Ukraine Relief Semi-Postal (Canada 2022)

Posted on May 19, 2022 by VSC

Issue date / jour d’emission 7 July

Updated July 11^th:

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Supporting Ukrainians in time of dire need: New fundraising stamp now on sale at post offices across the country and online
Donations from sales of special fundraising stamp will go to the Canada-Ukraine Foundation

OTTAWA, ON, July 11, 2022 /CNW/ – Recognizing the generosity of Canadians in times of need, Canada Post has issued a semi-postal fundraising stamp to provide customers and collectors with a way to support the people of Ukraine and the escalating humanitarian crisis.

The Help for Ukraine stamp is now on sale at post offices across the country. As we expect products of this stamp issue to sell quickly at many post offices, Canadians can also order them for home delivery at canadapost.ca.

A donation of $1 from each booklet of 10 stamps (and 10 cents from the Official First Day Cover, a special collectible envelope) will provide essential aid – and hope – to those affected by the situation. Funds raised through the purchase of this stamp will be distributed through the Canada-Ukraine Foundation. This is the first time that Canada Post has issued a stamp in support of a country in need of humanitarian assistance.

Today, nearly four per cent of Canadians can trace their roots to Ukraine. The sunflower is Ukraine’s national flower and has now become a widely recognized symbol of peace and unity. The yellow sunflower and blue-sky background reflect the colours of Ukraine’s flag. Sunflowers also adorn the vinok, Ukraine’s traditional floral headdress.

About the stamp issue
The colourful stamp, originally issued in 2011, was designed and photographed by Isabelle Toussaint Design graphique, with the new booklet and first day of issue special envelope designed by Hélène L’Heureux. Printed by Lowe-Martin, the stamp issue includes a booklet of 10 Permanent™ domestic rate stamps and an Official First Day Cover cancelled in Ottawa. [The front of the OFDC is above; this is the reverse:]

[en Francais pour les médias d’information]
En appui à la population ukrainienne : un nouveau timbre philanthropique en vente dans tous les bureaux de poste et en ligne
Les dons provenant de la vente de ce timbre seront versés à la Fondation Canada-Ukraine

OTTAWA, ON, le 11 juill. 2022 /CNW/ – Pour appuyer la générosité des Canadiens et des Canadiennes, Postes Canada a émis un timbre-poste philanthropique qui permet à quiconque achète ou collectionne des timbres d’appuyer le peuple ukrainien et la crise humanitaire grandissante.

Le timbre Aide à l’Ukraine est maintenant en vente dans tous les bureaux de poste du pays. Comme il est probable qu’il s’écoule rapidement des bureaux de poste, on peut aussi visiter postescanada.capour le commander et le recevoir à son domicile.

Les dons de 1 $ issus de la vente de chaque carnet de 10 timbres (et 10 cents du pli Premier Jour officiel, soit une enveloppe de collection spéciale) permettront de fournir une aide indispensable et de donner de l’espoir aux personnes touchées par cette situation. Les fonds recueillis avec la vente de ce timbre seront distribués par l’entremise de la Fondation Canada-Ukraine. C’est la première fois que Postes Canada lance un timbre pour soutenir un pays en besoin d’aide humanitaire.

Aujourd’hui, près de 4 % des Canadiens ont des racines ukrainiennes. Le tournesol, fleur nationale de l’Ukraine, est maintenant un symbole bien connu de paix et d’unité. Le tournesol jaune et le ciel bleu en arrière-plan représentent les couleurs du drapeau ukrainien. On trouve aussi le tournesol dans le vinok, couronne florale traditionnelle de l’Ukraine.

À propos du timbre
La photo et le design du timbre aux couleurs vives, émis originalement en 2011, sont signés Isabelle Toussaint Design graphique, tandis que le nouveau carnet et l’enveloppe du premier jour d’émission ont été conçus par Hélène L’Heureux. Imprimée par Lowe-Martin, l’émission comprend un carnet de 10 timbres PermanentsMC au tarif du régime intérieur et un pli Premier Jour officiel oblitéré à Ottawa. Originally announced on May 19^th:

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
New stamp offers opportunity to support Ukrainians in time of dire need
Donations from sales of special fundraising stamp will go to the Canada-Ukraine Foundation

OTTAWA – Recognizing the generosity of Canadians in times of need, Canada Post is issuing a semi-postal fundraising stamp to provide customers and collectors with a way to support the people of Ukraine and the escalating humanitarian crisis.

“It’s with deep concern and compassion that Canadians have watched the devastating events unfolding in Ukraine, which have displaced millions of families,” says Canada Post President and CEO Doug Ettinger. “With this special stamp, Canadians can stand with Ukraine and support the important efforts of the Canada-Ukraine Foundation and their Humanitarian Appeal.”

“The need to support the people of Ukraine has never been greater as the unprovoked and indiscriminate attacks from Russia have led to catastrophic damage to infrastructure, killing of thousands of civilians including children, and millions of people displaced within and outside Ukraine,” says Orest Sklierenko, President and CEO of the Canada-Ukraine Foundation, who met recently with Mr. Ettinger in Ottawa. “The toll has been devastating and we are grateful to Canada Post and to every Canadian who offers support.”

