmos — that butterflies love to visit. Art director Antonio Alcalá designed the stamps with original art by Rigel Stuhmiller (right).

• Item 750800, Coil of 3,000 Stamps
• Item 761000, Coil of 10,000 Stamps

No automatic distribution

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

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

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service™ will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark up to a quantity of 50. There is a 5-cent charge for each additional postmark over 50. All orders must be postmarked by June 1, 2022.

[The only first-day postmarks will be the standard FIRST DAY OF ISSUE cancels.]

Technical Specifications (Coil of 3,000):

Issue: Butterfly Garden Flowers Stamps
Item Number: 750800
Denomination & Type of Issue: Nondenominated Nonprofit (5-cent value)
Format: Coil of 3,000 (2 designs)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: February 1, 2022, Pine Mountain, GA 31822
Art Director: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Designer: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Artist: Rigel Stuhmiller, Berkeley, CA
Modeler: Sandra Lane/Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Coil: 3,000
Print Quantity: 60,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.73 x 0.84 in./ 18.542 x 21.336 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.87 x 0.98 in./22.098 x 24.892 mm
Plate Size: 480 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “B” followed by four (4) single digits
Coil Number Frequency: Plate number every 24th stamp below stamp image

Technical Specifications (Coil of 10,000):

Issue: Butterfly Garden Flowers Stamps
Item Number: 761000
Denomination & Type of Issue: Nondenominated Nonprofit (5-cent value)
Format: Coil of 10,000 (2 designs)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: February 1, 2022, Pine Mountain, GA 31822
Art Director: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Designer: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Artist: Rigel Stuhmiller, Berkeley, CA
Modeler: Sandra Lane/Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Coil: 10,000
Print Quantity: 2,250,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.73 x 0.84 in./ 18.542 x 21.336 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.87 x 0.98 in./22.098 x 24.892 mm
Plate Size: 480 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “B” followed by four (4) single digits
Coil Number Frequency: Plate numbers every 24th stamp below stamp image

Updated December 25th:
Linn’s Stamp News reports this issue will be released Tuesday, February 1, with no “headquarters” first-day ceremony. The first-day city is Pine Mountain, Georgia.

Announced November 1, 2021:

The 45th stamp in the Black Heritage series honors sculptor Edmonia Lewis (circa 1844-1907). As the first African American and Native American sculptor to achieve international recognition, Lewis challenged social barriers and assumptions about artists in mid-19th century America. The stamp art is a casein-on-wood portrait of Lewis, based on a photograph taken in Boston between 1864 and 1871. Art director Antonio Alcalá designed the stamp with original art by Alex Bostic.

The Scott catalogue number for this stamp is 5663.

Additional information will be posted below the line, with the newest at the top.

Updated January 17^th:
Technical Specifications:

Issue: Edmonia Lewis Stamp
Item Number: 481600
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail® Forever®
Format: Pane of 20
Series: Black Heritage
Issue Date & City: January 26, 2022, Washington, DC 20066
Art Director: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Designer: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Artist: Alex Bostic, Starkville, MS
Modeler: Sandra Lane / Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Gallus RCS
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 35,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Pantone 7685, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.84 x 1.42 in./21.336 x 36.068 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 0.98 x 1.56 in./24.892 x 39.624 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 6 x 8.5 in./152.4 x 215.9 mm
Press Sheet Size (w x h): 12.243 x 17.743 in./ 310.9722 x 450.6722 mm
Plate Size: 80 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “B” followed by five (5) single digits in bottom 2 corners
Marginal Markings:
Front: Header: “Black Heritage, Celebrating Edmonia Lewis, 45th in a series” • Plate number in bottom 2 corners
Back: ©2021 USPS • USPS Logo • Two barcodes (481600) • Plate position diagram (4) • Promotional text

Updated January 10^th:
Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue:The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.70″ x 1.09″ The Pictorial Postmark measures 2.23″ x1.32″ The “Special” postmark which other cities may use, although not on the first-day, measures 2.73″ x 0.93″

Updated December 21^th:
[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
U.S. Postal Service Issuing Edmonia Lewis Black Heritage Forever Stamp Jan. 26

WHAT: The 45th stamp in the Black Heritage series honors Edmonia Lewis, the first African American and Native American sculptor to earn international recognition. The stamp art is a casein-paint portrait based on a photograph of Lewis by Augustus Marshall made in Boston between 1864 and 1871.

