Announced October 23, 2023:

A new traditional Christmas stamp will be issued in 2024 featuring the Madonna and Child from the Workshop of Sassoferrato. Giovanni Battista Salvi da Sassoferrato (1609-1685), gained popularity for his modestly scaled depictions of the Madonna and Child. It is not known whether he painted this work or if it was painted by another artist in his workshop. The painting is in the collection of the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields. William Gicker was the art director for the project. Greg Breeding designed the stamp, which will be sold in booklets of 20.

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

Updated November 5^th:
The Scott catalogue numbers for this issue are 5940 and 5940a for the Convertible booklet pane of 20

Updated August 20^th:

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
U.S. Postal Service to Unveil New Holiday Stamps at the Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum

When: Saturday, Sept. 14, at 10:30 a.m. EDT

What: The U.S. Postal Service will host a special stamp dedication ceremony at the Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum to unveil the highly anticipated 2024 Christmas Madonna and Child stamp and Holiday Joy stamps.

These stamps capture the spirit of the season, celebrating both the traditional and contemporary aspects of holiday festivities.

The event will include remarks from prominent postal officials and be followed by the National Postal Museum’s Holiday Stamps Family Festival, with guest artist Katie Kirk.

Who: Sheila Holman, USPS vice president of marketing, and Mark Guilfoil, USPS vice president of supply management, will serve as the dedicating officials.

Where: National Postal Museum
2 Massachusetts Ave. NE
Washington, DC 20002

Details: The Madonna and Child stamp has been a beloved part of the Postal Service’s holiday stamp offerings for decades, featuring iconic images of the Virgin Mary and Child from various artistic traditions. This year’s design continues that tradition, offering a beautiful representation of this timeless theme.

The Holiday Joy stamps, meanwhile, offer a vibrant and festive option for holiday greetings, with designs that evoke the joy and warmth of the holiday season.

The dedication ceremony will feature a first-day-of-issue event, where attendees will have the opportunity to purchase the new stamps and get them postmarked with a special first-day-of-issue cancellation.

The event is free and open to the public.
• Visuals: The unveiling of the new stamps
• Remarks from speakers
• A live holiday-themed family festival
• Attendees purchasing and cancelling their stamps
• Autographs by special guests and VIPs

RSVP: Attendees are encouraged to register at usps.com/holidaystampsceremony.

To ensure seating and access to interviews with event speakers and special guests, members of the media are encouraged to RSVP on the USPS media sign-in website.
About the Stamps

Christmas Madonna and Child features the serene Madonna and Child from the workshop of the 17th-century Italian artist Giovanni Battista Salvi, called “Sassoferrato” (1609-1685). William Gicker was the art director and Greg Breeding designed the stamp, which will be sold in booklets of 20.

Holiday Joy, four stamps inspired by Mexican folk art, were designed by Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, using original digital illustrations by Michelle Muñoz.

Christmas Madonna and Child and Holiday Joy are being issued as Forever stamps, which are always equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce rate.

Updated August 9^th:
Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue:The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.71″ x 1.19″ The Pictorial Postmark measures 2.72″ x 1.21″

From the Postal Bulletin:

On September 14, 2024, in Washington, DC, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Christmas Madonna and Child stamp (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate), in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) double-sided booklet of 20 stamps (Item 685100). This stamp will go on sale nationwide September 14, 2024, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

This Christmas stamp features the serene Madonna and Child from the workshop of the 17th century Italian artist Giovanni Battista Salvi, called “Sassoferrato” (1609–1685). He and his workshop produced many versions of this painting; this one is from the collection of the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields. William Gicker was the art director for the project. Greg Breeding designed the stamp, which will be sold in booklets of 20.

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 – Christmas Madonna and 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 14, 2025.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Christmas Madonna and Child Stamp
Item Number: 685100
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Double-Sided Booklet of 20 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: September 14, 2024, Washington, DC 20066
Art Director: William Gicker, Washington, DC
Designer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Existing Art: Workshop of Sassoferrato
Modeler: Sandra Lane / Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Booklet: 20
Print Quantity: 210,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, PMS 871C
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.7700 x 1.0500 in. / 19.5580 x 26.6700 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 0.9100 x 1.1900 in. / 23.1140 x 30.2260 mm
Booklet Size (w x h): 5.7430 x 2.3750 in. / 145.8720 x 60.3250 mm
Plate Size: 800 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “B” followed by five (5) single digits
Marginal Markings: Header: CHRISTMAS Madonna and Child Twenty First-Class Forever Stamps • © 2023 USPS in peel strip area • Barcode • USPS Logo • Artwork courtesy of the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields • Promotional Text • Plate number in peel strip area

Updated May 20^th:
This stamp will be issued September 14 in Washington, DC.

Announced October 23, 2023:

The radiant beauty of fall will be celebrated with 10 new stamps in a pane of 20, featuring a portfolio of brilliant photographs taken in a variety of locations around the United States. Ethel Kessler, an art director for USPS, designed the stamps with existing photographs by renowned nature and garden photographer Allen Rokach (1941–2021).

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

Updated September 6^th:
The Scott catalogue numbers for this issue

• 5929 Trees, Purple Shadow at Lower Right
• 5930 Trees Covering Wagon Path
• 5931 Trees and Grassy Path
• 5932 Canopies of Trees with Green, Yellow, Orange and Red Leaves
• 5933 Tree with Orange Brown Leaves and Trunk at Lower Right
• 5934 Grove of Trees with Purple shadowed Trunks Right
• 5935 Trees with Blue and Purple Shadows
• 5936 Tree with Red Orange Leaves, Tree with Green Leaves at Upper Right
• 5937 Tree with Brown and Green Leaves
• 5938 Tree With Orange Leaves, Blue Sky in Background
• b. Block of 10, #5929-5938
• c. Imperforate block of 10, #5929a-5938a

Updated July 11^th: Jump to Details • Postmarks • Ceremony
On August 16, 2024, in Hartford, CT, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Autumn Colors stamps (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate), in 10 designs, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 485600). These stamps will go on sale nationwide August 16, 2024, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue. The Autumn Colors commemorative pane of 20 stamps must not be split and the stamps must not be sold individually.