About the stamp issue
The colourful stamp, originally issued in 2011, was designed and photographed by Isabelle Toussaint Design graphique, with the new booklet and first day of issue special envelope designed by Hélène L’Heureux. Printed by Lowe-Martin, this year’s stamp issue includes a booklet of 10 Permanent™ domestic rate stamps and an Official First Day Cover cancelled in Ottawa.

Added May 20th: “The official FDC will be postmarked in Ottawa, Ontario,” reports VSC member Danforth Guy. “A source tells me there will be NO first day ceremony, and that the postal service was reluctant to even issue a FDC.”

Also, in his email announcing the issue, chief spokesman Phil Legault noted, “Canada Post will also be lighting its head office on Riverside Drive in Ottawa with the blue and yellow colours of Ukraine’s flag until the end of the month. It previously lit the building in March, as well.”(from left to right): Orest Sklierenko, President and CEO of the Canada-Ukraine Foundation, Major (Retired) Oksana Kuzyshyn, Chief Operating Officer at the Canada-Ukraine Foundation, and Doug Ettinger, President and CEO of Canada Post. Photo: Denis Drever (CNW Group/Canada Post)

[en Francais pour les médias d’information]
Un nouveau timbre pour répondre au besoin urgent de l’Ukraine
Les dons provenant de la vente du timbre spécial seront versés à la Fondation Canada Ukraine

OTTAWA – Pour appuyer la générosité des Canadiens et des Canadiennes en cas de crise, Postes Canada a émis un timbre-poste philanthropique qui permet à quiconque achète ou collectionne des timbres d’appuyer le peuple ukrainien et la crise humanitaire grandissante.

« C’est avec beaucoup d’inquiétude et de compassion que tout le monde au Canada suit les événements dévastateurs qui ont entraîné le déplacement de millions de familles ukrainiennes, affirme Doug Ettinger, président-directeur général à Postes Canada. Grâce à ce timbre spécial, il est possible de s’unir à l’Ukraine et de soutenir la Fondation Canada-Ukraine et les efforts humanitaires. »

« Il est plus important que jamais d’appuyer le peuple ukrainien. Les attaques aveugles non provoquées de la Russie ont causé des dommages irréparables à l’infrastructure et tué des milliers de civils, y compris des enfants, en plus d’avoir entraîné le déplacement de milliers de personnes à l’intérieur et à l’extérieur de l’Ukraine, explique Orest Sklierenko, président-directeur général de la Fondation Canada-Ukraine, qui a récemment rencontré M. Ettinger à Ottawa. Le bilan est dévastateur, et c’est avec gratitude que nous accueillons le soutien de Postes Canada et de chaque Canadien et Canadienne. »

Les dons de 1 $ issus de la vente de chaque carnet de 10 timbres (et 10 cents du pli Premier Jour officiel, soit une enveloppe de collection) permettront de fournir une aide indispensable et de donner de l’espoir aux personnes touchées par cette situation. Les fonds recueillis avec la vente de ce timbre seront distribués par l’entremise de la Fondation Canada-Ukraine. C’est la première fois que Postes Canada lance un timbre pour soutenir un pays qui a besoin d’une aide humanitaire. Les timbres peuvent être achetés en précommande à postescanada.ca dès aujourd’hui et seront en vente dans les bureaux de poste dès le 7 juillet.

Aujourd’hui, près de 4 % de la population canadienne a des racines ukrainiennes. Le tournesol, fleur nationale de l’Ukraine, est désormais un symbole de paix et d’unité reconnu par la majorité. Le tournesol jaune et le ciel bleu en arrière-plan représentent les couleurs du drapeau ukrainien. On trouve aussi le tournesol dans le vinok, couronne florale traditionnelle de l’Ukraine.

Mail Trains (Netherlands 2022)

Posted on May 11, 2022 by VSC

[adapted from a PostNL press releasae] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Mail Trains
Issue Date: 16 May 2022

Appearance: 5 personal stamps in 5 different designs, marked with ‘1’, the denomination for items up to 20 grams in weight destined for delivery in the Netherlands
Item number: 820049
Design: Karen Polder, The Hague

On 16 May 2022, PostNL will issue the Mail Trains stamp sheet to mark the fact that 25 years ago on this day, the last mail train travelled through the Netherlands. The denomination on the Mail Trains issue is ‘1’, the denomination for items weighing up to 20 grams destined for the Netherlands. All mail trains on the stamps can be viewed at the Expeditie Posttrein exhibition at the Utrecht Railway Museum held from 17 May to 27 November this year. With a number of special collection pieces, the exhibition gives an overview of mail transport by train from the mid-19th century to 1997, the year of the last mail train journey in our country.

On 16 May 1997, exactly 25 years ago, the mail train made its last journey through the Netherlands. It heralded the end of the important role that the railways had played in mail transport for many years. In the early years, the mail was transported on passenger trains. Later, special mail trains were built. From the 1930s onwards, these often ran at night between the various postal dispatch and sorting centres in our country.