The Edmonia Lewis stamp will be issued in panes of 20.

The first-day-of-issue event for the Edmonia Lewis Forever stamp is free and open to the public. News of the stamp is being shared with the hashtags #EdmoniaLewis and #BlackHeritageStamps.

WHO: Dr. Joshua D. Colin, Chief Retail and Delivery Officer, U.S. Postal Service and Dedicating Official

WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2022, at 12:30 p.m. EST

WHERE: Smithsonian American Art Museum
8th and G Streets NW
Washington, DC 20004

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

BACKGROUND: As the first African American and Native American sculptor to earn international recognition, Edmonia Lewis challenged social barriers and assumptions about artists in mid-19th century America.

Born in Greenbush, NY, Lewis spent most of her career in Rome, where her studio became a must-see attraction for American tourists. In addition to portrait busts of prominent people, Lewis’s work incorporated African American themes, including the celebration of newly won freedoms, and sensitively depicted her Native American heritage as peaceful and dignified.

A Roman Catholic, Lewis also received several religious commissions. The work she produced during her prolific career evokes the complexity of her social identity and reflects the passion and independence of her artistic vision.

As the public continues to discover the beautiful subtleties of Lewis’s work, scholars will further interpret her role in American art and the ways she explored, affirmed or de-emphasized her complex cultural identity to meet or expand the artistic expectations of her day.

Updated December 16^th from the Postal Bulletin:

On January 26, 2022, in Washington, DC, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Edmonia Lewis stamp (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 481600). This stamp will go on sale nationwide January 26, 2022, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

The 45th stamp in the Black Heritage series honors sculptor Edmonia Lewis (c.1844–1907). As the first African American and Native American sculptor to earn international recognition, Lewis challenged social barriers and assumptions about artists in mid-19th century America. The stamp features a casein-paint portrait of Lewis based on a photograph made between 1864 and 1871. Art director Antonio Alcalá designed the stamp with art by Alex Bostic.

Automatic distribution.

Special Dedication Postmarks:
Only the following pictorial postmark is permitted for the Edmonia Lewis stamp. The word “Station” or the abbreviation “STA” is required somewhere in the design because it will be a temporary station. Use of any image other than the following special pictorial image is prohibited.

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

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

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark up to a quantity of 50. There is a 5-cent charge for each additional postmark over 50. All orders must be postmarked by May 26, 2022.

Technical Specifications are not yet available.

Updated December 11^th:
Linn’s Stamp News reports this stamp will be issued January 26^th with Washington DC as the first-day city.

Announced November 1, 2021:

The two new Love stamps celebrate the joy that flowers bring. Inspired by old European folk art, the stamps feature digital illustrations with similar designs: three round, stylized blooms ranging symmetrically along the top, with smaller round blossoms in each of the lower corners. The background color of one stamp is powder blue, and the other is coral. Twisting vines, which hold small multi-petaled flowers, form abstract heart shapes. The letters of the word “LOVE” are interspersed among the decorative vines. Bailey Sullivan designed the stamps and created the original art. Greg Breeding was the art director.

The Scott catalogue numbers for this issue are:
5660 (58¢) Love – blue gray background
a. Imperforate
5661 (58¢) Love – pink background
a. Imperforate
b. Horiz. or vert. pair, #5660-5661
c. Imperforate horiz. or vert. pair, #5660a-5661a

Additional information will be posted below the line, with the newest at the top.

Updated December 9^th:
Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue (you can click on these pictures for larger versions):The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.37″ x 1.09″.The pictorial postmark measures 2.47″ x 0.94″.

Updated December 9^th:
[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Romance Blooms on Postal Service’s New Love Forever Stamps
U.S. Postal Service Love Series Celebrates the Beauty and Delight of Flowers

WHAT: Love flourishes anew in 2022 with the Postal Service’s issuance of Forever stamps depicting the simple floral charms of old European folk art as part of the popular series of Love stamps.

News of the two stamps is being shared with the hashtag #LoveStamps.

