The Scott catalogue number for this stamp is 5300.
Updated May 10th: This stamp will be issued July 27th with a listed first-day city of Kansas City, MO. We are not sure if there will be a first-day ceremony.
Original announcement:
With this stamp, the Postal Service pays tribute to the sacrifice of American soldiers and millions of supporters on the home front who experienced World War I. Entering World War I (1914–1918) in its later stages, the United States helped turn the tide of war in favor of the Allies.
Updated June 22nd:
On July 27, 2018, in Kansas City, MO, the U.S. Postal Service® will issue the World War I: Turning the Tide stamp (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive pane of 20 stamps (Item 477400). The stamp will go on sale nationwide July 27, 2018.
With this stamp, the Postal Service™ pays tribute to the sacrifice of American soldiers and millions of supporters on the home front who experienced World War I. Entering World War I (1914–1918) in its later stages, the United States helped turn the tide of war in favor of the Allies. The stamp art features a close-up of a member of the American Expeditionary Force holding the U.S. flag. Barbed wire can be seen in the background, as well as an airplane in flight and smoke rising up from the battlefield. The artwork was painted in airbrush on illustration board, a technique that evokes the propaganda posters used during World War I. Art director Greg Breeding designed the stamp with art by Mark Stutzman.
Availability to Post Offices: Item 477400, World War I: Turning the Tide (Forever priced at the First-Class Mail rate) Commemorative Pane of 20 Stamps. Stamp Fulfillment Services will make an automatic push distribution to Post Offices™ with a quantity to cover approximately 30 days of sales.
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 usps.com/shop. 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 – WWI: Turning the Tide 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 November 27, 2018.
Technical Specifications:
Issue: World War I: Turning the Tide Stamp
Item Number: 477400
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: July 27, 2018, Kansas City, MO 64108
Art Director: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Designer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Typographer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Artist: Mark Stutzman, Mountain Lake Park, 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: 20,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, PMS 5473c Blue, PMS 1795c Red, PMS 4505c Gold
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.84 x 1.42 in./21.34 x 36.07 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 0.98 x 1.56 in./24.89 x 39.62 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 5.92 x 7.88 in./150.37 x 200.15 mm
Press Sheet Size (w x h): 11.84 x 23.89 in./300.74 x 606.81 mm
Plate Size: 240 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “P” followed by seven (7) digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Plate number in two corners • Header: World War I – Turning the Tide
Back: ©2017 USPS • USPS Logo • Two barcodes (477400) • Plate Position Diagram • Promotional Text
Updated July 31:
[press release]
World War I: Turning the Tide Forever Stamp
Honoring Those Who Served in Seminal Conflict
KANSAS CITY — Post Offices across the nation are selling the newest stamps to honor the millions of Americans, both home and abroad, who participated in World War I, considered the seminal conflict of the 20th century. World War I: Turning the Tide Forever stamps were dedicated in a special ceremony today at the National World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, MO.
“Even though the United States didn’t see action until the last year of the war, in 1918, American troops played an indispensable role in turning the tide of that war in favor of the Allies,” said dedicating official U.S. Postal Service General Counsel and Executive VP Thomas Marshall. “Today we pay tribute to the sacrifice of those soldiers, as well as the millions of supporters on the home front.”
World War I was a four-year global conflict (1914-1918) that reshaped the map of Europe. The United States remained neutral until April 1917, when it declared war on Germany and entered on the side of the Allies — Britain, France, and Russia. When the American Expeditionary Force, which ultimately grew to nearly 5 million troops, did finally engage in 1918, its actions helped end the war, thrusting the U.S. to the forefront of major world powers.
The stamp art features a close-up of a member of the American Expeditionary Force holding the U.S. flag. Barbed wire can be seen in the background, as well as an airplane in flight and smoke rising up from the battlefield. The artwork was painted in airbrush on illustration board, a technique that evokes the propaganda posters used during World War I. Art director Greg Breeding designed the issuance with art by Mark Stutzman. News of the stamps is being shared using the hashtag #WorldWarIStamp.
Customers may purchase the WWI: Turning the Tide Forever stamps through the Postal Store atusps.com/shop, by calling 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724) and at Post Office locations nationwide.