The stamps included in the Mail Trains issue feature five notable Dutch postal trains. The HIJSM 4 ‘Diligence’ (weight 3.2 tons, top speed 45 km/h) is a 1938 replica of the original from 1839, when mail was still sent along with passenger trains. This first-class carriage belonged to De Arend, the first steam locomotive in our country. The NS PEC 8502 (weight 38 tons, top speed 125 km/h) dates from 1938 and had the nickname deukneus (dented nose). The name refers to the chunk that seems to be missing from the nose, required to couple carriages to both electric and diesel electric locomotives. The mail carriage NS P 7920 (weight 43 tons, top speed 140 km/h) started its life in 1952 and was equipped with pigeon holes, mail deposit tables, mail bundle cabinets and mailbag racks. The carriages of the NS mP 3031 (weight 52 tons, top speed 140 km/h) from 1966 were equipped with 3 large sliding doors on both sides to facilitate the quick loading/unloading of rolling containers with mail bags. The last stamp features the Hbbkkss 043-5 (weight 16.5 tons, top speed 120 km/h) which was in use from 1978. These postal carriages, which were used outside the regular timetable, were able to run faster than the 100 km/h that was usual during the day.

Although the last mail train ran 25 years ago, transport by rail is not completely extinct. For example, since February 2022, PostNL has been dispatching a trailer with mail and parcels by rail on the Coevorden-Oslo route every week. PostNL outsources this international transport to a long-distance carrier. This carrier sends a lorry with a trailer to the sorting centre for international mail and parcels in the Hague. The lorry then takes the mail and parcels for Norway to Coevorden railway station, where the trailer is put on the train to Oslo. In Oslo, the trailer is picked up from the train and delivered to Norway Post. PostNL wants to investigate whether this alternative transport can contribute to its sustainability targets. According to initial calculations, the use of a train on this route should lead to an annual reduction of 30 tonnes of carbon emissions.

Each stamp features a cut-out of a photo of a train used for transporting mail. The oldest train dates from 1839 and the newest from 1978. Each stamp has its own background colour with gradient. The background colours on the stamps continue onto the sheet edge. On the stamps, the type numbers of the trains are shown in the top right-hand corner. The upper part of the sheet features a collage of postal items in a rectangular frame. The title of the stamp sheet is printed on the upper left-hand edge of the sheet, the PostNL logo is printed on the upper right-hand edge and that of the Utrecht Railway Museum is printed on the lower left-hand edge of the sheet. The upper edge of the image area on the stamps features a faux perforated border. The same applies to 3 of the 4 edges of the large rectangle on the sheet edge.

The design of the Mail Trains stamps was produced by Karen Polder, a graphic designer from the Hague. For PostNL, she also designed the 2018 and 2021 PostEurop stamps featuring Dutch Bridges and Endangered Bees. The Mail Trains issue was the first time that Polder designed a set of personal stamps. ‘It’s not quite the same thing, because the typography on the stamp frame is a given. This also applies to the images I got from the Utrecht Railway Museum. I asked them whether I could photograph the trains myself. But at the time, not all mail trains that were to be featured on the stamps were present in the museum. By the way, I was happy with the images I was given to work with. They were taken by enthusiastic train spotters who took the photos when the trains were outside. All in daylight, and usually as free-standing as possible. I received a number of pictures of each mail train.’

Selection of trains
The selection of the trains by the experts of the Railway Museum was subject to some discussion, however. Polder: ‘That was mainly to do with the ‘Diligence’ featured on the first stamp. You can’t tell from the outside of the HIJSM that it is a postal carriage. The interior, however, was equipped especially for postal workers. So the Railway Museum sent me alternative photos of a much newer mail train. I did experiment with that, but it was too similar to the other trains. Moreover, the Diligence significantly increased the length of the period we were working with. It easily added a century. So that is why we stuck with the original selection.’

Technical Details:
Stamp size (wxh): 30 x 40mm
Sheet size (wxh): 170 x 122mm
Printing colours: cyan, magenta, yellow and black
Paper: normal with phosphor print
Gum: gummed
Printing technique: offset
Print run: 5,000 sheets
Format: sheet of 5 stamps in 5 different designs
Design: Karen Polder, The Hague
Printing company: Koninklijke Joh. Enschedé B.V., Haarlem
Item number: 820049

[These are not yet listed on the PostNL website. This link goes to Personalized Stamps in general. We will update this page when the stamps are listed. —VSC]

Endangered Whales (Canada 2022)

Posted on May 11, 2022 by VSC

Updated May 16^th:
[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions] [Note that the horizontal strip of 5 is an illustration only]
New stamps bring attention to Canada’s Endangered whales
Stamp issue highlights five magnificent animals that have Endangered populationsVANCOUVER – Canada Post is issuing a set of stamps this week to raise awareness about the plight of five whale species that have populations assessed as Endangered by

Framed uncut press sheet: $149.95

the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC).

Canadian waters are home to a remarkable diversity of whales, with more than 30 species. Sadly, some whale populations are at risk. Whales continue to die from ship strikes or entanglement in fishing gear and debris. Pollution, climate change and ocean noise also threaten their populations.

