Britain Marks Longest Reign (UK 2015)

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[edited from press release]
ROYAL MAIL ISSUES STAMPS TO MARK HISTORIC LANDMARK FOR THE ROYAL FAMILYlongreignRoyal Mail is issuing a Miniature Sheet on 9 September to commemorate the historic landmark of Her Majesty The Queen becoming the longest reigning UK Monarch.

Queen Victoria’s reign of 63 years and 216 days WAS exceeded by The Queen this morning.

The Miniature Sheet will comprise five stamps including a specially created purple coloured First Class Definitive which will replace the current red version for the next 12 months.

The stamps will be on sale from 9 September 2015 online, from 8,000 Post Office branches across the UK, and by phoning Royal Mail Tallents House on 03457 641 641.
The full line-up of stamps on the Miniature Sheet is as follows:

  • 1st class — William Wyon’s City Medal, featuring the head of Queen Victoria, commemorated her first visit to London. The image on the Penny Black (the world’s first postage stamp) was based on this portrait, which in turn was based on a sketch of Princess Victoria when she was 15 years old.
  • 1st class — Dorothy Wilding’s three-quarter profile photograph of Her Majesty was one of a series taken in April 1952 and was printed on British postage stamps from 1952 until 1967.
  • 1st class — The classic Machin definitive, featuring the iconic profile of Her Majesty by sculptor Arnold Machin has been in use on definitive stamps since 1967. The iridescent overprint on the stamp bears the text ‘Long to Reign Over Us’. This new stamp is also available in stamp books.
  • £1.52 — The Badge of the House of Windsor, featuring a depiction of the Round Tower of Windsor Castle flying the Royal Standard, was approved by King George VI in Council at Buckingham Palace.
  • £1.52 — Created for use in Commonwealth countries, The Queen’s Personal Flag was designed at Her Majesty’s request in 1960. This is a gold ‘E’ with a crown, surrounded by a garland of roses. It symbolises the Queen’s role as Head of the Commonwealth. The device from the flag appears on the stamp.

Andrew Hammond, Director, Stamps and Collectibles, Royal Mail said: “Royal Mail stamps mark the most significant anniversaries and landmark events in the life of our country. We are proud to commemorate Her Majesty becoming the longest-reigning monarch in UK history.”

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News coverage of Queen Elizabeth’s reign surpassing Queen Victoria’s:

 

U.S. Scott Catalogue Numbers – Sept. 2015 Update

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5004 (49¢) Summer Harvest – Watermelon
5005 (49¢) Summer Harvest – Sweet corn
5006 (49¢) Summer Harvest – Cantaloupes
5007 (49¢) Summer Harvest – Tomatoes
a. Block of 4, #5004-5007
b. Convertible booklet pane of 20, 5 each #5004-5007
c. As “a,” imperforate
d. As “b,” imperforate
5008 (49¢) Coast Guard
a. Imperforate
5009 (49¢) Elvis Presley
a. Imperforate

UX646 (35¢) Flowers and Bee postal card
UY53 (35¢)+(35¢) Flowers and Bee paid reply postal card

Soakable U.S. Stamps?

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It’s something many collectors want. So we put the question to Mary-Anne Penner, acting director of the U.S. Postal Service’s Stamp Services department. Hear her answer here.

Transcript:

“Yes, they’re possible. Are we going to go completely to a soakable stamp? I’m going to tell you know, because the cost is expensive. But I have reached out to both printers and we’re going to see what we can do. You know, maybe we can do one edition a year. Let’s see what happens. You know, you’ve got to give me some time. I need to get true facts; I don’t want to rush into anything, and I want to see what other people are doing, I mean, other countries.”

APS Update – Notes from the Meeting

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by Lloyd A. de Vries

This didn’t come up until the Q&A of the General Membership Meeting on Saturday, August 22, 2015, surprisingly, but I think it’s the information most people want first: The American Philatelic Society currently has just over 31,000 members, with approximately 29,500 of them in the U.S. In the past year, the APS has a net loss of 440 paid memberships; including Life Members, the APS has lost 560 members.

I thought Scott English, the new Executive Director, did a nice job introducing the APS staffers present in the room and the show; he seemed to know something about each of them, even though he’s only been on the job since August 10th.

APS president Steve Reinhard notes that there have been quite a few major personnel changes in the past year: English, Jay Bigalke as American Philatelist editor, Megan Orient as Director of Shows and Exhibitions. He thanked Ken Martin for his many years of service and noted that Ken is now Chief Operating Officer. That got a solid round of applause from the members.

Reinhard announced that the American Philatelic Center is finally on the way to completion of the American Philatelic Research Library facility.

He announced that the Stamps Teach program is successful, and has received a $25,000 matching grant. What wasn’t mentioned is that the Director of Education position has been vacant for several months.

He finished by announcing that he was not running for re-election as president (as previously reported here in The Virtual Stamp Club), adding that “it is very important that we get the right people in office.”

Board of Vice Presidents chair Alex Haiman announced that the VPs have handled 14 complaints in the past year. Half were resolved from a BVP hearing. One is in appeal, and there were two expulsions.

