250 Years of Delivering (U.S. 2025)

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This 20-stamp issue was announced as part of the USPS celebration of its semiquincentennial. According to the April 28th press release, the design

by cartoonist Chris Ware that invites the public to spot a fun array of familiar postal items and icons while following a mail carrier on her rounds through four seasons of the year.

The USPS says this issue will be released in July. Further information will be posted below the line, with the most recent near the top.

Here is a look at the design of the rear of the pane of 20:

Updated May 2nd:
These stamps will have a “special dedication ceremony” on the second day of Great American Stamp Show, August 15th, in Schaumburg, IL. It is believed the first-day will be July 26th.

Benjamin Franklin (U.S. 2025)

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This stamp will only be available with the purchase of a “prestige booklet,” Putting a Stamp on the American Experience, “only the fourth ever issued by the Postal Service.” According to the April 28th press release

Two self-adhesive sheets of a new intaglio printed stamp featuring Benjamin Franklin are available exclusively with the booklet. The stamp is based on an 1875 reproduction of an 1847 5-cent stamp, one of the first official U.S. postage stamps.

The USPS says this issue will be released in July. More details will be posted below the line, with the most recent nearest the top.

Updated May 2nd:
This stamp will have a “special dedication ceremony” on the second day of Great American Stamp Show, August 15th, in Schaumburg, IL. It is believed the first-day will be July 26th.

Two Issues To Celebrate 250th (US 2025)

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[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
U.S. Postal Service Announces Stamps Celebrating Its 250th Anniversary

WASHINGTON — On July 26, 1775, the Second Continental Congress established a postal system for the United Colonies and appointed Benjamin Franklin as the first postmaster general. The U.S. Postal Service [April 28th] announced two stamp issues to celebrate its 250th anniversary — one of which is only available in an exclusive booklet.

The 32-page booklet — Putting a Stamp on the American Experience — celebrates the cultural importance of U.S. stamps.

Highlighting the popular series and subjects that give the stamp program its range and depth, this booklet — only the fourth ever issued by the Postal Service — commemorates the 250th anniversary of our nation’s postal system and celebrates the enduring influence of stamps on our shared heritage.

Two self-adhesive sheets of a new intaglio printed stamp featuring Benjamin Franklin are available exclusively with the booklet. The stamp is based on an 1875 reproduction of an 1847 5-cent stamp, one of the first official U.S. postage stamps.

The second release, 250 Years of Delivering, is a pane of 20 stamps by cartoonist Chris Ware that invites the public to spot a fun array of familiar postal items and icons while following a mail carrier on her rounds through four seasons of the year.

Both the prestige booklet which includes the Ben Frankin Stamp and the 250 Years of Delivering pane are scheduled to be released in July. There will be additional stamps in the 2025 stamps program announced soon. These designs are preliminary and may change.

Hey, Martha! What about stamp collecting?

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In a new article on the Martha Stewart website, an article titled “10 Hobbies for Older Adults That Improve Brain and Body Health” lists walking, learning languages, quilting, photography, dancing, video games, even juggling — but not stamp collecting.

In fact, a search for “philately” on the site only found two articles on addressing wedding invitations. “Stamp Collecting” as a search produces nine hits, including “How to Have a Collecting Hobby If You’re a Minimalist” (a passing mention after “holiday decorations”) and “10 Collectibles That Could Be Worth Serious Money.” We get first mention in that one, but are only ranked #8, with one short paragraph that has little useful information and, in fact, is somewhat misleading:

While your basic forever stamp might not be worth more than 73 cents, there are rare stamps that can fetch a pretty penny. If you inherit a stamp collection or find one at a secondhand store for a song, consider looking through it for presidential stamps or specific issues featuring important historical events.

There’s some good advice in “How to Value and Sell Your Antique or Vintage Collectibles” but absolutely no mention of stamps. Except, of course, for the last item: “Know When To Restore.” For stamps, that answer is “never” and “restoring” could get you in trouble.

The lack of information about philately makes me wonder about the other advice on the site. Someone should inform them of the oversight. I think I will.

Contemporary Dutch Writers (Netherlands 2025)

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[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
PostNL pays tribute to Dutch writers with RomanReuzen stamp sheet
10 contemporary writers immortalized in special issue

The Hague, April 22, 2025 – On April 22, 2025, PostNL will present the RomanReuzen stamp sheet, an ode to ten remarkable Dutch writers. The issue is part of the national project of the same name that encourages reading among young people. The ten stamps feature portraits of Kader Abdolah, Abdelkader Benali, Peter Buwalda, Adriaan van Dis, Jessica Durlacher, Bregje Hofstede, Mensje van Keulen, Astrid Roemer, Manon Uphoff and Tommy Wieringa.

Stimulating reading among young people
The RomanReuzen initiative was launched by journalist Frénk van der Linden and photographer Fjodor Buis, in collaboration with libraries, the Reading and Writing Foundation and the Libris bookstore chain. Through interview sessions with pupils, podcasts, masterclasses, a book and a travelling exhibition, literature is brought to the attention of young people in a fresh way.

Journalist Frénk van der Linden, who interviewed 52 writers for the project, emphasises the importance of reading: “Just like us, they see how incredibly important it is to stimulate reading, especially among young people. The essence of people is that we tell each other stories. Reading stimulates empathy and that is what connects us as people.”

The 52 podcasts with writer interviews can be listened to via romanreuzen.nl.

A visual ode to the novel
The stamps were designed by graphic designer Lex Reitsma, based on portrait photos by Fjodor Buis. Each stamp shows a black-and-white portrait of a writer in a drawn book cover, creating the impression of a table full of books on display in a bookstore. The drawing continues visually across the stamps and the sheet edge, as a reference to the wealth of literature.