Featured in this set of stamps are the five whales, listed with their Endangered populations in Canada:

Beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) – St. Lawrence Estuary, Cumberland Sound, Ungava Bay
Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) – Atlantic and Pacific
Killer whale (Orcinus orca) – Southern resident in the Northeast Pacific
North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis)
Northern bottlenose whale (Hyperoodon ampullatus) – Scotian Shelf

“It’s really important to have these whales recognized as Endangered. This recognition can lead to legal protection. It can also lead organizations and people to act voluntarily to stop activities that harm the whales,” says Dr. Hal Whitehead, a biologist and professor at Dalhousie University and co-chair of the COSEWIC Marine Mammals Specialist Subcommittee. “Thirdly, it raises awareness that we have a problem here, and we need to do something about it.”

About the stamp issue
Illustrations by artist David Miller capture the grace and beauty of these five magnificent mammals swimming in their underwater environments. The stamp issue is cancelled in Halifax, Nova Scotia, home to many whale rescue, stewardship and research efforts. Printed by Lowe-Martin, the stamp issue includes a booklet of 10 Permanent™ domestic rate stamps, an Official First Day Cover, a souvenir sheet of five stamps, an uncut press sheet of 25 stamps and a framed uncut press sheet.The stamps and collectibles will be available for purchase at post offices starting on May 20 and are available now for pre-order at canadapost.ca [direct link here].[en Francais pour les médias d’information]
Des timbres mettent en lumière les baleines en voie de disparition du Canada
L’émission illustre cinq superbes mammifères marins en voie de disparitionVANCOUVER – Postes Canada émet cette semaine un jeu de timbres afin de sensibiliser la population à la situation déplorable de cinq espèces de baleines désignées en voie de disparition par le Comité sur la situation des espèces en péril au Canada (COSEPAC).

Avec plus d’une trentaine d’espèces, les eaux canadiennes accueillent une diversité remarquable de baleines. Malheureusement, certaines populations sont en péril. Des baleines meurent des suites de collisions avec des bateaux, ou se retrouvent piégées dans de l’équipement de pêche et des débris. La pollution, le changement climatique et les bruits dans l’océan représentent aussi des menaces.

Cinq baleines en voie de disparition du Canada sont illustrées sur le jeu de timbres :

Béluga (Delphinapterus leucas) – Estuaire du Saint-Laurent, baie Cumberland et baie d’Ungava
Rorqual bleu (Balaenoptera musculus) – Atlantique et Pacifique
Épaulard (Orcinus orca) – Sud du Pacifique Nord-Est
Baleine noire de l’Atlantique Nord (Eubalaena glacialis)
Baleine à bec commune (Hyperoodon ampullatus) – Plateau néo-écossais

« Il est primordial que ces baleines soient désignées en voie de disparition. Cela pourrait favoriser leur protection juridique et inciter les organisations et les personnes à prendre des mesures volontaires pour mettre fin aux activités qui nuisent aux baleines », explique Hal Whitehead, Ph. D., biologiste et professeur à l’Université Dalhousie et coprésident du Sous-comité de spécialistes des mammifères marins du COSEPAC. « Finalement, ce statut contribue à mettre en lumière un problème bien réel auquel il faut remédier. »

À propos des timbres
Les illustrations de David Miller reflètent la grâce et la beauté des cinq magnifiques mammifères nageant dans leur environnement sous-marin. L’émission est oblitérée à Halifax, en Nouvelle-Écosse, où de nombreux efforts de sauvetage, de gestion des ressources et de recherche sont déployés. Imprimée par Lowe-Martin, elle comprend un carnet de 10 timbres PermanentsMC au tarif du régime intérieur, un pli Premier Jour officiel, un bloc-feuillet de cinq timbres, une planche non coupée de 25 timbres et une planche non coupée encadrée.Les timbres et articles de collection seront en vente dans les bureaux de poste dès le 20 mai et sont disponibles en précommande à postescanada.ca [direct en Francais].Canada Post’s video, in French and English:

Updated May 11^th:

Note that despite the design unveiling on May 16, the issue date remains May 20.

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Canada Post To Highlight Endangered Whales in Canadian Waters

VANCOUVER, BC, May 11, 2022 /CNW/ – On Monday, May 16, in Vancouver, Canada Post will unveil new stamps to celebrate the remarkable beauty and diversity of whales found in Canadian waters, and to raise awareness of the plight of five featured species.

WHEN: Monday, May 16, at 9 am, PT

WHERE: Beaty Biodiversity Museum, 2212 Main Mall, Vancouver, B.C.

SPECIAL GUESTS:

Suromitra Sanatani, Chair of the Board of Directors of Canada Post

Dr. Thomas Doniol-Valcroze, Head, Cetacean Research Program
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Pacific Biological Station, Nanaimo

Morgan Guerin, Senior Marine Planning Specialist and Marine Enforcement
Coordinator for the Musqueam First Nation

WEBCAST: Bookmark the webcast page and set a reminder (click here)

[en Francais pour les médias d’information]
Postes Canada met en lumière les baleines en voie de disparition dans les eaux canadiennes

VANCOUVER, BC, le 11 mai 2022 /CNW/ – Le lundi 16 mai, à Vancouver, Postes Canada dévoilera de nouveaux timbres pour célébrer la beauté et la diversité remarquables des baleines vivant dans les eaux canadiennes et pour sensibiliser les gens au sort des cinq espèces figurant sur les timbres.