Treasurer Ken Nilsestuen reported that both the APS and APRL are in good financial condition. The APS received a surprise bequest from Walter Weber of $1.3 million, which allowed the library completion project to start. It provides about two-thirds of the necessary funds.

Matt Liebason, the new chair of the Membership Committee, said that there needs to be more one-on-one recruiting. “You are the ones who care enough to come to a meeting on Saturday morning,” he said. “We will turn this around.”

Society Attorney Kathleen Yurchak reported there is one lawsuit pending against the APS over a disputed donation.

APRL president Roger Brody reported that the Library is expanding from 7-8,000 square feet to more than 20,000 square feet.

World Stamp Show-New York 2016 president Wade Saadi said buzz is starting around the world about the next U.S. International, which will start on May 28th. “[International] shows in the U.S. are a focal point of philately,” he said.

WSS-NY2016 has booked 15,600 hotel room-nights, but half have already been taken. He advises booking as soon as possible. You can cancel with no penalty up to one month before the show. (Click here to go to the reservation page on the “NY2016.org” site.) 80% of the dealer booths have been taken; only two society booths are available.

In his first report as Executive Director, Scott English says he wants to retire the library debt “quickly and aggressively.” The target to complete the library project is April.

The APS and APRL will be reviewing and renegotiating their agreement over the use and administration of the American Philatelic Center.

The APS is in the process of hiring a Director of Education, with the emphasis on “distance liearning” (course on the Internet).

In conclusion, “Anyone who ever steps foot into a stamp show will meet friends for life,” he said.

Surprisingly, not announced was the APS board’s decision to hold its 2017 winter show, AmeriStamp Expo, in Reno, and StampShow 2019 (summer) in Omaha. The vote was reported in Linn’s Stamp News.

More Notes from USPS Forums @ StampShow

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In a public forum with collectors, acting Stamp Services chief Mary-Anne Penner was told that collectors need to be better educated about what stamps are available, and what collectors want when buying stamps. Penner replied that that is one of the top goals in 2016 for Lori Mazzone, who is now in charge of products and exhibitions for Stamp Services.

“We recognize the fact that training is needed,” Mazzone said. However, actual sales in post offices come under the Retail department, not Stamp Services. Penner says she is working with the VP in that area.

Penner also floated the possibilities of single-stamp sales and soakable stamps.

For the past year or so, post offices have been allowed to trade stamps with each other.

One of the first changes she made upon becoming acting director of Stamp Services, Mary-Anne Penner said, was dropping the phrase “limited edition” from marketing and promotion for USPS philatelic products. To her, a “limited edition” is in small quantities and probably sequentially numbered.

Single-Stamp Sales by USPS

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“We need to have stamps that we can sell singly, and there will be [some] in 2016,” said acting U.S. Postal Service Stamp Services chief Mary-Anne Penner in a public forum with collectors at APS StampShow 2015 in Grand Rapids.

Soakable Stamps In U.S. Future

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In a public forum with collectors, acting Stamp Services chief Mary-Anne Penner said her department is looking at producing more soakable stamps. The collectors applauded. She cautioned that it won’t be every issue, and there won’t be huge numbers of these stamps.

CCL Out As U.S. Stamp Printer

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In a public forum with collectors, acting Stamp Services chief Mary-Anne Penner revealed that the USPS now only works with two “security” printers: Sennett and Ashton-Potter. CCL is no longer one of the contractors for stamp printing.

Repeal of the Stamp Act, 1766 (U.S. 2016)

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Unveiling the stamp at the first-day ceremony:repeal_unveilLeft to right: Janet Klug, Chair, Citizen Stamp Advisory Committee; Scott English, Executive Director American Philatelic Society; Daniel A. Piazza, Chief Curator of Philately, Smithsonian National Postal Museum; Michael J. Elston, Associate General Counsel and Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer, USPS; Kevin J. Crocilla, New York City Postmaster; Antonio Alcala, art director for this issue; Dr. Cheryl R. Ganz, CSAC member. Ceremony photographs courtesy USPS.

[press release]
New Forever Stamp Souvenir Sheet Marks 250th Anniversary of the Repeal of the Stamp Act

NEW YORK — The U.S. Postal Service today dedicated a Forever stamp souvenir sheet commemorating the 250th anniversary of the repeal of the Stamp Act in 1766. The Stamp Act was British legislation that proved historic in galvanizing and uniting the American colonies, setting them on a path toward independence.

The stamp ceremony was held at the World Stamp Show— NY 2016 at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City, which continues through June 4. The United States plays host to a sanctioned international stamp show only once every 10 years.

repeal_elston“To me, the stamp represents what’s great about America and Americans,” said U.S. Postal Service Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer Mike Elston (right). “Whether born here or only just recently arrived, we share in common a passionate love of liberty and freedom, and the willingness to sacrifice whatever it takes — even ‘our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor’ — to defend our liberties and our freedom,” he said, referring to the last line in the Declaration of Independence.

repeal_englishThese new stamps have been printed – and will be sold – only as complete souvenir sheets of 10 stamps, priced at $4.70 (10 X $0.47). (Left: American Philatelic Society executive director Scott English.)