Autumn Colors celebrates the radiant beauty of fall with 10 new stamps in a pane of 20, featuring images from a variety of locations around the U.S. taken by renowned nature and garden photographer Allen Rokach (1941–2021). Rokach often used what he called the “Rokach effect,” a technique that gives photos an impressionistic cast. Art director Ethel Kessler designed the stamps.

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 – Autumn Colors Stamps
USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Suite 300
Kansas City, MO 64144-9900

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service™ will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark up to a quantity of 50. There is a 5-cent charge for each additional postmark over 50. All orders must be postmarked by December 16, 2024.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Autumn Colors Stamps
Item Number: 485600
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (10 designs)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: August 16, 2024, Hartford, CT 06101
Art Director: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Designer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Existing Photos: Allen Rokach
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Flexographic
Printer: Ashton Potter
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 30,000,000
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tag Applied
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, PMS Cool Gray 7C
Stamp Orientation: Horizontal
Image Area (w x h): 1.4200 x 1.0850 in. / 36.0680 x 27.5590 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 1.5600 x 1.2250 in. / 39.6240 x 31.1150 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 7.5000 x 7.7300 in. / 190.5000 x 196.3420 mm
Press Sheets Size (w x h): 22.5000 x 23.1900 in. / 571.5000 x 589.0260 mm
Plate Size: 180 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “P” followed by five (5) single digits in the bottom corners
Marginal Markings:
Front: Header: AUTUMN COLORS
Plate number in bottom corners
Back: © 2023 USPS • USPS Logo • Two barcodes (485600) • Plate position diagram (9) • Promotional text

Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue:The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.66″ x 1.45″ The Pictorial Postmark measures 2.65″ x 1.13″ Also available on the first-day: This Americover pictorial, which measures 2.95″ x 1.56″

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Autumn Colors Stamps to Be Issued at Great American Stamp Show

What: The U.S. Postal Service celebrates the radiant beauty of fall with Autumn Colors, new Forever stamps to be issued in conjunction with the Great American Stamp Show in Hartford, CT.

The first-day-of-issue event is free and open to the public. News of the stamps is being shared with the hashtag #AutumnColorsStamps.

Who: Heather Dyer, USPS vice president, chief information security officer

When: Friday, Aug. 16, at 11 a.m. EDT

Where: :
The Great American Stamp Show
Connecticut Convention Center
Hall AB
100 Columbus Blvd.
Hartford, CT 06103

RSVP: Attendees are encouraged to register at: usps.com/autumncolors

Background: In many parts of the United States, autumn rivals spring as the most resplendent time of year, thanks to the rich palette of reds, yellows and oranges that bursts onto the landscape every fall. The Postal Service celebrates this radiant annual display with its Autumn Colors stamps.

As days shorten and summer’s warmth begins to fade, the trees around us prepare for the biochemical changes that will soon transform their bright green foliage into the golden ochres, flaming vermilions and burnt oranges so characteristic of autumn.

During spring and summer, leaves appear green due to the continuous creation of chlorophyll, a result of photosynthesis. As the light diminishes and nights become crisper, photosynthesis begins to slow and finally stops altogether. Leaves lose their green color and reveal carotenoids, yellow and orange pigments that were present all year but masked by the abundant chlorophyll. Sunny, warm days and cool nights also trigger the production of anthocyanins, the vibrant red and purple pigments observed in trees such as the black gum, red maple and sumac.

The pane of 20 stamps shows a portfolio of 10 brilliant photographs taken by renowned nature and garden photographer Allen Rokach (1941–2021). Rokach often used what he called the “Rokach effect,” a technique that gives photos an impressionistic cast. In addition to the classic autumn colors of orange, red and yellow, the photographs show flashes of vermilion, ocher, violet and cobalt in different landscapes.

There are many places across the United States to experience autumn leaves in all their glory. New England, where weather conditions provide the optimal environment for the range of intense colors, attracts millions of “leaf-peepers” each fall, and the Blue Ridge Parkway and Maryland’s Eastern Shore follow the patterns of their leaf cousins in the northeast.

Other places with spectacular fall color include Aspen, CO, named for the golden aspens that surround this Rocky Mountain town; Taos, NM, and surrounding desert; the Great Smoky Mountains; and the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon.

Ethel Kessler, an art director for USPS, designed the stamps with existing photographs by Allen Rokach.

Autumn Colors stamps are being issued in panes of 20. Because they are Forever stamps, they will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail one-ounce price.

Updated December 19^th:
These stamps will be issued Friday, August 16, at Great American Stamp Show in Hartford, Conn.

Announced October 23, 2023:

In 2024, the Postal Service commemorates the 250th anniversary of the First Continental Congress. Made up of delegates from 12 of the 13 Colonies, the First Continental Congress convened in 1774 to decide how the Colonies should respond to increasing threats to their freedom. In addition to denouncing taxation without representation, the Congress called for a general boycott of British goods. It also issued a declaration of rights that included life, liberty, property and trial by jury, and laid the foundation for government during the American Revolution. The stamp art features a quote from the Congress’s protest letter to the King of England. The 12 stars stand for the 12 Colonies represented at the meeting. (Georgia did not agree with the protest and did not send representatives.) Antonio Alcalá served as art director, designer and typographer for this stamp.

