Announced by the USPS on November 3, 2023:

One of the most renowned and influential artists of the 20th century, Ansel Adams (1902-1984) made thousands of awe-inspiring photographs that collectively create a rich visual portrait of the American landscape. A masterful photographer and dedicated environmentalist, Adams sought to imbue each of his black-and-white prints with the power and wonder he felt in the presence of nature. These 16 stamps feature some of Adams’s most famous images in his signature “straight photography” style, an approach defined by its precision and directness. Derry Noyes, an art director for USPS, designed the stamps.

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

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

Updated April 4^th:
Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue:The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.98″ x 1.40″The Pictorial Postmark measures 2.65″ x 1.25″

From the Postal Bulletin:

On May 15, 2024, in Yosemite National Park, CA, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Ansel Adams stamps (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in 16 designs, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 16 stamps (Item 485000). These stamps will go on sale nationwide May 15, 2024, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue. The Ansel Adams commemorative pane of 16 stamps must not be split and the stamps must not be sold individually.

This stamp issuance honors Ansel Adams (1902–1984), one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, best known for his awe-inspiring black-and-white photographs of the American landscape. These 16 stamps feature some of Adams’ most famous images in his signature “straight photography” style, an approach defined by its precision and directness. Art director Derry Noyes designed the stamps using existing photographs.
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 – Ansel Adams 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 September 15, 2024.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Ansel Adams Stamps
Item Number: 485000
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 16 (16 designs)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: May 15, 2024, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
Art Director: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Designer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Existing Photos: Ansel Adams
Modeler: Sandra Lane / Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Pane: 16
Print Quantity: 20,000,000
Paper Type: Phosphor, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Black
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): 7.2400 x 7.4100 in. / 183.8960 x
188.2140 mm
Press Sheets Size (w x h): 21.7200 x 22.2300 in. / 551.6880 x
564.6420 mm
Plate Size: 144 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “B” followed by one (1) single digit
Marginal Markings:
Front: Header: ANSEL ADAMS • photographer, 1902 – 1984 • Plate number in bottom two corners
Back: Ansel Adams photographs © The Ansel Adams Publishing Rights Trust • © 2023 USPS • USPS logo • Two barcodes (485000) • Plate position diagram (9) • Promotional text

Updated April 3^rd:

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Postal Service to Honor Ansel Adams With Stamps Showcasing 16 Stunning Portraits of the American Landscape

What: First-day-of-issue dedication ceremony for the Ansel Adams Forever stamps featuring 16 photographs made by the esteemed artist and environmentalist. The first-day-of-issue event for the Ansel Adams Forever stamps is free and open to all visitors of Yosemite National Park. News of the stamps is being shared with the hashtag #AnselAdamsStamps.

Who: The Hon. Daniel Tangherlini, a member of the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors, will serve as the dedicating official.
Matthew Adams, grandson of Ansel Adams
Cicely Muldoon, superintendent, Yosemite National Park
Scott Gediman, public affairs officer, Yosemite National Park
Shelton Johnson, park ranger, Yosemite National Park
Alan Ross, photographer

When: May 15, 2024, at 11 a.m. PDT

Where: The Ansel Adams Gallery
9031 Village Drive
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389

RSVP: Ceremony attendees are encouraged to RSVP at usps.com/anseladamsstamps.

Background: Experience the wonder of the American West through the lens of one of America’s most iconic photographers, Ansel Adams (1902-1984). This pane of 16 stamps features some of Adams’ most famous images in his signature “straight photography” style, an approach defined by its precision and directness.The first row of stamps, left to right, features “Half Dome, Merced River, Winter, Yosemite National Park, California” (1938); “Oak Tree, Sunset City, Sierra Foothills, California” (1962); “Thundercloud, Ellery Lake, High Sierra, Sierra Nevada, California” (1934); and “Denali and Wonder Lake, Denali National Park, Alaska” (1947).The second row, left to right, features “The Golden Gate and Bridge from Baker Beach, San Francisco, California” (c.1953); “Road and Fog, Del Monte Forest, Pebble Beach, California” (1964); “Rock and Grass, Moraine Lake, Sequoia National Park, California” (1936); and “Leaves, Mount Rainier National Park, Washington” (c.1942).

The third row, left to right, features “Monument Valley, Arizona” (1958); “Tetons and Snake River, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming” (1942); “Jeffrey Pine, Sentinel Dome, Yosemite National Park, California” (1940); and “Mirror Lake, Mount Watkins, Spring, Yosemite National Park, California” (1935).The fourth row, left to right, features “Maroon Bells, near Aspen, Colorado” (1951); “Aspens, Dawn, Autumn, Dolores River Canyon, Colorado” (1937); “Road After Rain, Northern California” (1960); and “Dunes, Oceano, California” (1963).

As evidenced by the striking images in this collection, Adams devoted much of his career to the advancement of photography as a fine art. Derry Noyes, an art director with USPS, designed the stamps using existing photographs.