The Stamp Act, enacted in 1765, required payment of a tax on a wide array of paper materials, such as newspapers, pamphlets, legal documents, licenses, mortgages, contracts and bills of sale. A stamp would be embossed on these papers to indicate payment.

repeal_piazzaThe commemorative stamp art depicts a crowd gathered around a “liberty tree” to celebrate the repeal of the Stamp Act. “Liberty trees” could be found in a number of cities throughout the colonies, and were popular gathering spots for community meetings, political discussions, celebrations and more. (Right: Smithsonian National Postal Museum philatelic curator Daniel Piazza.)

The selvage area on the left side of the souvenir sheet displays a proof print of a one-penny revenue stamp, and includes a famous slogan from the era: “Taxation without representation is tyranny.” Verso text appears on the back of the pane. The stamp was illustrated by noted historical painter Greg Harlin of Annapolis, MD. Art director Antonio Alcalá designed the stamp and the pane.

Updated April 29th, from the Postal Bulletin:
s_stampactOn May 29, 2016, in New York, NY, the U.S. Postal Service® will issue the Repeal of the Stamp Act stamp (Forever® priced at 47 cents) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) souvenir sheet of 10 stamps (Item 586700). The Repeal of the Stamp Act souvenir sheet may not be split, and the stamps may not be sold individually.

The stamp will go on sale nationwide May 29, 2016.

This 2016 issuance of the Repeal of the Stamp Act stamp commemorates the 250th anniversary of the repeal of the Stamp Act — British legislation that galvanized and united the American colonies and set them on a path toward revolution. The act required payment of a tax on a wide array of paper materials, such as newspapers, pamphlets, legal documents, licenses, mortgages, contracts, and bills of sale. A stamp would be embossed on these papers to indicate payment. The postage stamp depicts a crowd gathered around a “liberty tree” to celebrate the repeal of the Stamp Act. The selvage area displays a proof print of a one-penny revenue stamp and includes a famous slogan from the era: “Taxation without representation is tyranny.” Verso text appears on the back of the pane. The stamp was illustrated by noted historical painter Greg Harlin. Art director Antonio Alcalá designed the stamp and the pane.

Initial Supply to Post Offices: Stamp Fulfillment Services will not make an automatic push distribution to Post Offices™. Post Offices may begin ordering stamps prior to the FDOI through SFS Web.

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:⁄⁄stampactpanewww.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:

Repeal of the Stamp Act Stamp
Special Events Coordinator
380 West 33rd Street
New York, NY 10199-9998

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 July 29, 2016.

There are nine philatelic products for this stamp issue:

  • 586706 Press Sheet with Die-cut, $56.40 (print quantity 3,000)
  • 586710 Keepsake, $11.95
  • 586716 First-Day Cover, $0.91
  • 586718 First-Day Cover, Full Pane, $7.20
  • 586719 Cancelled Full Pane, $7.20
  • 586721 Digital Color Postmark, $1.62
  • 586724 Framed Art, $39.95
  • 586730 Ceremony Program, $6.95
  • 586733 Panel, $17.95

Technical Specifications:

s_stampactIssue: Repeal of the Stamp Act Stamp
Item Number: 586700
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Souvenir Sheet of 10 (1 design)
Series: N⁄A
Issue Date & City: May 29, 2016, New York, NY 10199
Designer: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Art Director: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Typographer: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Artist: Greg Harlin, Annapolis, MD
Modeler: Sandra Lane⁄Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Printed at: Browns Summit, NC
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Pane: 10
Print Quantity: 12 million stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper, Block
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America, Browns Summit SC
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 1.09 x 1.42 in.⁄27.56 x 36.07 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 1.23 x 1.56 in.⁄31.12 x 39.62 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 8.5 x 5.00 in.⁄215.90 x 127.00 mm
Press Sheets Size (w x h): 25.5 x 20.00 in.⁄647.70 x 508.00 mm
Plate Size: 120 stamps per revolution
Marginal Markings:
Back:
© 2015 USPS • USPS logo • Plate position diagram • Barcode (586700) in lower right corner of pane • Promotional text • Verso text

From the USPS August 20, 2015:

FDOI: Second Quarter (at World Stamp Show-NY 2016)
Format: Pane of 10 [souvenir sheet]

s_stampactThis issuance commemorates the 250th anniversary of the repeal of the Stamp Act, British legislation that galvanized and united the American colonies and set them on a path toward revolution. The act required payment of a tax on a wide array of paper materials, such as newspapers, pamphlets, legal documents, licenses, mortgages, contracts, and bills of sale. A stamp would be embossed on these papers to indicate payment.

The stamp art depicts a crowd gathered around a “liberty tree” to celebrate the repeal of the Stamp Act. The selvage area displays a proof print of a one-penny revenue stamp and includes a famous slogan from the era: “Taxation without representation is tyranny.” Verso text appears on the back of the pane.

Artist: Greg Harlin
Art Director: Antonio Alcalá

Full pane: stampactpane