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

Updated October 7^th:
The Scott catalogue number for this issue is 5939.

Updated August 7^th:
[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Peace, Liberty and Postage Stamps

What: Sept. 5, 1774, marked a turning point in the lead-up to the American Revolution as the First Continental Congress convened at Carpenters’ Hall in Philadelphia. In honor of the 250th anniversary of the compact, the U.S. Postal Service will release First Continental Congress, 1774, a Forever stamp commemorating the gathering and its place in our nation’s history.

The first-day-of-issue event for the First Continental Congress, 1774, stamp is free and open to the public. News of the stamp is being shared with the hashtag #FirstContinentalCongressStamp.

Who: The Honorable Roman Martinez IV, chairman, U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors

Michael Norris, executive director, Carpenters’ Hall

When: Thursday, Sept. 5, at 11 a.m. ET

Where: Carpenters’ Hall
320 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106

RSVP: Attendees are encouraged to register at: usps.com/firstcontinentalcongress.

Background: The formation of the First Continental Congress was one of the first indications that a new government — and ultimately, a new nation — was emerging.
Participation in the compact by the Colonies laid the groundwork for what would become democracy as we know it.

The new Forever stamp will honor the 56 delegates from 12 Colonies who joined together to advocate for equality, eventually earning our nation’s independence.

The stamp art, evocative of the U.S. flag, is dominated by a vertical blue band bordered on either side by white stripes. Text at the top of the band reads: “12 COLONIES UNITE IN PROTEST.” The center features the congress’s plea to King George III: “We ask but for Peace, Liberty and Safety.” The title of the stamp — “FIRST CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, 1774” — appears at the bottom. A red stripe with 12 white stars representing the number of Colonies that participated in the Congress delineates the left side.

Antonio Alcalá served as art director, designer and typographer for this stamp.

The First Continental Congress, 1774, stamp will be issued in panes of 20. As Forever stamps, they will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail one-ounce price.

Updated July 25^th:
On September 5, 2024, in Philadelphia, PA, the United States Postal Service® (USPS®) will issue the First Continental Congress, 1774 stamp (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate), in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 485700). This stamp will go on sale nationwide September 5, 2024, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

With this stamp, USPS commemorates the 250th anniversary of the First Continental Congress, which convened in Philadelphia in 1774 to decide how the Colonies should respond to increasing threats to their freedom. The stamp art, evocative of the U.S. flag, is dominated by a vertical blue band bordered on either side by white stripes. The text at the top of the band reads, “12 COLONIES UNITE IN PROTEST.” The center features a plea taken from a petition sent by the Congress to King George III: “We ask but for Peace, Liberty and Safety.” The title of the stamp — “FIRST CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, 1774” — appears at the bottom. A red stripe with 12 white stars representing the number of Colonies that participated in the Congress delineates the left side. Antonio Alcalá served as art director, designer, and typographer for this stamp.

Automatic distribution.

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
Customers have 120 days to get 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 – First Continental Congress, 1774 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 5, 2025.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: First Continental Congress, 1774 Stamp
Item Number: 485700
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: September 5, 2024, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Art Director: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Designer: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Typographer: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 18,000,000
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tag Applied
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: PMS Dark Blue C, PMS 199 C Red, PMS 7681 C Light Blue, Black
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.8400 x 1.4200 in. / 21.3360 x 36.0680 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 0.9800 x 1.5600 in. / 24.8920 x 39.6240 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 6.4800 x 7.2600 in. / 164.5920 x 184.4040 mm
Press Sheets Size (w x h): 12.9600 x 21.7800 in. / 329.1840 x 553.2120 mm
Plate Size: 240 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “P” followed by four (4) single digits in four corners
Marginal Markings:
Front: Plate number in four corners
Back: © 2023 USPS • USPS Logo • Two barcodes (485700) • Plate position diagram (6) • Promotional text

Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue:The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.99″ x 1.40″ The Pictorial Postmark measures 2.72″ x 1.23″

Updated May 20^th:
This stamp will be issued September 5 in Philadelphia, Pa.

Announced October 23, 2023:

Bluegrass music combines elements of country music, sacred songs, string band music, the blues and traditions of Scotland and Ireland into a style that is uniquely American. The stamp art showcases a graphic design that includes four of the string instruments typically used by bluegrass bands: guitar, fiddle, five-string banjo and mandolin. Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp with original art by Heather Moulder.

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

Updated May 7^th:
The Scott catalogue number for this issue is 5844.

Updated April 16^th:
The USPS has added a philatelic product for this issue: 484760 Matted Stamp, $9.95.

Updated February 8^th:
Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue:The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.40″ x 1.24″The Pictorial Postmark measures 1.87″ x 1.24″

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Postal Service to Pay Tribute to Bluegrass Music

What: The U.S. Postal Service will commemorate the rich history of bluegrass music in the United States. The stamp dedication ceremony will occur before Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame inductee Ricky Skaggs’ concert.

News of the stamp is being shared with the hashtag #BluegrassStamp.-

Who: The Honorable Robert M. Duncan, Member, Postal Service Board of Governors-

When: Friday, March 15, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. Central time zone-

Where: Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum
311 W 2nd St
Owensboro, KY 42301

RSVP: Those interested in attending, should RSVP at usps.com/bluegrassstamp.

Background: Bluegrass is a singularly American music style, bluegrass blends old-time folk and fiddle music with elements of the blues, jazz, country and gospel. Born in the mid-20th century, bluegrass defies time, drawing inspiration from the past while also openly embracing innovation.

The signature sound of bluegrass relies on a mix of acoustic string instruments. The five-string banjo dominates and, along with guitar, mandolin, and bass, sets the rhythmic foundation of this often fast-paced music. Fiddle, mandolin, banjo, and guitar evoke a range of melodic flavors and emotions in their solos and backup.