QUAND: Le lundi 16 mai à 9 h (HP)

OÙ: Beaty Biodiversity Museum
2212 Main Mall, Vancouver (Colombie-Britannique)

INVITÉS SPÉCIAUX :

Suromitra Sanatani, Présidente du Conseil d’administration de Postes Canada

Thomas Doniol-Valcroze, Chef du Programme de recherche sur les cétacés
Pêches et Océans Canada
Station biologique du Pacifique, Nanaimo

Morgan Guerin, Spécialiste principal de la planification marine et de l’application de la loi maritime
Coordonnateur pour la Première Nation Musqueam

WEBÉMISSION: Ajoutez la page de la webémission à vos signets et activez un rappel (cliquez ici)

Don’t Wait On GASS 2022 Hotel Rooms

Posted on May 4, 2022 by VSC

Two-thirds of the hotel rooms reserved for Great American Stamp Show have already been reserved. The $150 a night price at the Sheraton Grand (shown here) is excellent for that part of the city at that time of the year! The direct link to the Hotel page on the APS website is here.

GASS 2022 Exhibiting Rules Modified

Posted on May 4, 2022 by VSC

From the APS:
GASS 2022 Exhibitor Prospectus Updated

The exhibiting prospectus for the Great American Stamp Show 2022 in Sacramento has been updated to allow exhibitors a maximum of two multiple and two single-frame exhibits, to be distributed among the three exhibitions however you wish. GASS includes exhibits for the National Topical Stamp Show (NTSS), Americover and APS StampShow.

Please note that for the NTSS competition we can only accept one additional single frame exhibit and the StampShow single frame exhibits are full at this time.

Don’t delay – there is still time to enter your competitive exhibit for GASS 2022 – the entry deadline is May 15th.

All entry forms can be emailed to smyers@stamps.org or mailed to:

American Philatelic Society
Attn: GASS Exhibit Entry
100 Match Factory Place
Bellefonte, PA 16823

Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.

Ken Martin, via e-mail or 814-933-3803 x 205, and Sarah Myers, via e-mail or 814-933-3803 x 209.

Holiday Elves (U.S. 2022)

Posted on May 3, 2022 by VSC

Announced by the USPS on May 3^rd:

The Postal Service evokes the holiday spirit with four new se-tenant stamps featuring a colorful digital illustration of elves preparing toys on a winding conveyor belt in a snow-laden forest.

Like many beloved Christmas traditions—including Santa Claus himself—elves did not become a well-established part of the holidays in America until the 19th century. In the 20th century, as elves became firmly rooted in American Christmas lore, they eventually took center stage in beloved holiday television specials, films and books.

Don Clark was the artist and stamp designer. Antonio Alcalá was the art
director.

Additional information will be posted below the line, with the most recent info near the top.

Updated January 14, 2023:
Linn’s Stamp News, in its January 30, 2023, issue which went online on the 14^th, reports major diecut (perforation) errors in the Holiday Elves stamps issued late last year. The horizontal cuts have moved up or down to varying degrees. In one of the most egregious examples, found by Michael Moticha in Southern California, the diecuts are under the elves’ chins!
As a result, the error will get its own Scott catalogue number, 5722c. Other problems with the production of these stamps have also been reported.

Updated December 1^st:
The Scott Catalog numbers for this issue

5722 Elf and Teddy Bear
5723 Elf Tying Ribbon
5724 Elf with Toy Car
5725 Elf with Rocket
a. Block of 4, #5722-5725
b. Convertible booklet pane of 20, 5 each #5722-5725

Updated August 16^th:
Here are the first-day cancels for this issue:The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.36″ x 1.49″ The pictorial postmark measures 2.75″ x 1.33″

[ceremony details]
Holiday Elves to Decorate Seasonal Greeting Cards

What: The U.S. Postal Service is getting ready for the holidays by holding the first day of issue ceremony for its Holidays Elves Forever stamps at Santa Claus House in North Pole, AK.

The event is free and open to the public. News of the stamps is being shared with the hashtag #HolidayElvesStamps.

Who: Mike Elston, U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors Secretary, will serve as dedicating official
Mike Miller, president, Santa Claus House
Santa Claus
Reindeer (maybe Blitzen)

When: Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022, at 11 a.m. Alaska Daylight Time (3 p.m. Eastern)

Where:
Santa Claus House
101 St. Nicholas Drive
North Pole, AK 99705

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

Background: The stamps are se-tenant, which means they work together as a single scene or as individual images. Santa’s happy helpers are tireless in their chores preparing treats and toys for holiday gift-giving. Just like flying reindeer, the North Pole and Santa himself, elves are woven into the fabric of the season’s traditions.

Artist Don Clark first sketched his design and then created the final illustration digitally. Antonio Alcalá was the art director.

Updated August 15^th from the Postal Bulletin:

On September 15, 2022, in North Pole, AK, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Holiday Elves stamps (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in four designs, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), double-sided booklet (Item 683900). These stamps will go on sale nationwide September 15, 2022, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

The Postal Service™ evokes the holiday spirit with four new se-tenant stamps featuring a digital illustration of elves preparing toys on a winding conveyor belt in the midst of a snowy landscape:

One elf sews a tiny teddy bear.
Another elf wraps a gift.
One elf carefully puts the finishing touches on the paint of a model car.
Another elf examines a model rocket.