Updated February 23^rd:
These stamps will be issued May 15 at Yosemite National Park in California.

Announced by the USPS on November 3, 2023:

Carnival Nights celebrates one of America’s favorite pastimes. The stomach-twisting thrill rides, the indulgent snacks and sweets and the general spirit of lighthearted fun make the nation’s carnivals and fairs a place for visitors of any age to enjoy. Ten new stamps in a pane of 20 feature photographs that convey the energy and color of a summer carnival at night. Greg Breeding, an art director for USPS, designed the stamps with existing photographs.

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

Updated April 17^th:
These stamps will be available online for pre-ordering on May 6. 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 6 in Biloxi, Mississippi, which this year is celebrating its 325th birthday.

Announced by the USPS on November 3, 2023:

Legendary coach John Wooden (1910-2010) led the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Bruins to a record-setting 10 Division I men’s basketball national championships. Often considered the greatest coach in the history of American sports, Wooden coached the Bruins to 88 consecutive wins and four perfect (30-0) seasons. The stamp features a portrait of Wooden. In the “UCLA blue” background, a player defends a shot. The numbers on the two players’ jerseys, 4 and 10, evoke the Bruins’ four perfect seasons and the 10 national championships during Wooden’s tenure. Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp using original artwork by Alexis Franklin.

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

Updated April 16^th:
The USPS has added a philatelic product: 484525 Framed Stamp, $29.95.

Updated April 1^st:
The Scott catalogue number for this issue is 5833.

Updated February 22^nd:

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
U.S. Postal Service to Release Stamp Honoring John Wooden

When: Saturday, Feb. 24, at 1 p.m. PST

What: The first-day-of-issue event for the new commemorative Forever stamp celebrating the legacy of legendary basketball coach John Wooden.

Who: The Honorable Derek Kan, member of the USPS Board of Governors, will serve as the dedicating official.

Where: Pauley Pavilion, East Plaza
University of California, Los Angeles
325 Westwood Plaza
Los Angeles, CA 90095

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

Details: The dedication ceremony will feature special guests, a presentation on the significance of the stamp, and photo opportunities. The event is free and open to the public.

Customers can preorder the John Wooden stamp online at The Postal Storebeginning Jan. 24.

News of the stamp is being shared on social media with the hashtag#JohnWoodenStamp.

About the Stamp
Legendary coach John Wooden (1910-2010) led the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Bruins to a record-setting 10 Division I men’s basketball national championships. Often considered the greatest coach in the history of American sports, Wooden coached the Bruins to 88 consecutive wins and four perfect (30-0) seasons.

The stamp features a portrait of Wooden. In the “UCLA blue” background, a player defends a shot. The numbers on the two players’ jerseys, 4 and 10, evoke the Bruins’ four perfect seasons and the 10 national championships during Wooden’s tenure.

Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp using original artwork by Alexis Franklin.

The John Wooden stamp will be issued as a Forever stamp in panes of 20, with 18 million scheduled for production.

Forever stamps will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.

Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products online at The Postal Store, by calling 844-737-7826 or at Post Office locations nationwide. For officially licensed stamp products, shop the USPS Officially Licensed Collection on Amazon.

Updated January 28^th:
From the Postal Bulletin
On February 24, 2024, in Los Angeles, CA, the United States Postal Service® will issue the John Wooden stamp (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 484500). This stamp will go on sale nationwide February 24, 2024, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

This stamp issuance honors John Wooden (1910–2010), the legendary coach who led the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Bruins to a record-setting 10 Division I men’s basketball national championships. The stamp features a portrait of Wooden looking intently out beyond the viewer. In the deep “UCLA blue” background, a player defends a shot. The numbers on the two players’ jerseys, 4 and 10, evoke the Bruins’ four perfect seasons and the 10 national championships during Wooden’s tenure. Art director Antonio Alcalá designed the stamp using original artwork by Alexis Franklin, based on a photograph by Norm Schindler from the early 1970s.

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 – John Wooden 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 24, 2024.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: John Wooden Stamp
Item Number: 484500
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: February 24, 2024, Los Angeles, CA 90052
Art Director: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Designer: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Artist: Alexis Franklin, DeSoto, TX
Modeler: Sandra Lane / Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 18,000,000
Paper Type: Phosphor, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
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): 7.2400 x 7.1200 in. / 183.8960 x 180.8480 mm
Press Sheets Size (w x h): 21.7200 x 21.3600 in. / 551.6880 x 542.4400 mm
Plate Size: 180 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 • Coach John Wooden™ licensed by John Wooden Legacy, LLC, c/o Luminary Group, LLC • Two barcodes (484500) • Plate position diagram (9) • Promotional text

Updated January 25^th:
Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue:The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.48″ x 1.46″The Pictorial Postmark (which I think is really clever) measures 2.52″ x 1.24″

Updated January 11^th:
This stamp will be issued February 24^th in Los Angeles.