From the Postal Bulletin:
On March 15, 2024, in Owensboro, KY, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Bluegrass stamp (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 484700). This stamp will go on sale nationwide March 15, 2024, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

With this stamp, USPS® celebrates the rich history of bluegrass. Inspired by vintage bluegrass concert posters, the stamp art features four acoustic string instruments typical of bluegrass bands — guitar, five-string banjo, fiddle, and mandolin — below the word “Bluegrass.” Text at the top of the stamp reads “High Lonesome Sound,” the title of a 1963 documentary about Appalachian folk music and a familiar nickname for bluegrass. Art director Antonio Alcalá worked with designer and illustrator Heather Moulder to produce the stamp art.

Availability to Post Offices: Item 484700, Bluegrass (Forever Priced at the First-Class Mail Rate) Pane of 20 Stamps: 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 – Bluegrass 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 July 15, 2024.

Technical Specifications:

Issue:-Bluegrass Stamp
Item Number:-484700
Denomination & Type of Issue:-First-Class Mail Forever
Format:-Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series:-N/A
Issue Date & City:-March 15, 2024, Owensboro, KY 42301
Art Director:-Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Designer:-Heather Moulder, Woodbury, TN
Illustrator:-Heather Moulder, Woodbury, TN
Modeler:-Sandra Lane / Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process:-Offset, Microprint
Printer:-Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type:-Alprinta 74
Stamps per Pane:-20
Print Quantity:-15,000,000
Paper Type:-Phosphor, Block Tag
Adhesive Type:-Pressure-sensitive
Colors:-Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation:-Vertical
Image Area (w x h):-0.8400 x 1.4200 in. / 21.3360 x
36.0680 mm
Overall Size (w x h):-0.9800 x 1.5600 in. / 24.8920 x
39.6240 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h):-5.9200 x 7.2400 in. / 150.3680 x
183.8960 mm
Press Sheets Size (w x h):-11.8400 x 21.7200 in. / 300.7360 x
551.6880 mm
Plate Size:-240 stamps per revolution
Plate Number:-“B” followed by four (4) single digits in four corners
Marginal Markings:
Front:-Plate number in four corners
Back:-© 2023 USPS • USPS logo • Two barcodes (484700) • Plate position diagram (6) • Promotional text

Updated January 27^th:
Although no plans for a ceremony have been announced, the Garfield-Perry Stamp Club’s March Party stamp show will be in session that day and may provide an opportunity for unofficial-location postmarks.

Updated November 30^th:
This stamp will be issued Friday, March 15, in Owensboro, KY, which includes the International Bluegrass Music Museum and hosts the annual River of Music Party festival (ROMP) each year — but in June 2024, not March.

Announced October 23, 2023:

This stamp issuance celebrates America’s love of horses. Once instrumental in the early economic development of the United States, horses are now valued athletes and loyal companions, and are important in law enforcement, forestry, entertainment, equine therapy and cattle ranching. This pane of 20 stamps features five photographs of beautiful equines, each in profile. The selvage showcases a sixth horse. Derry Noyes, an art director for USPS, designed these stamps with existing photographs by Stephanie Moon and Karen Wegehenkel.

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

Updated August 5^th:
Here are the Scott catalogue numbers:

• 5891 Horse with Brown Spots Facing Left
  a. Imperforate
• 5892 Brown Horse with White Blaze Facing Forward
  a. Imperforate
• 5893 Half-Arabian Horse Facing Right
  a. Imperforate
• 5894 Brown Horse with Bridle Facing Left
  a. Imperforate
• 5895 Horse with Long White Mane
  a. Imperforate
  b. Vert. strip of 5, #5891-5895
  c. Imperforate vert. strip of 5, #5891a-5895aUpdated May 17^th:
  [media advisory] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
  Horses Gallop Into Limelight With New Postage Stamps To Debut at Pony Express Re-Ride

  What: The U.S. Postal Service will release Horses, a set of five new stamps that pay tribute to the unwavering loyalty, tireless dedication and wild beauty of America’s equines.

  The first-day-of issue ceremony will be held before the start of the 164th Pony Express Re-Ride. USPS will help cheer on participants as they set off on the 1,966 mile run from St. Joseph, MO to Sacramento, CA. The ceremonial event is free and open to the public. News of the stamps is being shared with the hashtag #HorsesStamps.

  More information about the Pony Express Re-Ride, including the 2024 Re-Ride schedule, can be found at https://nationalponyexpress.org/re-ride/current-reride/.

  Who: Jamiel Freeman, postmaster, St. Joseph, MO

  Pam Dixon Simmons, president, National Pony Express Association

  Gary Chilcote, Missouri State president, National Pony Express Association

  When: Monday, June 17, 2024, at 2 p.m. Central

  Where:
  Patee House Museum
  1202 Penn St.
  St. Joseph, MO 64503

  RSVP: 164th Commemorative Pony Express Re-Ride Attendees are encouraged to register at: usps.com/horsesstamps.

  Background: Once vital to the early economic development of the United States, horses are now valued for their roles in sports and recreation, beloved as companions, and admired for their timeless beauty.

  The pane of 20 stamps features five photographs of individual horses. Three of the five appear in their natural environments against a background of green foliage: a gray-maned dappled white stallion; a horse with a russet coat, copper mane and white facial markings; and a golden chestnut with a chalky white mane. A horse with a brown spotted coat and light-colored mane is standing against a snowy wooded background, and a chestnut horse with a white blaze is photographed against a simple black background. The selvage depicts a chestnut horse with a black muzzle and mane peering out of a Dutch barn window.

  Derry Noyes, an art director for USPS, designed the stamps using existing photographs by Stephanie Moon and Karen Wegehenkel.