Along the conveyor belt are other wrapped gifts, a candy cane, and a lollipop. Surrounding the elves is a small, snow-laden forest of evergreens. Don Clark was the artist and stamp designer. Antonio Alcalá was the art director.

No automatic distribution.

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

FDOI – Holiday Elves 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 January 15, 2023.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Holiday Elves Stamps
Item Number: 683900
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Double-sided Booklet of 20 (4 designs)
Issue Date & City: September 15, 2022, North Pole, AK 99705
Art Director: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Designer: Don Clark, Maple Valley, WA
Artist: Don Clark, Maple Valley, WA
Modeler: Sandra Lane / Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Booklet: 20
Print Quantity: 600,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper, 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): 5.743 x 2.375 in./145.872 x 60.325 mm
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, Pantone 5483
Plate Size: 800 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “B” followed by five (5) single digits
Marginal Markings: Header: Holiday Elves, 20 First-Class Forever Stamps • USPS Logo • ©2022 USPS • Barcode • Plate number in peel strip area • Promotional text in peel strip area

Updated June 15^th:
These stamps will be issued September 15th with a North Pole Alaska postmark.

Kwanzaa (U.S. 2022)

Posted on May 3, 2022 by VSC

Announced by the USPS on May 3^rd:

This year the Postal Service issues its ninth stamp in celebration of Kwanzaa, a holiday with origins in ancient and modern first-harvest festivities from across the African continent. Kwanzaa incorporates and reimagines many communal traditions as a contemporary celebration and reaffirmation of African American culture.

The stamp design depicts a girl and a boy dressed in robes akin to spiritual garments, with a kinara (candleholder) and seven lit candles (mishumaa saba) in front of them. The kinara is the focal point around which friends and family gather and place meaningful objects.

Art director Antonio Alcalá designed the stamp with original artwork by Erin Robinson.

Additional information will be posted below the line, with the most recent info near the top.

Updated December 1^st:
The Scott Catalog number for this issue is 5737.

Updated September 21^st:
On October 13, 2022, in St. Louis, MO, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Kwanzaa 2022 stamp (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 580600). This stamp will go on sale nationwide October 13, 2022, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

The Postal Service™ issues its ninth stamp in celebration of Kwanzaa, the non-religious holiday that brings family, community, and culture together for many African Americans over 7 days from December 26 to January 1 each year. The stamp design features a girl and a boy dressed in colorful robes akin to spiritual garments. A kinara (candleholder) and its seven lit candles are in the foreground. A light-blue circle behind the children’s heads represents wholeness and unifies the figures, and a mosaic motif frames the background. Art director Antonio Alcalá designed the stamp with original artwork by Erin Robinson.

No automatic distribution.

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

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Kwanzaa 2022 Stamp
Item Number: 580600
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: October 13, 2022, St. Louis, MO 63155
Art Director: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Designer: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Artist: Erin Robinson
Modeler: Sandra Lane/Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Gallus RCS
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 12,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.77 x 1.05 in/19.558 x 26.67 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 0.91 x 1.19 in/23.114 x 30.226 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 5.55 x 5.76 in/140.97 x 146.304 mm
Plate Size: 160 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “B” followed by four (4) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Plate number in four corners
Back: ©2022 USPS • USPS logo • Two barcodes (580600) • Promotional text • Plate position diagram (8)

Updated September 13^th:
[ceremony information] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Postal Service Dedicating Kwanzaa Forever Stamp

What: The U.S. Postal Service continues its tradition of celebrating Kwanzaa, an annual Pan-African holiday that brings family, community, and culture together for many African Americans.

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

Who: Eddie L. Banner, Kansas-Missouri District manager and dedicating official

When: Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022, at 11 a.m. CDT

Where: America’s Center Ferrara Theater
701 Convention Plaza
St. Louis, MO 63101

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

Background: With this new stamp design, the U.S. Postal Service continues its tradition of celebrating Kwanzaa. The annual Pan-African holiday, which takes place over seven days from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, brings family, community, and culture together for many African Americans.

The stamp design depicts two children — a girl and a boy — standing together with a kinara (candleholder) and the seven lit candles (mishumaa saba) in front of them. They are dressed in robes a::kin to spiritual garments. A light-blue circle behind the children’s heads represents wholeness and unifies the figures, and a mosaic motif frames the background.

Kwanzaa is a festive time for rejoicing in the prospect of health, prosperity and good luck in the coming year. It is also a time for contemplation and recollection of past hardships, faced by both individuals and communities, and the ways in which history can inform and affect future happiness.

Each year, millions of African Americans gather with friends and family throughout the week of Kwanzaa to honor the holiday’s seven founding principles — unity (umoja), cooperative economics (ujamaa), purpose (nia), creativity (kuumba), and faith (imani).

With origins in ancient and modern first-harvest festivities occurring across the African continent, Kwanzaa incorporates and reimagines many communal traditions as a contemporary celebration and reaffirmation of African American culture.

Artist director Antonio Alcalá designed the stamp with original artwork by Erin Robinson.

The Kwanzaa stamp is being issued as a Forever stamp. This stamp will always be equal in valuedto the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.

Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue:The Digital Color Postmark for this issue measures 2.94″ x 1.22″The Pictorial Postmark measures 2.74″ x 1.24″

Updated June 15^th:
This stamp will be issued October 13 in Saint Louis.