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
U.S. Postal Service to Release Stamp Honoring John Wooden

When: Saturday, Feb. 24, at 1 p.m. PST

What: The first-day-of-issue event for the new commemorative Forever stamp celebrating the legacy of legendary basketball coach John Wooden.

Who: The Honorable Derek Kan, member of the USPS Board of Governors, will serve as the dedicating official.

Where: Pauley Pavilion, East Plaza
University of California, Los Angeles
325 Westwood Plaza
Los Angeles, CA 90095

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

Details: The dedication ceremony will feature special guests, a presentation on the significance of the stamp, and photo opportunities. The event is free and open to the public.

Customers can preorder the John Wooden stamp online at The Postal Store beginning Jan. 24.

News of the stamp is being shared on social media with the hashtag#JohnWoodenStamp.

About the Stamp: Legendary coach John Wooden (1910-2010) led the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Bruins to a record-setting 10 Division I men’s basketball national championships. Often considered the greatest coach in the history of American sports, Wooden coached the Bruins to 88 consecutive wins and four perfect (30-0) seasons.

The stamp features a portrait of Wooden. In the “UCLA blue” background, a player defends a shot. The numbers on the two players’ jerseys, 4 and 10, evoke the Bruins’ four perfect seasons and the 10 national championships during Wooden’s tenure.

Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp using original artwork by Alexis Franklin.

The John Wooden stamp will be issued as a Forever stamp in panes of 20, with 18 million scheduled for production.

Forever stamps will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.

Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products online at The Postal Store, by calling 844-737-7826 or at Post Office locations nationwide. For officially licensed stamp products, shop the USPS Officially Licensed Collection on Amazon.

Announced by the USPS on November 3, 2023:

This stamp release marks the 50th anniversary of Dungeons & Dragons, described by its owners as the World’s Greatest Role-playing Game, that has become a cultural phenomenon. By inviting participants to imagine themselves as wizards, warriors and other adventurers in exciting and treacherous fantasy worlds, Dungeons & Dragons opened doors to whole new universes of creativity for generations of players. The pane of 20 stamps features 10 different designs that highlight characters, creatures and encounters familiar to players of the game. Greg Breeding, an art director for USPS, designed the stamps and pane with existing illustrations.

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

Updated December 3, 2023:
Additional details about the stamps from Jim McKean of the USPS, via David Dresdner of Colorano and Foster Miller of Everywhere. Click on the thumbnails for larger versions:

A bronze dragon wearing a necklace glances down at a blue plesiosaur in an illustration that appeared in the 2023 book The Practically Complete Guide to Dragons.

The five-headed Tiamat, queen of evil dragons, appears in an illustration that appeared in the 2021 book Fizban’s Treasury of Dragons. Tiamat has been featured in D&D materials since the 1970s and was first encountered by name in the 1977 Monster Manual.

A lone figure lost in a maze, perhaps the victim of a ten-minute “maze” spell, appears in an illustration that appeared in the 2020 book Wizards and Spells: A Young Adventurer’s Guide.

A blue-robed figure casts a “magic missile” spell in artwork that appeared in the 2014 edition of the Player’s Handbook.

The archlich Acererak raises an army of the dead in an illustration that appeared on the cover of the 2014 edition of the Dungeon Master’s Guide. Acererak has appeared in D&D materials since 1978, when he debuted in the classic adventure Tomb of Horrors.

Drizzt Do’Urden, the heroic drow ranger featured in dozens of novels and numerous D&D gaming materials since 1988, stands against a wintry backdrop. Drizzt is known for breaking from an evil cult in the Underdark in favor of heroism and friendship on the surface.

A warrior with his back to the viewer fights a massive red dragon in a detail from an illustration that appeared on the box cover of the popular 1983 D&D Basic Set, often known simply as the “red box.” This illustration has since become one of the most recognizable pieces of art in the history of the game.

A character holds a pan of toxic green dragon’s blood over her head, preparing to bathe in it in the hope of gaining magical powers, in an illustration that appeared in the 2021 book Fizban’s Treasury of Dragons.

A death knight rides a nightmare, backed by an army of the undead and a sinister, flame-shrouded castle, in an illustration that appeared in the 2020 book Beasts and Behemoths: A Young Adventurer’s Guide.

A purple worm, a fearsome creature that burrows through the earth and leaves massive tunnels in its wake, rises from the ground and coils, its teeth on display, in an illustration that appeared in the 2014 edition of the Monster Manual.

On the left side of the pane, the selvage features a detail of an illustration showing a party of adventurers encountering a massive green dragon amid a gold-strewn ruin. The illustration previously appeared on the box cover of the D&D Starter Set.

Below the illustration is a photograph of a gold 20-sided die above the Dungeons & Dragons logo with its distinctive ampersand formed from a fire-breathing dragon. Below the logo is a detail of a hand-drawn map of a typical “dungeon,” a network of caverns where D&D players might encounter monsters, traps, and treasure.