  Updated May 16^th:
  On June 17, 2024, in St. Joseph, MO, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Horses stamps (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in five designs, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 485200). These stamps will go on sale nationwide June 17, 2024, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue. The Horses commemorative pane of 20 stamps must not be split and the stamps must not be sold individually.

  This issuance of 20 stamps pays tribute to horses. Five new stamps feature five photographs of individual horses. Known for their loyalty, industriousness, and steadfast character, horses were instrumental in the early economic development of the United States. Today, these valued athletes and loyal companions also work in law enforcement, forestry, entertainment, equine therapy, and cattle ranching. Art director Derry Noyes designed the stamps with existing photographs by Stephanie Moon and Karen Wegehenkel. The selvage features the title of the issuance and showcases a photograph of another horse taken by Stephanie Moon.

  Item number 485200, Pane of 20: 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 – Horses 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 October 17, 2024.

  Technical Specifications:

  Issue: Horses Stamps
  Item Number: 485200
  Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
  Format: Pane of 20 (5 designs)
  Series: N/A
  Issue Date & City: June 17, 2024, St. Joseph, MO 64501
  Art Director: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
  Designer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
  Existing Photo: Karen Wegehenkel
  Existing Photos: Stephanie Moon
  Existing Photo: Stephanie Moon
  Modeler: Sandra Lane / Michelle Finn
  Manufacturing Process: Offset
  Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
  Press Type: Alprinta 74
  Stamps per Pane: 20
  Print Quantity: 30,000,000
  Paper Type: Phosphor, Block Tag
  Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
  Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, PMS 476C
  Stamp Orientation: Horizontal
  Image Area (w x h): 1.4200 x 1.0850 in. / 36.0680 x
  27.5590 mm
  Overall Size (w x h): 1.5600 x 1.2250 in. / 39.6240 x
  31.8770 mm
  Full Pane Size (w x h): 7.2400 x 9.4500 in. / 183.8960 x
  240.0300 mm
  Press Sheets Size (w x h): 19.1500 x 22.2200 in. / 486.4100 x
  564.3880 mm
  Plate Size: 120 stamps per revolution
  Plate Number: “B” followed by five (5) single digits in bottom two corners
  Marginal Markings:
  Front: Header: HORSES • Plate number in bottom two corners
  Back: © 2023 USPS • USPS logo • Two barcodes (485200) • Plate position diagram (6) • Promotional text

  Updated April 17^th:
  These stamps will be available online for pre-ordering on May 17. USPS collectibles have been added to the U.S. 2024 Stamp Program listing for this issue (“USPS Order Numbers”).

  Updated February 23^rd:
  These stamps will be issued June 17 in St. Joseph, Missouri. The Pony Express Museum is located there.

Announced October 23, 2023:

The year 2024 will mark the 250th anniversary of the arrival of the first Shakers in the United States. Shaker communities made much of what they needed for daily life themselves, including furniture, fabrics, communal buildings and houses. These 12 stamps feature beautiful photographs of items that highlight the core elements of Shaker design: simplicity and utility. Derry Noyes, an art director for USPS, designed the stamps with existing photographs by Michael Freeman.

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

Updated August 5^th:
Here are the Scott catalogue numbers:
5896 Shaker Designs pane of 12
a. Meeting Room, Hancock Shaker Village, Pittsfield, Massachusetts
b. Tannery, Mount Lebanon Shaker Village, New Lebanon, New York
c. Spinning Wheel, Fruitlands Museum, Harvard, Massachusetts
d. Staircases, Pleasant Hill Shaker Village, Harrodsburg, Kentucky
e. Dwelling House Hallway, South Union Shaker Village, Auburn, Kentucky
f. Silk Neckerchiefs, South Union Shaker Village
g. Rocking Chair, Canterbury Shaker Village, Canterbury, New Hampshire
h. Bentwood Box Detail, Hancock Shaker Village
i. Heater Stove, Hancock Shaker Village
j. Cupboard With Oval Boxes, Fruitlands Museum
k. Bentwood Boxes and Carriers, Fruitlands Museum
l. Cheese Baskets, Hancock Shaker Village
m. As #5896, imperforate
n. As #5896a, imperforate
o. As #5896b, imperforate
p. As #5896c, imperforate
q. As #5896d, imperforate
r. As #5896e, imperforate
s. As #5896f, imperforate
t. As #5896g, imperforate
u. As #5896h, imperforate
v. As #5896i, imperforate
w. As #5896j, imperforate
x. As #5896k, imperforate
y. As #5896l, imperforate

Updated May 16^th:
On June 20, 2024, in Pittsfield, MA, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Shaker Design stamps (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in 12 designs, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 12 stamps (Item 581400). These stamps will go on sale nationwide June 20, 2024, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue. The Shaker Design commemorative pane of 12 stamps must not be split and the stamps must not be sold individually.

Issued to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the arrival of the first Shakers in America, these stamps celebrate the refined, timeless beauty of Shaker design. From modest oval boxes to furniture, textiles, and even architecture, the Shakers imbued everything they made with uncommon grace. These 12 stamps feature photographs of items that highlight the core elements of Shaker design: simplicity and utility. Art director Derry Noyes designed the stamps with existing photographs by Michael Freeman. The selvage features a black-and-white photograph of Brother Ricardo Belden (1868–1958) in his workshop at Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. It was taken by Samuel Kravitt circa 1935.

