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.

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 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.

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 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 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 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 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.