Scott Catalogue Number: 5136

Updated September 17th: Here is the DCP for this issue: It measures 2.98” x 1.416”. The B&W postmark is the standard 4-bar First Day Of Issue.

Updated September 15th: From the USPS:
On September 24, 2016, in Kansas City, MO, the U.S. Postal Service will issue the Eastern Tailed-Blue (Butterfly) Non-machineable Surcharge rate stamp, (Non-denominated priced at 68 cents), in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 119500).

The stamp will go on sale nationwide September 24, 2016.

The Eastern tailed-blue butterfly graces the sixth non-machineable butterfly stamp for use on irregularly sized envelopes, such as square greeting cards, invitations, or announcements. The stamp art was created on a computer, using images of preserved butterflies as a starting point. The result is a highly stylized, simplified image of an Eastern tailed-blue rather than an exact replica. The Eastern tailed-blue butterfly (Cupido comyntas) is named for the iridescent blue color of its upper wing surface, more vivid in the male, which is depicted in this illustration. Common east of the Rocky Mountains and in some parts of the West, the Eastern tailed-blue butterfly’s range also extends into Mexico, Central America, and southern Canada.

The square format of the stamp was developed in partnership with the greeting card industry specifically for oversized or square envelopes. These envelopes cannot pass through the automated postal processing system and have to be hand-cancelled. They are charged a non-machineable surcharge even if they weigh less than one ounce. Greeting card envelopes printed with a silhouette of a butterfly indicate the need for additional postage — or the use of a butterfly stamp. Any non-machineable envelope, like oddly-shaped or vertical envelopes, as well as lumpy envelopes, rigid envelopes, or mail with clasps, ribbons, or buttons, may use this stamp.

The Eastern Tailed-Blue (Butterfly) stamp is available in sheets of twenty. The words “NON-MACHINEABLE SURCHARGE” on the stamp indicate its usage value. Like a Forever stamp, this stamp will always be valid for the rate printed on it. Nationally known artist Tom Engeman created the stamp art. Art director Derry Noyes designed the stamp.

Stamp Fulfillment Services will not make an automatic push distribution to Post Offices

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
Customers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office, at The Postal Store website at http:⁄⁄www.usps.com⁄shop, or by calling 800-782-6724. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

Eastern Tailed-Blue (Butterfly) Stamp
Stamp Fulfillment Services
Cancellation Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Pillar 210
Kansas City, MO 64144-9998

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 November 24, 2016.

There are three philatelic products for this stamp issue:

• 119516 First-Day Cover, $1.12
• 119521 Digital Color Postmark, $1.83
• 119524 Framed Art, $19.95.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Eastern Tailed-Blue (Butterfly) Stamp
Item Number: 119500
Denomination & Type of Issue: Non-machineable Surcharge Rate, Mail-Use
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: N⁄A
Issue Date & City: September 24, 2016, Kansas City, MO 64108
Art Director: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Designer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Typographer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Artist: Tom Engeman, Frederick, MD
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Printed at: Williamsville, NY
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 150,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Spot Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 1.09 x 1.09 in.⁄27.56 x 27.56 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 1.23 x 1.23 in.⁄31.12 x 31.12 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 5.90 x 7.12 in.⁄149.86 x 180.85 mm
Plate Size: 240 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “P” followed by four (4) digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Header “EASTERN TAILED-BLUE” • Plate number in four corners of pane
Back: USPS Logo • Barcode (119500) upper right and lower left corners • Plate position diagram • ©USPS 2016 • Promotional text

[USPS press release]
Butterfly Stamp to Alight On Post Office Locations Across Nation

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal will issue the Eastern Tailed-Blue butterfly stamp as a 68-cent nonmachineable stamp. It will be for use on irregularly sized envelopes, such as square greeting cards, invitations and announcements. Details on the date of the stamp issue will be forthcoming.

Nationally acclaimed artist Tom Engeman created the stamp design on a computer using images of preserved butterflies as a starting point. The result is a highly stylized, simplified image of an Eastern Tailed-Blue rather than an exact replica.

The Eastern Tailed-Blue butterfly (Cupido comyntas) is named for the iridescent blue color of its upper wing surface, more vivid in the male, and for the short, thread-like tail on each hind wing. Females are often slate grey, sometimes with vivid blue coloration close to the body. This 2016 stamp depicts a first-generation male, which displays the species’ brightest coloration. Each year sees two or more generations, the latter being less colorful.

The square format of the stamp was developed in collaboration with the greeting card industry specifically for oversized or square envelopes. These envelopes cannot pass through the automated Postal Service processing system and have to be hand-cancelled. The envelopes are charged a non-machineable surcharge even if they weigh less than 1 ounce. Greeting card envelopes printed with a silhouette of a butterfly indicate the need for additional postage — or the use of a butterfly stamp. Any nonmachineable envelope, like oddly-shaped or vertical envelopes, as well as lumpy envelopes, rigid envelopes and mail with clasps, ribbons and buttons may use this stamp.

These nonmachineable surcharge stamps will be issued in panes of 20. The words “NON-MACHINEABLE SURCHARGE” on the stamp indicate its usage value. Like a Forever stamp, this stamp will always be valid for the rate printed on it.

Once released, customers may purchase the Eastern Tailed-Blue butterfly stamps at usps.com/stamps, at the Postal Store usps.com/shop, by calling 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724) and at Post Office locations nationwide. A variety of stamps and collectibles also is available at ebay.com/stamps.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.