Item 581400, Pane of 12: 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 – Shaker Design 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 October 20, 2024.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Shaker Design Stamps
Item Number: 581400
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 12 (12 designs)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: June 20, 2024, Pittsfield, MA 01201
Art Director: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Designer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Existing Photos: Michael Freeman
Existing Photo: Samuel Kravitt
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset
Printer: Ashton Potter
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Pane: 12
Print Quantity: 18,000,000
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tagged
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, PMS 490C, PMS 1797C, PMS 4645C, PMS 4675C
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 1.0850 x 1.4200 in. / 27.5590 x
36.0680 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 1.2250 x 1.5600 in. / 31.1150 x
39.6240 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 8.4400 x 6.6000 in. / 214.3760 x
167.6400 mm
Press Sheets Size (w x h): 20.0500 x 25.5700 in. / 509.2700 x
649.4780 mm
Plate Size: 108 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “P” followed by eight (8) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Header: Shaker Design • Plate number in bottom two corners
Back: © 2023 USPS • USPS logo • Two barcodes (581400) • Plate position diagram (9) • Promotional text

Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue:The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.71″ x 1.06″The pictorial postmark measures 2.54″ x 1.25″

Updated April 17^th:
These stamps will be available online for pre-ordering on May 20. USPS collectibles have been added to the U.S. 2024 Stamp Program listing for this issue (“USPS Order Numbers”).

Updated February 23^rd:
These stamps will be issued June 20 in Pittsfield, Mass. That is the site of the Hancock Shaker Village, an open-air museum. Wikipedia. National Park Service.

Announced October 23, 2023:

This issuance encourages the protection of sea turtles, one of the oldest groups of animals on Earth. These ancient mariners can migrate long distances, sometimes crossing entire oceans. The pane of 18 stamps features close-up photographs of six species — the loggerhead, leatherback, hawksbill, Kemp’s ridley, olive ridley and green sea turtle — that depend on U.S. coastal waters for foraging and migratory habitats during various stages of their life. All six are listed and protected under the Endangered Species Act. Derry Noyes, an art director for USPS, designed the stamps and stamp pane using existing images.

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

Updated August 5^th:
Here are the Scott catalogue numbers:

• 5865 Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle
• 5866 Green Sea Turtle
• 5867 Leatherback Sea Turtle
• 5868 Loggerhead Sea Turtle
• 5869 Hawksbill Sea Turtle
• 5870 Olive Ridley Sea Turtle
  b. Vert. strip of 6, #5865-5870
  c. Imperforate vert. strip of 6, #5865-5870Updated May 2^nd:
  On June 11, 2024, in Corpus Christi, TX, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Protect Sea Turtles stamps (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in six designs, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 18 stamps (Item 581300). These stamps will go on sale nationwide June 11, 2024, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

  The Postal Service™ celebrates the protection of sea turtles with six new stamps, featuring species dependent on U.S. coastal waters for foraging and migratory habitats during various stages of their lives. All six turtles are listed and protected under the Endangered Species Act. The stamps showcase photographs of a Kemp‘s ridley, a leatherback, an olive ridley, a green sea turtle, a loggerhead, and a hawksbill. The selvage features another hawksbill sea turtle. Art director Derry Noyes designed the pane using existing photographs.

  Pane of 18, Item 581300, 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 – Protect Sea Turtles 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 October 11, 2024.

  Technical Specifications:

  Issue: Protect Sea Turtles Stamps
  Item Number: 581300
  Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
  Format: Pane of 18 (6 designs)
  Series: N/A
  Issue Date & City: June 11, 2024, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
  Art Director: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
  Designer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
  Existing Photo: Rowan Byrne
  Existing Photo: Claudio Contreras
  Existing Photo: David B. Fleetham
  Existing Photo: Doug Perrine
  Existing Photo: James D. Watt (deceased)
  Existing Photo: Solvin Zankl
  Existing Photo: Reinhard Dirscherl
  Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
  Manufacturing Process: Offset
  Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
  Press Type: Muller A76
  Stamps per Pane: 18
  Print Quantity: 27,000,000
  Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tagged
  Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
  Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
  Stamp Orientation: Horizontal
  Image Area (w x h): 1.4200 x 0.8400 in. / 36.0680 x 21.3360 mm
  Overall Size (w x h): 1.5600 x 0.9800 in. / 39.6240 x 24.8920 mm
  Full Pane Size (w x h): 6.3800 x 8.3000 in. / 162.0520 x 210.8200 mm
  Press Sheet Size (w x h): 12.8900 x 25.1500 in. / 638.8100 x 327.2790 mm
  Plate Size: 216 stamps per revolution
  Plate Number: “P” followed by four (4) single digits in bottom two corners
  Marginal Markings:
  Front: Header: PROTECT SEA TURTLES • KEMP’S RIDLEY • GREEN • LEATHERBACK • LOGGERHEAD • HAWKSBILL • OLIVE RIDLEY • Plate number in bottom two corners
  Back: © 2023 USPS • USPS logo • Two barcodes (581300) • Plate position diagram (6) • Promotional text

  Here are the first day postmarks for this issue:The Dig
  The Digital Color Postmark for this issue measures 2.87″ x 1.43″The Pictorial Postmark measures 2.36″ x 1.14″

  Updated April 17^th:
  These stamps will be available online for pre-ordering on May 11. USPS collectibles have been added to the U.S. 2024 Stamp Program listing for this issue (“USPS Order Numbers“).

  Updated February 23^rd:
  These stamps will be issued June 11 in Corpus Christi, TX. The Texas State Aquarium, one of the largest in the country, is located there, and among its exhibits is Tortuga Cay: Visitors can view the rehabilitated and unreleasable sea turtles above and below the water at this exhibit. Tortuga Cay includes three green sea turtles (Squirt, Pickles, and Crush), one Kemp’s ridley sea turtle (Daisy), one hawksbill sea turtle (Hemingway), and a loggerhead sea turtle (Tiki).