WHO: Pritha Mehra, chief information officer and executive vice president, U.S. Postal Service

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 14, 2022, at 11 a.m. ET

WHERE: Romeo Masonic Lodge 41
231 N. Main St.
Romeo, MI 48065

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

BACKGROUND: The Postal Service has captured the delight and exuberance of love since its first stamp in the Love series, issued in 1973. For this year’s Love stamps, illustrator Bailey Sullivan based her designs on old European folk art. These stamps, with their colorful blooms and curling vines, are beautiful additions to the series.

Released early in the year for use on Valentine’s Day, the stamps are also perfect any time to add floral flair to letters, birthday or graduation cards, baby shower invitations, thank-you notes — the uses are limitless. The colorful stamps will add charm and whimsy to any correspondence.

Updated December 3^rd:

On January 14, 2022, in Romeo, MI, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Love 2022 stamps (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in two designs, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 578200). These stamps will go on sale nationwide January 14, 2022, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

The two new Love 2022 stamps with similar designs feature graphic illustrations of flowers inspired by old European folk art. Twisting vines, which hold small petaled flowers form abstract heart shapes. The word “Love” is interspersed among the decorative vines. The background of one stamp is powder blue, the other stamp is coral. Greg Breeding was art director; Bailey Sullivan created the original art and designed the stamps.

Item 578200, Love 2022 (Forever Priced at the First-Class Mail Rate), Pane of 20 Stamps: No automatic distribution.

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

FDOI – Love 2022 Stamps
USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Suite 300
Kansas City, MO 64144-9900

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service™ will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark up to a quantity of 50. There is a 5-cent charge for each additional postmark over 50. All orders must be postmarked by May 14, 2022.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Love 2022 Stamps
Item Number: 578200
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (2 designs)
Series: Love
Issue Date & City: January 14, 2022, Romeo, MI 48065
Art Director: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Designer: Bailey Sullivan, Brooklyn, NY
Illustrator: Bailey Sullivan, Brooklyn, NY
Modeler: Sandra Lane/Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 150,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Horizontal
Image Area (w x h): 1.05 x 0.77 in./26.67 x 19.558 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 1.19 x 0.91 in./30.226 x 23.114 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 5.76 x 5.55 in./146.304 x 140.97 mm
Press Sheet Size (w x h): 23.040 x 11.1 in./585.216 x 281.94 mm
Plate Size: 320 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “B” followed by four (4) single digits in four corners
Marginal Markings:
Front: Plate number in 4 corners
Back: ©2021 USPS • USPS Logo • Two barcodes (578200) • Plate position diagram (8) • Promotional text

Announced November 1, 2021:

The Postal Service continues its tradition of celebrating the U.S. flag with this stamp, which will be available in panes of 20, booklets of 20, and coils of 100, 3,000 and 10,000. The stamp art is a painting of three flags in a circular formation, reminiscent of the 50 flags encircling the Washington Monument. The artist used three photographs of the same flag taken seconds apart as reference and stitched together the images into a single composition. Laura Stutzman was the stamp designer and illustrator. Ethel Kessler was the art director.

Additional information will be posted below the line, with the newest at the top.

Updated February 9^th:
Here are the Scott catalogue numbers for this issue:
• 5654 (58¢) Flags, serpentine die cut 11¼x11, microprinted “USPS” above lower connector on flagpole at left (Banknote printing)
• 5655 (58¢) Flags coil stamp, serpentine die cut 10¾ vert., microprinted “USPS” above lower connector on flagpole at left, stamps not adjacent on coil roll with backing paper taller than stamp (Banknote printing)
• 5656 (58¢) Flags coil stamp, serpentine die cut 11 vert., microprinted “USPS” above lower connector on flagpole at left, stamps adjacent on coil roll with backing paper same height as stamp (Banknote printing)
• 5657 (58¢) Flags coil stamp, serpentine die cut 9½ vert., microprinted “USPS” above lowest blue flag field, stamps adjacent on coil roll with backing paper same height as stamp (Ashton-Potter printing)
• 5658 (58¢) Flags booklet stamp, serpentine die cut 11¼x10¾ , microprinted “USPS” above lower connector on flagpole at left (Banknote printing)
a. Convertible booklet pane of 20
• 5659 (58¢) Flags booklet stamp, serpentine die cut 11¼x10¾ , microprinted “USPS” above lowest blue flag field (Ashton-Potter printing)
a. Convertible booklet pane of 20

Updated December 9^th:
Here is the Digital Color Postmark for this issue: It measures 2.95″ x 1.38″. There is no pictorial postmark. Instead, the B&W hand cancel is the FIRST DAY OF ISSUE “killer bar.”