Ordering First-Day-of-Issue Postmarks
Customers have 120 days to obtain first-day-of-issue postmarks by mail. They may purchase new stamps at local Post Office facilities, at the Postal Store usps.com/shop or by phone at 800-STAMP-24. They must affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes to themselves or others and place them in envelopes addressed to:
FDOI – World War I: Turning the Tide Forever 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 postmarks up to a quantity of 50. For more than 50, customers are charged 5 cents each. All orders must be postmarked by Nov. 27, 2018.
Ordering First-Day Covers
The Postal Service also offers first-day covers for new stamps and stationery items postmarked with the official first-day-of-issue cancellation. Each item has an individual item number and is offered in the USA Philatelic Publication and online at usps.com/shop. Customers may register to receive a free USA Philatelic Publication online at usps.com/philatelic .
Philatelic Products
Philatelic products for this stamp issue are as follows:
477406, Press Sheet, $60.
477410, Digital Color Keepsake, $11.95.
477416, First-Day Cover, $0.94.
477421, Digital Color Postmark, $1.65.
Pathetic – one measly stamp for World War I, one year late (the US entered the war in 1917). We get 8 stamps for popsicles but one stamp for WWI. I guess we should be greatful that it got a stamp at all, unlike the 250th anniversary of the French & Indian War.
This is why I rarely collect modern US stamps.
As I said on the page that previewed all the 2018 issues, WWI did not have the impact here as it did in Europe. The US was only involved (as in “declared war”) for about a year and a half as compared to the nearly FIVE YEARS plus for the European countries on whose land it was fought.
In addition, the stamp celebrates the END of the war AND the impact America’s involvement had on the outcome (aka “Turning The Tide”); as such, it is NOT “one year late.”
Also, as I inferred, the USPS not only issues stamps based on popularity but also by how many people who are alive in relation to the stamp’s/stamps’ topic. There are more people alive now who like popcicles than are alive who were involved in WWI (and I could debate “why ONLY 8 popsicle stamps when there are more than 8 flavors and shapes?”). Remember the “Decade” stamps — the designs/topics for 1900-1940 were decided by committee while the designs/topics for 1950-1990 were voted on by the public; very similar logic.
As for the “French & Indian War” of 1756-1763; it was the part of the “Seven Years War” that was fought amongst European countries ‘here’ on British colonial soil, NOT on “American”/USA soil and did not effect ‘our’ standing on the world stage. The “French & Indian War” was France’s attempt to gain control of BRITISH colonies here in the New World and would have effected them, NOT the USA since bit didn’t exist at the time. And since, technically, the War effected a “foreign” country, the USPS has kind of gotten out of the habit of celebrating/honoring “foreign” events &/or anniversaries. So, no USPS stamp about the “French & Indian War” doesn’t surprise me. I even did a quick Internet search and could not find a 250th anniversary stamp issued by any country, not even Canada (who one would think would be one to issue such a commem).
I will say, however, I think the artwork could’ve been better. It kind of looks like a “paint by numbers.”
While I agree with Sean, I understand what you are saying. If people alive in relation to the event is one of the criterion of USPS, I guess we will never see another stamp featuring the founding fathers. I’m not sure what the USPS thinks their mission is but I hope they keep serious collectors like Sean in mind and go a little lighter on the Popsicles. In this day of email and postal meters, the USPS needs us a lot more than we need them.
a MORE DRAMATIC EFFECT MAYBE WOULD HAVE BEEN OF “GOING OVER THE TOP”.!!!
The French & Indian War was monumentally important to the founding of this nation. I won’t go into details – this is basic history. It was fought in places like Pennsylvania and New York, and involved several Founding Fathers including George Washington. Sorry, but I find the idea that the USPS should ignore all historical events prior to July 4, 1776 to be a bit ridiculous, particularly given that they are going to issue a stamp for John Lennon, who is not an American (Note: To be clear, I have no problem with the Lennon stamp – I’m a huge Beatles fan and the USPS has honored non-Americans before).