Virgin and Child (U.S. 2022)

Posted on May 3, 2022 by VSC

Announced by the USPS on May 3^rd:

This Christmas stamp features Virgin and Child, an oil-on-panel painting from the first half of the 16th century by a Florentine artist known as the Master of the Scandicci Lamentation.

Depicting the tenderness of a mother and child, interpretations of the Virgin Mary with the Christ Child take innumerable forms in the Christian art of the Italian Renaissance. Imbued with a sense of dignity and grace, this stamp offers a traditional touch for cards and letters in a season of celebration, reflection and family. This painting is in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

Art director Greg Breeding designed the stamp.

Additional information will be posted below the line, with the most recent info near the top.

Updated December 1^st:
The Scott Catalog number for this issue is 5721 (5721a for the convertible booklet pane of 20)

Updated August 23^rd:
[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
‘Virgin and Child’ Painting Adorns New Forever Stamp

What: The U.S. Postal Service is dedicating a new Christmas stamp featuring “Virgin and Child,” an oil-on-panel painting from the first half of the 16th century by an unidentified Florentine artist known as “the Master of Scandicci Lamentation.”

The first-day-of-issue event for the Forever stamp is free and open to the public for those who have RSVP’d. News of the stamps is being shared with the hashtag#VirginAndChildStamp.

Who: Jenny Utterback, the Postal Service’s vice president for organizational development and dedicating official

When: Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022, at 11 a.m. ET.

Where: Museum of Fine Arts Boston
465 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02115

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

Background: The painting depicts the Virgin Mary gazing downward at the infant Christ, one of her arms holding him protectively at his waist, the other tenderly touching his arm, while the Christ child turns his head to look out of the frame to the left.

The 16th-century painting “Virgin and Child” is part of the Robert Dawson Evans Collection at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Art director Greg Breeding designed the stamp.
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.

Updated August 15^th:
Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue:The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.66″ x 1.23″ The B&W pictorial postmark also measures 2.66″ x 1.23″

From the Postal Bulletin:

On September 22, 2022, in Boston, MA, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Virgin and Child stamp (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), double-sided booklet (Item 684100). This stamp will go on sale nationwide September 22, 2022, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

This Christmas stamp features Virgin and Child, a 16th-century painting by a Florentine artist known as the Master of the Scandicci Lamentation. Part of the Robert Dawson Evans Collection at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the painting depicts the Virgin Mary gazing downward at the infant Christ, one of her arms holding him protectively at his waist, the other tenderly touching his arm, while the Christ Child turns his head to look out of the frame to the left. Art director Greg Breeding designed the stamp.

No automatic distribution.

FDOI – Virgin & Child 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 January 22, 2023.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Virgin and Child Stamp
Item Number: 684100
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Double-sided Booklet of 20 (1 design)
Issue Date & City: September 22, 2022, Boston, MA 02205
Art Director: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Designer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Existing Art: The Master of the Scandicci Lamentation
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Booklet: 20
Print Quantity: 200,000,000 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: Christmas, Virgin and Child, Twenty First-Class Forever Stamps • ©2022 USPS in peel strip area • Barcode • USPS Logo • Promotional text • Plate number in peel strip area • Photograph ©2022 Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Updated June 15^th:
This stamp will be issued September 22 with a Boston MA postmark.

Updated May 10^th:
The painting is described on the Museum of Fine Arts’ website [direct link] and apparently “Master of the Scandicci Lamentation” is how the artist is known today. According to MFA, “The painting was formerly attributed to Andrea del Sarto.”

Thanks to VSC member Charlie LaRocco for prompting the research.

Also, the USPS has an article on its Christmas stamps here. It appears it was written in the past year or two.

And the frame of this 2022 stamp reminds me of the one from 2018, “Madonna and Child by Bachiacca.” We published details on that stamp here, and you can click on the illustration here for a larger view of the design.

Hanukkah (U.S. 2022)

Posted on May 3, 2022 by VSC

Announced by the USPS on May 3^rd:

The Postal Service continues its tradition of celebrating the joyous Jewish holiday of Hanukkah with a stamp design that features an original wall-hanging.

The fiber art was hand-dyed, appliquéd and quilted to form a colorful abstract image of a hanukiah, the nine-branch candelabra used only at Hanukkah.

Jeanette Kuvin Oren [her website] was the stamp designer and artist. Ethel Kessl was the art director.

Additional information will be posted below the line, with the most recent info near the top.

Updated December 1^st:
The Scott Catalog number for this issue is 5739.

Updated December 1^st:
Artist Jeanette Kuvin Oren advises there is a “second day ceremony” for this stamp on December 14^th at the Woodbridge (1449 Whalley Ave, New Haven, Conn.) post office “featuring local USPS dignitaries, light refreshments, and Second Day Covers. Dress warmly for this brief (free) indoor/outdoor program.” Kuvin Oren will be there. It starts at 2 pm.