Updated December 3^rd:

On January 9, 2022, in Findlay, OH, the United States Postal Service® will issue the U.S. Flags 2022 stamp (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 121700), a PSA Double-sided Booklet of 20 stamps (Item 683600), a PSA Coil of 100 stamps (Item 740400), a PSA Coil of 3,000 stamps (Item 750700), and a PSA Coil of 10,000 stamps (Item 760900). This stamp will go on sale nationwide January 9, 2022, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

The Postal Service™ continues its tradition of celebrating the U.S. flag with this new stamp in panes of 20, booklets of 20, and coils of 100, 3,000, and 10,000. The stamp art is a painting of three flags in a circular formation, reminiscent of the 50 flags encircling the Washington Monument. The artist used three separate photographs of the same flag taken seconds apart as reference and stitched together the images into a single composition. Laura Stutzman was the stamp designer and illustrator. Ethel Kessler was the art director.

• Item 121700, U.S. Flags 2022 (Forever Priced at the First-Class Mail rate), Pane of 20 Stamps: No automatic distribution.
• Item 683600, U.S. Flags 2022 (Forever Priced at the First-Class Mail rate), Booklet of 20 Stamps: No automatic distribution.
• Item 740400, U.S. Flags 2022 (Forever Priced at the First-Class Mail rate), Coil of 100 Stamps: No automatic distribution.
• Item 750700, U.S. Flags 2022 (Forever Priced at the First-Class Mail rate), Coil of 3,000 Stamps: No automatic distribution.
• Item 760900, U.S. Flags 2022 (Forever Priced at the First-Class Mail rate), Coil of 10,000 Stamps: No automatic distribution.

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

FDOI – U.S. Flags 2022 Stamp
USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Suite 300
Kansas City, MO 64144-9900

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark up to a quantity of 50. There is a 5-cent charge for each additional postmark over 50. All orders must be postmarked by May 9, 2022.

Technical Specifications – Pane of 20:

Issue: U.S. Flags 2022 Stamp
Item Number: 121700
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: January 9, 2022, Findlay, OH 45840
Art Director: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Designer: Laura Stutzman, Mountain Lake Park, MD
Illustrator: Laura Stutzman, Mountain Lake Park, MD
Modeler: Sandra Lane/Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Gallus RCS
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 50,000,000
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper, Block Tagged
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.73 x 0.84 in./18.542 x 21.336 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.87 x 0.98 in./22.098 x 24.892 mm
Pane Size (w x h): 5.35 x 4.93 in./135.89 x 125.222 mm
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Plate Size: 120 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “B” followed by four (4) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Plate number in four corners
Back: ©2021 USPS • Barcode • USPS Logo • 2 barcodes (121700) • Plate position diagram (6) • Promotionl text

Technical Specifications — Booklet of 20 APU:

Issue: U.S. Flags 2022 Stamp
Item Number: 683600
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Double-sided Booklet of 20 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: January 9, 2022, Findlay, OH 45840
Art Director: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Designer: Laura Stutzman, Mountain Lake Park, MD
Illustrator: Laura Stutzman, Mountain Lake Park, MD
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Booklet: 20
Print Quantity: 1,000,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tagged
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.73 x 0.84 in./18.542 x 21.336 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.87 x 0.98 in./22.098 x 24.892 mm
Full Booklet Size (w x h): 5.52 x 1.96 in./140.208 x 49.784 mm
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
Plate Size: 1040 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “P” followed by four (4) single digits
Marginal Markings: Header: “U.S. FLAGS”, 20 First-Class Forever Stamps • ©2021 USPS in peel strip area • Barcode • USPS Logo • Promotional text • Plate number in peel strip area

Technical Specifications — Booklet of 20 BCA:

Issue: U.S. Flags 2022 Stamp
Item Number: 683600
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Double-sided Booklet of 20 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: January 9, 2022, Findlay, OH 45840
Art Director: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Designer: Laura Stutzman, Mountain Lake Park, MD
Illustrator: Laura Stutzman, Mountain Lake Park, MD
Modeler: Sandra Lane/Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Booklet: 20
Print Quantity: 1,000,000,000
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper, Block Tagged
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.73 x 0.84 in./18.542 x 21.336 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.87 x 0.98 in./22.098 x 24.892 mm
Full Booklet Size (w x h): 5.52 x 1.96 in./140.208 x 49.784 mm
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Plate Size: 960 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “B” followed by four (4) single digits
Marginal Markings: Header. “U.S. FLAGS”, 20 First-Class Forever Stamps • ©2021 USPS in peel strip area • Barcode • USPS Logo • Promotional text • Plate number in peel strip area

Technical Specifications — Coil of 100 APU:

Issue: U.S. Flags 2022 Stamp
Item Number: 740400
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Coil of 100 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: January 9, 2022, Findlay, OH 45840
Art Director: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Designer: Laura Stutzman, Mountain Lake Park, MD
Illustrator: Laura Stutzman, Mountain Lake Park, MD
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Coil: 100
Print Quantity: 1,625,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.84 x 0.73 in./21.336 x 18.542 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.98 x 0.87096 in./24.892 x 22.122 mm
Plate Size: 744 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “P” followed by four (4) single digits
Coil Number Frequency: Plate number every 31st stamp below stamp image

Technical Specifications — Coil of 100 BCA:

Issue: U.S. Flags 2022 Stamp
Item Number: 740400
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Coil of 100 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: January 9, 2022, Findlay, OH 45840
Art Director: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Designer: Laura Stutzman, Mountain Lake Park, MD
Illustrator: Laura Stutzman, Mountain Lake Park, MD
Modeler: Sandra Lane/Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Coil: 100
Print Quantity: 1,625,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.73 x 0.84 in./18.542 x 21.336 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.87 x 0.98 in./22.098 x 24.892 mm
Plate Size: 744 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “B” followed by four (4) single digits
Coil Number Frequency: Plate number every 31st stamp below stamp image

Technical Specifications — Coil of 3,000:

Issue: U.S. Flags 2022 Stamp
Item Number: 750700
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Coil of 3,000 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: January 9, 2022, Findlay, OH 45840
Art Director: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Designer: Laura Stutzman, Mountain Lake Park, MD
Illustrator: Laura Stutzman, Mountain Lake Park, MD
Modeler: Sandra Lane/Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Coil: 3,000
Print Quantity: 15,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper, Overall
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.73 x 0.84 in./18.542 x 21.336 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.87 x 0.98 in./22.098 x 24.892 mm
Plate Size: 540 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “B” followed by four (4) single digits
Coil Number Frequency: Plate number every 27th stamp below stamp image

Technical Specifications — Coil of 10,000:

Issue: U.S. Flags 2022 Stamp
Item Number: 760900
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Coil of 10,000 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: January 9, 2022, Findlay, OH 45840
Art Director: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Designer: Laura Stutzman, Mountain Lake Park, MD
Illustrator: Laura Stutzman, Mountain Lake Park, MD
Modeler: Sandra Lane/Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Coil: 10,000
Print Quantity: 100,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper, Overall
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.73 x 0.84 in./18.542 x 21.336 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.87 x 0.98 in./22.098 x 24.892 mm
Plate Size: 540 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “B” followed by four (4) single digits
Coil Number Frequency: Plate number every 27th stamp below stamp image

Announced November 1, 2021:

The new 4-cent Blueberries stamp will be available for sale in panes of 20 and coils of 3,000 and 10,000. The stamp features a pen, ink and watercolor illustration of a cluster of blueberries and leaves. Blueberries will join other similarly designed low-denomination stamps available separately for purchase: 1-cent Apples, 2-cent Meyer Lemons, 3-cent Strawberries, 5-cent Grapes and 10-cent Pears. Art director Derry Noyes designed the stamps using existing illustrations by John Burgoyne.

Additional information will be posted below the line, with the newest at the top.

Updated February 9^th:
Here are the Scott catalogue numbers:
• 5652 4c Blueberries, serpentine die cut 11¼x11
• 5653 4c Blueberries coil stamp, serpentine die cut 10¾ vert.

Updated December 16^th:
Paper type corrected for all three varieties in “Technical Specifications.”

Updated December 9^th:
Only the FIRST DAY OF ISSUE cancel is available for this issue.

