Boston 2026 Show’s Bulletin #1 Available

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Boston 2026 Bulletin #1 Available

Bulletin #1 for Boston 2026 World Expo has just been released in digital format and is available for viewing and downloading at Boston2026.org.

This first of two expected bulletins contains over 50 pages introducing readers to the composition of the one-a-decade U.S. international exhibition through the people and organizations making it possible.

Boston 2026 President Yamil Kouri said, “Much work has gone into this informative booklet that will answer most questions potential attendees and participants have. We’ve also included several articles about greater Boston’s historical significance to the nation’s founding along with their philatelic tie-ins.”

Initial show hotel information is included. At this point arrangements have been made with eight hotels within walking distance of the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, site of the show. More affordable options are being sought further away from the city center but easily accessible using the many public transportation options Boston offers. Reservations for all offerings will be available starting in the Spring of 2025.

Donors are gratefully acknowledged across several pages. Donation levels are explained with various thank-you premiums associated to each, including admittance to the Minuteman Club. As a recognized 501(c)3 organization donations may be tax-deductible to U.S. contributors who itemize.

Bulletin #1 features a listing of current booth holders, numbering over 75. Booth space is still available for 4- or 8-day options. Interested dealers are urged to contact US/Canada bourse chair Mark Reasoner (Mark.Reasoner@Boston2026.org) or international bourse chair Sandeep Jaiswal (Sandeep.Jaiswal@Boston2026.org). Postal administrations will be contacted later this year with participation information.

Boston 2026 World Expo takes place May 23-30, 2026, at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. Full show details may be found at Boston2026.org and on Twitter and Facebook. Sign up to be added to the Boston 2026 email list and receive updates when available.

Wide Variety of Covers in AFDCS Auction 98

The American First Day Cover Society’s latest fund-raising auction is now online: All 1,200 lots are illustrated in color at www.afdcs.org/auction98/98index.html The sale will close a minute before midnight on June 23, 2024.

The lots offered range from a matched set of George Washington Bicentennial (Sc. 704-715) FDCs with the seldom-seen William Rabin cachet (Lot 28, shown on the right) to bulk lots (“Bundles of Fun”). Lot 388 is an Express Mail booklet pane of 3 (Sc. 1909a) on a House of Farnam variety (shown below left). Another lot has a rare variety of the first ArtCraft cachet (for the New York World’s Fair stamp, Sc. 853. Featured cachetmakers in this auction are Bevil, Collins, 6º, Carruthers Hays, Doris Gold (including artwork), Pugh, Carol Gordon, Crosby, Fluegel, and Peterman.

The offerings are not just first day covers: There are presidential inauguration covers dating back to 1929, as well as ceremony programs, first-day postmarked ephemera, and oversized FDCs and cards.

These auctions are held twice a year, with all the lots donated to the organization. Bidding is open to non-members as well as members, and bids may be submitted by regular mail, email, or — easiest of all — the “webform” on the website. The Terms of Sale can be found at www.afdcs.org/auction.html

The AFDCS is the largest not-for-profit first day cover society in the world, with members in more than a dozen countries. It publishes an award-winning journal, First Days, six times a year, as well as handbooks, catalogues and You-Tube videos, and is a co-sponsor of the annual Great American Stamp Show. It holds an annual cachetmaking contest (many of whose winners are offered in this auction) and encourages philatelic exhibiting and writing about FDCs.

For more information about the AFDCS, visit www.afdcs.org, e-mail afdcs@afdcs.org or write the AFDCS at Post Office Box 27, Greer, SC 29652-0027.

2024-25 Duck Stamp (U.S.)

Updated August 5th:
Here are the Scott catalogue numbers:
RW91 $25 Northern Pintail Hunting Permit Stamp
RW91A $25 Northern Pintail Hunting Permit Stamp sheet of 1

From the Postal Bulletin May 16th:

On June 28, 2024, in Hanover, MD, the U.S. Department of the Interior will issue the $25 Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation stamp for the 2024–2025 waterfowl hunting season. The pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) stamp will go on sale nationwide June 28, 2024, and is valid through June 30, 2025.

Item 337100, Pane of One: No automatic distribution but post offices may order it.
Item 337200, Pane of 20: No automatic distribution, and only sold by the USPS through Stamp Fulfillment Services.