Announced October 23, 2023:

These vibrant stamps will add cheer and whimsical flair to cards and envelopes. The pane of 20 stamps features 10 typographic designs by 10 different artists in their unique styles, each with a single word as the prominent element –– smile (Don Clark), hello! (Tré Seals), peace (Jay Fletcher), love (Juan Carlos Pagan), fun (Gia Graham), sweet (Jeff Rogers), yes! (Ryan Feerer), cheers! (Lisa Congdon), kudos! (DKNG Studios) and happy (Gina Triplett). The round shape of the stamps, as well as shadowing and reflection effects, give the appearance of three-dimensional pinback buttons. The pane verso features an illustration of a round silver button back with pin fastener repeated 20 times, one for each pinback button stamp shown on the front of the pane. Greg Breeding, an art director for USPS, designed the stamps.

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

Updated September 6^th:
The Scott catalogue numbers for this issue

• 5919 Smile
• 5920 Hello!
• 5921 Fun
• 5922 Sweet
• 5923 Kudos!
• 5924 Happy
• 5925 Peace
• 5926 Love
• 5927 Yes!
• 5928 Cheers!

Updated July 11^th: Jump to Details • Postmarks • Ceremony
On August 15, 2024, in Hartford, CT, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Pinback Buttons stamps (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate), in 10 designs, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 485500). These stamps will go on sale nationwide August 15, 2024, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue. The Pinback Buttons commemorative pane of 20 stamps must not be split and the stamps must not be sold individually.

Pinback Buttons is a pane of 20 stamps featuring 10 typographic designs by various artists in their unique styles. Each design showcases a single word: smile (Don Clark), hello! (Tré Seals), peace (Jay Fletcher), love (Juan Carlos Pagan), fun (Gia Graham), sweet (Jeff Rogers), yes! (Ryan Feerer), cheers! (Lisa Congdon), kudos! (DKNG Studios), and happy (Gina Triplett). The round shape of the stamps as well as shadowing and reflection effects give the appearance of three-dimensional pinback buttons. The pane verso features an illustration of a round silver button back with pin fastener repeated 20 times, one for each pinback button shown on the front of the pane. Art director Greg Breeding designed the stamps.

Automatic distribution.

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
Customers have 120 days to get 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 – Pinback Buttons Stamps
USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Suite 300
Kansas City, MO 64144-9900

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service™ will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark up to a quantity of 50. There is a 5-cent charge for each additional postmark over 50. All orders must be postmarked by December 15, 2024.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Pinback Buttons Stamps
Item Number: 485500
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (10 designs)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: August 15, 2024, Hartford, CT 06101
Art Director: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Designer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Artist: Don Clark
Artist: Lisa Congdon
Artist: Ryan Feerer
Artist: Jay Fletcher
Artist: Gia Graham
Artist: Juan Carlos Pagan
Artist: Jeff Rogers
Artist: Tré Seals
Artist: DKNG Studios
Artist: Gina Triplett
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Flexographic
Printer: Ashton Potter
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 35,000,000
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Spot Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
Stamp Orientation: Round
Image Area (w x h): 1.1940 x 1.1940 in. / 30.3230 x 30.3230 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 1.3250 x 1.3250 in. / 33.6550 x 33.6550 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 6.5000 x 8.0000 in. / 165.1000 x 203.2000 mm
Press Sheets Size (w x h): 13.0000 x 24.0000 in. / 330.2000 x 609.6000 mm
Plate Size: 240 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “P” followed by four (4) single digits in four corners
Marginal Markings:
Front: Plate number in four corners
Back: Back of button images • © 2023 USPS • USPS Logo • Two barcodes (485500) • Plate position diagram (6) • Promotional text

Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue: The Digital Color Postmark measures 3.00″ x 1.54″The Pictorial Postmark measures 2.27″ x 1.13″ Also available on the first-day: this Americover postmark, which measures 2.83″ x 1.71″

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Pinback Buttons Stamps to Be Issued at Great American Stamp Show

What: Add cheery, whimsical flair to your cards and letters with vibrant new Pinback Buttons stamps, to be issued in conjunction with the Great American Stamp Show in Hartford, CT.

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

Who: Shibani Gambhir, USPS vice president of sales intelligence and support

When: Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024 at 11 a.m. EDT

Where:
The Great American Stamp Show
Connecticut Convention Center
Hall AB
100 Columbus Blvd.
Hartford, CT 06103

RSVP: Attendees are encouraged to register at: usps.com/pinbackbuttons

Background: Since their appearance in 1896, pinback buttons have expressed viewpoints, made statements and shown off the interests of those who wear them. A novel medium, these buttons quickly came into popular use as advertising tools and for political campaigns. For more than 120 years, pinback buttons of various sizes have helped spread ideas and broadcast opinions on a wide variety of topics.

The designs and slogans adorning buttons reflect the era and values of the time in which they were created, like any other piece of pop culture ephemera. In this way, pinback buttons become historical tools providing insight into the moods, sentiments and worldviews of people living in a particular time and place.

Pinback Buttons is a pane of 20 stamps featuring 10 typographic designs by various artists in their own signature style. Each design imparts a single upbeat message: smile (Don Clark), hello! (Tré Seals), peace (Jay Fletcher), love (Juan Carlos Pagan), fun (Gia Graham), sweet (Jeff Rogers), yes! (Ryan Feerer), cheers! (Lisa Congdon), kudos! (DKNG Studios) and happy (Gina Triplett). The round shape of the stamps, and the shadowing and reflection effects used, give the appearance of three-dimensional pinback buttons. The pane verso features an illustration of a round silver button back with pin fastener repeated 20 times, one for each pinback button shown on the front of the pane. Greg Breeding, an art director for USPS, designed the stamps.

Because Pinback Buttons are Forever stamps, they will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail one-ounce price.

Updated December 19^th:
These stamps will be issued Thursday, August 15, at Great American Stamp Show in Hartford, Conn.