Updated December 3^rd:

On January 9, 2022, in Blue Hill, ME, the United States Postal Service® will issue the 4-cent denominated Blueberries stamp in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 121600), a PSA Coil of 3,000 stamps (Item 750600), and a PSA Coil of 10,000 stamps (Item 760800). This stamp will go on sale nationwide January 9, 2022, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

Blueberries, a new 4-cent definitive stamp, will be available for sale in panes of 20 and coils of 3,000 and 10,000. The stamp features a pen, ink, and watercolor illustration of a cluster of blueberries and leaves. Art director Derry Noyes designed this stamp using an existing illustration by John Burgoyne.

• Item 121600, Blueberries, 4 Cents, Pane of 20 Stamps: No automatic distribution.
• Item 750600, Blueberries, 4 Cents, Coil of 3,000 Stamps: No automatic distribution.
• Item 760800, Blueberries, 4 Cents, Coil of 10,000 Stamps: No automatic distribution.

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

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

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service™ will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark up to a quantity of 50. There is a 5-cent charge for each additional postmark over 50. All orders must be postmarked by May 9, 2022.

Technical Specifications — Pane of 20:

Issue: Blueberries Stamp
Item Number: 121600
Denomination & Type of Issue: 4-cent Denominated, Mail-use
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: January 9, 2022, Blue Hill, ME 04614
Art Director: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Designer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Illustrator: John Burgoyne, West Barnstable, MA
Modeler: Sandra Lane/Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Gallus RCS
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 20,000,000
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.73 x 0.84 in./18.542 x 21.336 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.87 x 0.98 in./22.098 x 24.892 mm
Pane Size (w x h): 5.30 x 4.88 in./134.62 x 123.952 mm
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, Pantone 535, Pantone 5415
Plate Size: 120 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “B” followed by six (6) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Plate number in four corners
Back: ©2021 USPS • Barcode • USPS Logo • 2 barcodes (121600) • Plate position diagram (6) • Promotional text

Technical Specifications — Coil of 3,000:

Issue: Blueberries Stamp
Item Number: 750600
Denomination & Type of Issue: 4-cent Denominated, Mail-use
Format: Coil of 3,000 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: January 9, 2022, Blue Hill, ME 04614
Art Director: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Designer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Existing Art: John Burgoyne, West Barnstable, MA
Modeler: Sandra Lane/Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Coil: 3,000
Print Quantity: 9,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, Pantone 535, Pantone 5415
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.73 x 0.84 in./18.542 x 21.336 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.87 x 0.98 in./22.098 x 24.892 mm
Plate Size: 540 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “B” followed by six (6) single digits
Coil Number Frequency: Plate number every 27th stamp below stamp image

Technical Specifications — Coil of 10,000:

Issue: Blueberries Stamp
Item Number: 760800
Denomination & Type of Issue: 4-cent Denominated, Mail-use
Format: Coil of 10,000 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: January 9, 2022, Blue Hill, ME 04614
Art Director: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Designer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Existing Art: John Burgoyne, West Barnstable, MA
Modeler: Sandra Lane/Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Coil: 10,000
Print Quantity: 200,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, Pantone 535, Pantone 5415
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.73 x 0.84 in./18.542 x 21.336 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.87 x 0.98 in./22.098 x 24.892 mm
Plate Size: 540 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “B” followed by six (6) single digits
Coil Number Frequency: Plate number every 27th stamp below stamp image

Announced November 1, 2021:

The third of 12 stamps in the latest Lunar New Year stamp series celebrates the Year of the Tiger. Calling to mind the elaborately decorated masks used in the dragon or lion dances often performed in Lunar New Year parades, this three-dimensional mask depicting a tiger is a contemporary take on the long tradition of paper-cut folk art crafts created during this auspicious time of year. The tiger mask design incorporates colors and patterns symbolic to the holiday. Art director Antonio Alcalá designed the stamp and pane with original art by Camille Chew.

The Scott catalogue number for this stamp is 5662.

Additional information will be posted below the line, with the newest at the top.

Updated January 10^th:
Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue:The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.97″ x 1.43″ The Pictorial Postmark measures 2.35″ x 1.23″

Updated December 16^th from the Postal Bulletin:

On January 20, 2022, in New York, NY, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Lunar New Year — Year of the Tiger stamp (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 481500). This stamp will go on sale nationwide January 20, 2022, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue. The Lunar New Year — Year of the Tiger commemorative pane of 20 stamps may not be split and the stamps may not be sold individually.