Technical Specifications — Pane of 1:

Issue: Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp
Item Number: 337100
Denomination & Type of Issue: $25.00, Special
Format: Pane of 1 (1 design)
Series: Federal Duck
Issue Date & City: June 28, 2024, Hanover, MD 21076
Art Director: Suzanne Fellows, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Artist: Chuck Black
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Flexographic, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Pane: 1
Print Quantity: 1,282,180 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Invisible Fluorescent
Stamp Orientation: Horizontal
Image Area (w x h): 1.7190 x 1.2660 in. / 43.6630 x
32.1560 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 1.8900 x 1.4170 in. / 48.0060 x
35.9920 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 6.1250 x 2.6250 in. / 155.5800 x
66.6750 mm
Plate Size: 36 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: N/A
Marginal Markings:
Front: Selvage Text: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service • 2024–2025 Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp • Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Harvest Information Program • Informative text • Artist: Chuck Black, Northern Pintail © • If applicable, sign your stamp.
Back: Verso-text • Ordering information • Barcode • U.S. Department of the Interior logo • U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service logo

Technical Specifications — Pane of 20:

Issue: Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp
Item Number: 337200
Denomination & Type of Issue: $25.00, Special
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: Federal Duck
Issue Date & City: June 28, 2024, Hanover, MD 21076
Art Director: Suzanne Fellows, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Artist: Chuck Black
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Flexographic, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 43,600 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Invisible Fluorescent
Stamp Orientation: Horizontal
Image Area (w x h): 1.7190 x 1.2660 in. / 43.6630 x
32.1560 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 1.8900 x 1.4170 in. / 48.0060 x
35.9920 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 8.2500 x 8.2500 in. / 209.5500 x
209.5500 mm
Plate Size: 180 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “P” followed by five (5) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Selvage Text: • Department of the Interior 20 x $25.00 (2 locations) • Artist: Chuck Black (4 locations) • Plate number (4 corners)
Back: Verso-text behind each stamp • Four barcodes • Plate position diagram (9)

Earlier press release from the Fish & Wildlife Service:

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Montana Artist Chuck Black Wins 2023 Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest
Federal Duck Stamp Supports Wildlife Conservation

(Sep 16, 2023) — After two days of competition, Chuck Black of Belgrade, Montana, emerged as the winner of the 2023 Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest with an oil painting of a northern pintail. The announcement was made at an event and via live stream at the Olmstead Center at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.

Black’s oil painting will be made into the 2024-2025 Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, or “Duck Stamp” which will go on sale in late June 2024. The Service produces the Federal Duck Stamp, which sells for $25 and raises approximately $40 million in sales each year. These funds support critical conservation to protect wetland habitats in the National Wildlife Refuge System for the benefit of wildlife and the enjoyment of people.

Earlier this week, the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, chaired by Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, approved the allocation of more than $50.6 million in grants through the North American Wetlands Conservation Act and funds from the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund. The fund is made up partly of Duck Stamp dollars, to support the acquisition of lands from willing sellers for the Refuge System. The new areas provide additional access to the public to some of the most spectacular places available for hunting, fishing, birdwatching, hiking and other outdoor activities.

“I encourage everyone to buy a Duck Stamp as they have such a significant impact in conserving wetlands for waterfowl and so many other species,” said Service Director Martha Williams. “The art entries for this contest are impressive, and they serve as an important reminder of the wildlife and habitats the Duck Stamp is designed to protect.”

Since it was first established in 1934, Federal Duck Stamp sales to hunters, bird watchers, outdoor enthusiasts and collectors have raised more than $1.2 billion to conserve over 6 million acres of habitat for birds and other wildlife and provide countless opportunities for wildlife-oriented recreation on public lands.

Waterfowl hunters age 16 and older are required to purchase and carry the current Federal Duck Stamp. Many non-hunters, including birdwatchers, conservationists, stamp collectors and others, also purchase the stamp in support of habitat conservation. Additionally, a current Federal Duck Stamp can be used for free admission to any national wildlife refuge that charges an entry fee.

In addition to Chuck Black, Adam Grimm of Wallace, South Dakota, placed second with an acrylic painting of a northern pintail pair, and Gerald Mobley of Claremore, Oklahoma, took third place with an acrylic painting of a northern pintail.

Des Moines, Iowa, was chosen as the site of this year’s contest because of its importance in the conservation history of the Federal Duck Stamp. The Jay N. Darling Legacy Institute, located at Drake University, houses artifacts and other memorabilia used in the creation of the first Duck Stamp and interprets this important tie between art and conservation.

Of 199 entries judged in this year’s competition, 24 entries made it to the final round of judging. Eligible species for this year’s Federal Duck Stamp Contest were the snow goose, American black duck, northern pintail, ring-necked duck and harlequin duck. View the online gallery of the 2023 Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest entries.