Announced October 23, 2023:

The 34th issuance in the Literary Arts series honors novelist Saul Bellow (1915-2005). Winner of three National Book Awards, a Pulitzer Prize and the Nobel Prize, Bellow is widely regarded as one of the greatest authors of the 20th century. The stamp art is a portrait of Bellow in pen, ink and watercolor based on photographs from 1982. In the background is a street scene of Chicago, where he lived most of his life. Ethel Kessler, an art director for USPS, designed the 3- ounce stamp with original art by Joe Ciardiello.

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

Updated April 1^st:
The Scott catalogue number for this issue is 5831.

From the Postal Bulletin:
On February 6, 2024, in Chicago, IL, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Saul Bellow stamp (priced at the Non-denominated, 3-ounce Mail Rate) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 122900). This stamp will go on sale nationwide, February 6, 2024, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

The 34th stamp in the Literary Arts series honors novelist Saul Bellow (1915–2005). Winner of three National Book Awards, a Pulitzer Prize, and the Nobel Prize, Bellow is widely regarded as one of the greatest authors of the 20th century. The stamp art is a pen and ink and watercolor portrait of Bellow based on photographs from 1982. In the background is a street scene in Chicago, where he lived most of his life. Art director Ethel Kessler designed the stamp with original art by Joe Ciardiello.

No automatic distribution.

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

FDOI – Saul Bellow 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 June 6, 2024.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Saul Bellow Stamp
Item Number: 122900
Denomination & Type of Issue: 3-ounce Rate, Non-denominated, Mail Use
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: Literary Arts
Issue Date & City: February 6, 2024, Chicago, IL 60607
Art Director: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Designer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Illustrator: Joe Ciardiello, Milford, NJ
Modeler: Sandra Lane / Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 8,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, PMS 259C
Stamp Orientation: Horizontal
Image Area (w x h): 1.4200 x 0.8400 in. / 36.0680 x 21.3360 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 1.5600 x 0.9800 in. / 39.6240 x 24.8920 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 7.2400 x 5.9200 in. / 183.8960 x 150.3680 mm
Plate Size: 240 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “B” followed by five (5) single digits in four corners
Marginal Markings:
Front: Plate number in four corners
Back: © 2023 USPS • USPS logo • Two barcodes (122900) • Plate position diagram (6) • Promotional text

Updated January 31^st:
As reported by John Peterson of the American Ceremony Program Society, the University of Chicago is holding a first-day ceremony for this stamp honoring its former professor. It will be at 11:00 am on its Hyde Park Campus. Details and registration can be found at this link. Although USPS officials will participate, this is not considered a “Headquarters” (-arranged) ceremony.

Updated December 30^th:
Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue:The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.16″ x 1.17″ The Pictorial Postmark measures 2.59″ x 1.02″

Updated November 30^th:
This stamp will be issued Tuesday, February 6, in Chicago, without a “headquarters” first-day ceremony.

Announced October 23, 2023:

These stamps will be available for mailers who enjoy adorning their cards and letters with beautiful stamps depicting nature scenes. In each of the four photographs, a different female ruby-throated hummingbird hovers next to either a zinnia, cigar flower, spotted touch-me-not or sunflower. Garden Delights will be issued in booklets of 20. Greg Breeding, an art director for USPS, designed the stamps using existing photographs by wildlife photographer Ben King.

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

Updated May 7^th:
The Scott catalogue numbers for this issue are
• 5845 Ruby-throated Hummingbird and Sunflower
• 5846 … and Spotted touch-me-not
• 5847 … and Zinnia
• 5848 … and Sugar Flowers
• a. Block of 4, #5845-5848
• b. Convertible booklet pane of 20, 5 each #5845-5848

Updated February 8^th:
Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue:The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.87″ x 1.38″ There is no Pictorial Postmark for this issue.

From the Postal Bulletin:

On March 16, 2024, in Strongsville, OH, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Garden Delights stamps (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in four designs, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) double-sided booklet of 20 stamps (Item 684700). These stamps will go on sale March 16, 2024, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

Garden Delights celebrates the flora and fauna of America’s spring and summer gardens with four colorful stamps in a booklet of 20. Each stamp showcases a single, female ruby-throated hummingbird hovering next to either a zinnia, cigar flower, spotted touch-me-not, or sunflower. Greg Breeding designed the stamps using existing photographs by wildlife photographer Ben King.

Availability to Post Offices: Item 684700, Garden Delights (Forever Priced at the First-Class Mail Rate) Double-sided Booklet 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 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 – Garden Delights 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 16, 2024.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Garden Delights Stamps
Item Number: 684700
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Double-sided Booklet of 20 (4 designs)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: March 16, 2024, Strongsville, OH 44136
Designer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Art Director: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Existing Photos: Ben King, Charlottesville, VA
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset
Printer: Ashton Potter
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Booklet: 20
Print Quantity: 525,000,000
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tag Applied
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
Stamp Orientation: Horizontal
Image Area (w x h): 1.0500 x 0.7700 in. / 26.6700 x
19.5580 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 1.1900 x 0.9100 in. / 30.2260 x
23.1140 mm
Booklet Size (w x h): 5.7600 x 2.3800 in. / 146.3040 x
60.4520 mm
Plate Size: 880 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “P” followed by four (4) single digits
Marginal Markings: Header: “Garden Delights” Twenty First-Class Forever Stamps • © 2023 USPS in peel strip area • Barcode • USPS logo • Promotional text • Plate number in peel strip area

Updated January 27^th:
The Garfield-Perry Stamp Club will host a local first day ceremony for this issue at its March Party stamp show.

Updated November 30^th:
These stamps will be issued Saturday, March 16, in Strongsville, Ohio, without a “headquarters” first-day ceremony.