“More people are alive who like popsicles that who were involved in WWI” – I’m sorry, I can’t remotely take that a serious comment. EVERYONE living today was affected by World War I. World War I was the single most cataclysmic event of the 20th Century – it changed global boundaries; lead to rise of nationalism, communism, and fascism; marked the beginning of the end of the British Empire, and toppled the Ottoman Empire which lead directly to the problems that exist in the Middle East to this day. In the 18 months that the US participated in WWI, 116,000 Americans lost their lives and another 200,000 were wounded. Only the Civil War and WWII had higher casualty figures. The debt those men paid can never be returned, but I think the least that can be done is issue a series of 100th Anniversary stamps that honors their sacrifice.
I couldn’t agree more Sean!
I collect stamps for the history they portray, and the art form that they represent. I know many collectors who no longer collect modern US stamps because of lack of interest in the topics or disappointment in the designs. While I currently still purchase one of every design, year after year I lean more towards ending that practice. 2017 is costing roughly $145.00, imagine how many interesting topicals, or early US stamps I can add to my collection for that. …
I frequently find myself puzzling over the selection of topics from the USPS, and disappointed with the RIDICULOUSLY large number of stamps they are creating every year. I love Mexican / Hispanic food and consume it several time a week, but I don’t need stamps featuring a few food items, especially when they look to be designed as clip art for a menu. USPS = Wallpaper stamps.
Just my two bits worth. …
Yes, everyone living today is affected by what happened during WWI. BUT THAT IS NOT WHAT THE STAMP IS CELEBRATING/HONORING. Per the USPS release, the stamp is honoring the sacrifices MADE AT THAT TIME, NOT THE RESULTS SINCE THEN.
And, yes, the French-Indian War affected the FOUNDING of our country, but NOT the U.S.A. as such because that country did not yet exist. The War was a war among FOREIGN powers/countries, and we were neither. Yes, it was fought on soil that BECAME the U.S.A., but AT THE TIME, and “basic history,” we were BRITISH COLONIES — again, the “foreign” aspect — and everyone ‘here’ was considered to be a British subject.
If you disagree with the lack of commemorative stamp coverage, you can always write to the Advisory Council and suggest stamps/topics. I have.
And though you may not be able to take my ‘popcicle’ statement seriously, it is, nonetheless, a fact.
As for WWI being “the single most cataclysmic event of the 20th Century,” I feel that to be a very subjective statement. Almost everything you mentioned/attributed to WWI also happened as a result of WWII (which many say was the result of the treaty that ended WWI) — borders changed, governments and type of governments rose & changed, and global powers changed. If you include the use of atomic weapons, I think that would make WWII a more “cataclysmic event.”
I’m not trying to dismiss or downplay the importance of WWI (or any war/conflict and the lives lost and the sacrifices made), I’m just trying to get people to see WHY SOMETHING WAS DONE – – – which is different from why THEY THINK something was (or should be) done. For what the USPS STATED the stamp would be celebrating/honoring viewed from the END of the war, the stamp’s release time (though not technically accurate) is apropos.
And, (hopefully) finally, the USPS cannot honor/celebrate everything.
https://www.theworldwar.org/
From a USPS Announcement, this is where the ceremony will be.
Nothing in their store stamp=related. ( yet ? )
Well, The Local P.O. clerks confirmed the stamps were in the safe on Friday JUL 27, but no one could open it. The Supervisor was there at 1pm monday, and said he might get them out tomorrow…
Looks like another out-of-town trip if I want these 3 days late…
Micro-Print USPS above the right arm/shoulder. ( Not in above diagram )
Where’s The FDC?
The FDOI? In Kansas City, at the World War I museum there.
The clerks at the local post office that has everything didn’t know what I was talking about when I asked for the “World War One” stamp. But when I said “Turning The Tide,” they did, went into the vault and got the office’s package of 10 panes.
I bought 9 of ’em. 🙂
If the FDOI ceremony for “World War I — Turning the Tide” stamp was on July 26, 2018, why do both USPS cancels for the FDOI state July 27?
The first-day ceremony was held on the 27th.
Thank you…Linn’s has clarified that their article stating July 26 would be updated and corrected.