For the first time in Federal Duck Stamp Contest history, the judging panel was comprised completely of females. The judges for this year’s Contest were Gail Anderson, MJ Davis, Rebecca Humphries, Rue Mapp, Dr. Karen Waldrop, and the alternate judge was Jennifer Scully.

Scott U.S. Catalogue Update (May 2024)

5834 (68¢) Underground Railroad – Harriet Tubman
a. Imperforate
5835 (68¢) Underground Railroad – Thomas Garrett
a. Imperforate
5836 (68¢) Underground Railroad – William Still
a. Imperforate
5837 (68¢) Underground Railroad – Harriet Jacobs
a. Imperforate
5838 (68¢) Underground Railroad – Jermain Loguen
a. Imperforate
5839 (68¢) Underground Railroad – Catherine Coffin
a. Imperforate
5840 (68¢) Underground Railroad – Lewis Hayden
a. Imperforate
5841 (68¢) Underground Railroad – Frederick Douglass
a. Imperforate
5842 (68¢) Underground Railroad – William Lambert
a. Imperforate
5843 (68¢) Underground Railroad – Laura Haviland
a. Imperforate
b. Block of 10, #5834-5843
c. Imperforate block of 10, #5834a-5843a

5844 (68¢) Bluegrass Music
a. Imperforate

5845 Garden Delights – Ruby-throated Hummingbird and Sunflower
5846 Garden Delights – Ruby-throated Hummingbird and Spotted touch-me-not
5847 Garden Delights – Ruby-throated Hummingbird and Zinnia
5848 Garden Delights – Ruby-throated Hummingbird and Sugar Flowers\
a. Block of 4, #5845-5848
b. Convertible booklet pane of 20, 5 each #5845-5848

5849 (68¢) Flowers (Celebration Blooms)
5850 (92c) Flowers (Wedding Blooms)

5851 (68¢) Save Manatees
a. Convertible booklet pane of 20

5852 (68¢) Betty Ford
a. Imperforate

Peppa Pig (UK 2024)

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Royal Mail Marks 20 Years of Peppa Pig with a Set of 12 ‘Oinktastic’ Special Stamps

Issue date 16 May

  • The main set of eight stamps feature images of Peppa and her friends and family who have been delighting and charming viewers of all ages for two decades
  • An additional four stamps, presented in a separate miniature sheet, show Peppa, George, Zoë Zebra and Suzy Sheep all having fun at Peppa’s party
  • The stamps and a range of collectible products are available to pre-order now at www.royalmail.com/peppa-pig and by telephone on 03457 641641

Since 2004, Peppa Pig, the popular British preschool animated television series, has been delighting and charming viewers of all ages, and today Royal Mail reveals images of 12 new ‘oinktastic’ stamps that celebrate 20 years of the beloved franchise.

The main set of eight delightful stamps feature images with different combinations of Peppa and her friends and family: Peppa and George; Suzy Sheep and Danny Dog; George and Daddy Pig; Mummy Pig and Peppa; Grandpa Pig and Polly Parrot; Granny Pig and her Chickens; Mr Bull and Madame Gazelle; and Mr Zebra and Miss Rabbit.

An additional four stamps, presented in a miniature sheet, show Peppa, George, Zoë Zebra and Suzy Sheep having fun at Peppa’s Party with balloons and bunting, candles and cake!

A special video has also been created in celebration, featuring Peppa, Daddy Pig, Mr Zebra and one of Royal Mail’s very own posties as they deliver special invitations to Peppa’s party. It can be viewed at www.royalmail.com/peppaDavid Gold, Director of External Affairs and Policy said: “Peppa Pig, her friends and family have brought joy and laughter to global audiences of all ages for two decades. These delightful stamps will brighten up the day of anyone receiving mail with a touch of Peppa’s charm.”

Senior Vice President of Global Licensed Consumer Products, Hasbro, said: “As a lifelong best friend, Peppa Pig encourages kids to jump in together and confidently treat each first step as a new adventure – from the everyday to the epic. Getting mail in the post is an exciting and special treat for little ones, and we cannot think of a better way for families to embrace this first experience than with Peppa Pig stamps from Royal Mail!”

The stamps, and a range of collectible products, are available to pre-order now at www.royalmail.com/peppa-pig and by telephone on 03457 641 641. A Presentation Pack including all 12 stamps in the set is priced at £21.00 (currently US$26.38). The stamps go on general sale on 16 May.

From VSC: The collectibles include first day covers of the entire set of individual stamps, with either the Puddlestown, Dorchester, or Tallents House postmarks, at £16.75 and FDCs of the minisheet at £8.70.

There is also a set of postcards and a “medal cover,” the latter at £19.99

and a “fan sheet” at £7.50.