Updated October 12^th:

The lettering on the Pictorial Postmark sample sent out last month was incorrect. Here is the correct design: The size is the same as reported below (2.74″x1.10″). The lettering on the left-hand face of the dreidel (also spelled “dreydl”) was incorrect. Here is a comparison of the two. As you can see, the ן or what I think was supposed to be a “final-nun” was replaced by the correct regular nun נ

Updated September 13^th:
Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue:The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.98″x 1.14” The Pictorial Postmark measures 2.74″ x 1.10″

Updated September 7^th:
Artist Jeanette Kuvin Oren tells The Virtual Stamp Club that she plans to be at the first-day ceremony. She has worked with other synagogues in the Cleveland area — mostly Torah (sacred scroll) covers, according to the list on her website — but not Temple Emanu El, where the ceremony is being held.

As noted in the September 6th entry, the stamp design bears a strong resemblance to Kuvin Oren’s wall hanging “Light Unto The Nations” [right] which has seven branches rather than nine. She says that is not coincidence: “Ethel Kessler from the USPS liked the “Light Unto the Nations” wall-hanging she saw on my website and asked if I would create a similar piece for the new Hanukkah Stamp,” Kuvin Oren said in email. “I made the new piece from hand-dyed silk, using quilting and other techniques.”

Updated September 6^th:
[ceremony advisory] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
USPS Celebrates Hanukkah With a New Stamp
Artwork Features an Original Wall Hanging of Abstract Hanukkiah Image

What: The U.S. Postal Service continues its tradition of celebrating Hanukkah, the joyous Jewish holiday also known as the Festival of Lights, with the issuance of a new Hanukkah Forever stamp.

The first-day-of-issue dedication ceremony is free and open to the public. News of the stamp is being shared with the hashtag #HanukkahStamp.

Who: Lori Dym, USPS managing counsel for procurement and property law

When: Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, at 11 a.m. ET

Where: Temple Emanu El
4545 Brainard Road
Orange Village, OH 44022-1503

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

Background: Hanukkah begins on the 25th of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar, a date that falls in late November or December. In 2022, Hanukkah begins at sundown on Dec. 18.

The stamp art features an original wall hanging. The fiber art was hand-dyed, appliquéd and quilted to form an abstract image of a hanukkiah, the nine-branch candelabra used only at Hanukkah.

Jeanette Kuvin Oren was the stamp designer and artist. Ethel Kessler was the art director.

The Hanukkah 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.

Preorders for the Hanukkah Forever stamp can be made online at usps.com/stamps, beginning Sept 20.

VSC Notes: The stamp design bears a strong resemblance to Kuvin Oren’s wall hanging “Light Unto The Nations,” which has seven branches rather than nine.

An article on Kuvin Oren appeared in the December 2014/January 2015 issue of Quilting magazine, reproduced on her website.

She is based in Woodbridge, Conn.

Updated June 15^th:
This stamp will be issued October 20 with a Chagrin Falls OH postmark.

Snowy Beauty (U.S. 2022)

Posted on May 3, 2022 by VSC

Announced by the USPS on May 3^rd:

These stamps celebrate the warmth and cheer that flowers and berries bring to our natural landscapes, even after a surprise snow.

In these hand-sketched and painted designs, the artist uses light, shadow and luminous color to evoke the beauty of 10 species: camellia, winter aconite, crocus, hellebore, winterberry, pansy, plum blossom, grape hyacinth, daffodil and ranunculus.

Derry Noyes designed the stamps with original oil paintings by Gregory Manchess.

The Snowy Beauty stamps will be released in Guilford, IN, without a first-day-of-issue ceremony this fall.

Additional information will be posted below the line, with the most recent info near the top.

Updated December 1^st:
The Scott Catalog numbers for this issue are

5727 Camellia
5728 Winter Aconite
5729 Crocuses
5730 Hellebore
5731 Winterberry
5732 Pansies
5733 Plum Blossoms
5734 Grape Hyacinths
5735 Daffodils
5736 Ranunculus
a. Convertible booklet pane of 20, 2 each #5727-5736

Updated September 21^st:
On October 11, 2022, in Guilford, IN, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Snowy Beauty stamps (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in 10 designs, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) double-sided booklet (Item 684000). These stamps will go on sale nationwide October 11, 2022, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

Snowy Beauty celebrates the unexpected beauty of flowers in snow. The stamp designs, painted in oils on panel, feature 10 different plants:

Camellia,
Crocus,
Hellebore,
Winterberry,
Pansy,
Plum blossom,
Grape hyacinth,
Daffodil,
Ranunculus, and
Winter aconite.

Winter aconite is also shown on the cover of this booklet of 20 stamps. Art director Derry Noyes designed the stamps with original art by Gregory Manchess.

No automatic distribution.

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

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Snowy Beauty Stamps
Item Number: 684000
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Double-sided Booklet of 20 (10 designs)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: October 11, 2022, Guilford, IN 47022
Art Director: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Designer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Artist: Gregory Manchess, Fort Thomas, KY
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd (APU)
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Booklet: 20
Print Quantity: 300,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
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): 2.38 x 5.76 in/60.452 x 146.304 mm
Plate Size: 880 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “P” followed by four (4) single digits
Marginal Markings: Header: Snowy Beauty, Twenty First-Class Forever Stamps • USPS logo • Barcode • ©2022 USPS in peel strip area • Plate number in peel strip area • Promotional text in peel strip area

Updated September 13^th:
Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue: The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.98″ x 1.14″. There is no pictorial postmark for this issue.