In 2022, the Postal Service™ will issue the third of 12 stamps in its third Lunar New Year series. The Year of the Tiger begins February 1, 2022, and ends on January 21, 2023. Calling to mind the elaborately decorated masks used in the dragon or lion dances often performed in Lunar New Year parades, this 3-dimensional mask depicting a tiger is a contemporary take on the long tradition of paper-cut folk art crafts created during this auspicious time of year. Simplified illustrations of the 12 zodiac animals form vertical lines on the left and right sides of the stamp pane. Art director Antonio Alcalá designed this stamp issuance with original artwork by Camille Chew.

No automatic distribution.

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

FDOI – Lunar New Year — Year of the Tiger Stamp
USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Suite 300
Kansas City, MO 64144-9900

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark up to a quantity of 50. There is a 5-cent charge for each additional postmark over 50. All orders must be postmarked by May 20, 2022.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Lunar New Year — Year of the Tiger Stamp
Item Number: 481500
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: Lunar New Year
Issue Date & City: January 20, 2022, New York, NY 10199
Art Director: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Designer: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Artist: Camille Chew, Providence, RI
Modeler: Sandra Lane/Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Foil Stamping, Flexographic, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Gallus RCS
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 24,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, Pantone 7579 C Orange, Pantone 7563 C Light Brown, Gold Foil Luxor MTS 413, Purple Foil Luxor MTS 323
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.84 x 1.42 in./21.336 x 36.068 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 0.98 x 1.56 in./24.892 x 39.624 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 7.25 x 8.5 in./184.15 x 215.9 mm
Press Sheets Size (w x h): 14.5 x 19.5 in./368.3 x 495.3 mm
Plate Size: 80 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “B” followed by six (6) single digits in two corners
Marginal Markings:
Front: Header: Lunar New Year — Year of the Tiger • Plate number in bottom two corners
Back: ©2021 USPS • USPS logo • Two barcodes (481500) • Plate position diagram (4) • Promotional text

Updated December 16^th:
[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Tiger, Tiger Burning Bright!

WHAT: The U.S. Postal Service celebrates the Lunar New Year with the release of the Year of the Tiger Forever stamp. The Year of the Tiger begins Feb. 1, 2022 and ends Jan. 21, 2023.

News of the stamp is being shared with the hashtag #LunarNewYearStamp.

WHO: The Honorable Ronald A. Stroman, Member,
United States Postal Service Board of Governors

WHEN: 11 a.m. EST, Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022

WHERE:
Peter Norton Symphony Space
2537 Broadway
New York, NY 10025-6990

TICKETS: This is a ticketed event. To facilitate contract tracing if necessary, tickets must be obtained from Peter Norton Symphony Space. Information on how to obtain free tickets and other information can be found here.

VENUE PROTOCOL: Everyone entering the building is required to show proof of full vaccination and state-issued I.D. Peter Norton Symphony Space will not accept negative test results in lieu of proof of full vaccination. More information can be found on their website.

BACKGROUND: The tiger is the third of the 12 zodiac animal signs associated with the Chinese lunar calendar. As with other zodiac signs, personality traits and other attributes are often associated with people born in the year of a particular animal. Those born during the Year of the Tiger may be seen as brave, confident and well-liked by others. Blue, orange and gray are lucky colors for Tigers, and yellow lilies and cineraria flowers may also bring good luck.

Art director Antonio Alcalá designed the stamp with original art by Camille Chew.

The Year of the Tiger stamp is being issued in panes of 20. This Forever stamp will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.

Lunar New Year is one of the most important holidays of the year for many Asian communities around the world and is primarily celebrated by people of Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tibetan, Mongolian, Malaysian and Filipino heritage. Across these varied cultures, many traditions exist for ringing in a new year of good luck and prosperity.

Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by calling 844-737-7826, by mail through USA Philatelic, or at Post Office locations nationwide.

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

Updated December 11^th:
Linn’s Stamp News reports this stamp will be issued January 20^th with New York City as the location.

Updated December 3^rd:
VSC member Foster Miller reports in VSC’s Facebook Group that this stamp is expected in mid- to late-January. The Lunar New Year begins February 1.