Fjodor Buis says about his approach:
“It had to be a series with sufficient similarities, but at the same time with enough differences to avoid monotony. Photographing outdoors is exciting, because something unexpected always happens. Like with Tommy Wieringa, who I photographed behind his house at the moment his chickens escaped. That is why he is holding one in his arms.”

Availability
The RomanReuzen stamp sheet contains ten stamps with value indication 1, intended for mail up to and including 20 grams with a destination within the Netherlands. The price is € 12.10. The stamps are available – while stocks last – from 22 April at Bruna stores, via www.postnl.nl/bijzondere-postzegels and can be ordered by telephone via Collect Club: 088 868 99 00.

Note: PostNL does not sell directly to collectors in North America. Its website refers to a company called Nordfirm, which says it sells Dutch new issues at face value. The Virtual Stamp Club has no connection to this company.

Collectors may also wish to contact the U.S. firm Bombay Stamps, which can also obtain first day covers upon request, with lower shipping fees. The email is sales@bombaystamps.com Again, The Virtual Stamp Club has no connection to this company.

[in Nederlands voor kranten]
PostNL brengt ode aan Nederlandse schrijvers met postzegelvel RomanReuzen
10 hedendaagse schrijvers vereeuwigd op bijzondere uitgifte

Den Haag, 22 april 2025 – PostNL presenteert op 22 april 2025 het postzegelvel RomanReuzen, een ode aan tien markante Nederlandse schrijvers. De uitgifte maakt deel uit van het gelijknamige landelijke project dat lezen onder jongeren stimuleert. Op de tien postzegels prijken portretten van Kader Abdolah, Abdelkader Benali, Peter Buwalda, Adriaan van Dis, Jessica Durlacher, Bregje Hofstede, Mensje van Keulen, Astrid Roemer, Manon Uphoff en Tommy Wieringa.

Lezen stimuleren onder jongeren
Het initiatief RomanReuzen werd in het leven geroepen door journalist Frénk van der Linden en fotograaf Fjodor Buis, in samenwerking met onder andere bibliotheken, Stichting Lezen en Schrijven en boekwinkelketen Libris. Via interviewsessies met scholieren, podcasts, masterclasses, een boek, en een reizende tentoonstelling wordt literatuur op een frisse manier onder de aandacht gebracht bij jongeren.

Journalist Frénk van der Linden, die voor het project 52 schrijvers interviewde, benadrukt het belang van lezen: “Net als wij zien zij in hoe ontzettend belangrijk het is om lezen te stimuleren, met name onder jongeren. De essentie van mensen is toch dat wij verhalen aan elkaar vertellen. Lezen stimuleert empathie en dat is toch wat ons mensen met elkaar verbindt.”

De 52 podcasts met schrijversinterviews zijn te beluisteren via romanreuzen.nl.

Een visuele ode aan de roman
De postzegels zijn ontworpen door grafisch ontwerper Lex Reitsma, op basis van portretfoto’s van Fjodor Buis. Elke postzegel toont een zwart-witportret van een schrijver in een getekend boekomslag, waarmee de indruk ontstaat van een tafel vol uitgestalde boeken in een boekhandel. De tekening loopt visueel door over de postzegels en de velrand, als verwijzing naar de rijkdom aan literatuur.

Over zijn aanpak zegt Fjodor Buis:
“Het moest een serie worden met voldoende overeenkomsten, maar tegelijkertijd met genoeg verschillen om eentonigheid te vermijden. Buiten fotograferen is spannend, want er gebeurt altijd iets onverwachts. Zoals bij Tommy Wieringa die ik achter zijn huis fotografeerde op het moment dat zijn kippen ontsnapten. Vandaar dat hij er 1 in zijn armen houdt.”

Verkrijgbaarheid
Het postzegelvel RomanReuzen bevat tien postzegels met waardeaanduiding 1, bedoeld voor post tot en met 20 gram met een bestemming binnen Nederland. De prijs is € 12,10. De postzegels zijn – zolang de voorraad strekt – vanaf 22 april verkrijgbaar bij de Bruna-winkels, via www.postnl.nl/bijzondere-postzegels en telefonisch te bestellen via Collect Club: 088 868 99 00.

USPS Celebrates 250th Anniversary

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[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
U.S. Postal Service Celebrates 250 Years
A new eagle takes flight to commemorate the milestone

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service is celebrating 250 years of continuous and reliable delivery to the American people.

Before the invention of telegraphs, telephones and televisions, the Postal Service was created and has evolved to serve the nation through decades of technological, cultural and economic changes. As the organization’s anniversary approaches, USPS honors its past while focusing on delivering now and into the future.

“The founders of our great nation saw the intrinsic need of postal services as the United States was born — even before the country itself was formed. Since that time, our universal mail system has strengthened the bonds of friendship, family and community,” said acting U.S. Postmaster General Doug Tulino. “The Postal Service remains a great organization connecting our nation and helping power our economy. We are proud to help set the stage for the 250th anniversary of the United States next year, and we look forward to continuing to serve the American public for another 250 years.”

The bald eagle has been featured on the official USPS seal since 1970, when the Postal Reorganization Act was signed into law. The eagle encompasses everything USPS stands for and embraces the symbol the nation’s founders chose to represent America’s strength and freedom. That symbolism was carried over into the creation of the current Postal Service “sonic eagle” logo in 1993 and now has been evolved further in honor of the 250th anniversary.

The new Eagle in Flight symbol was created in collaboration with the Turner Duckworth agency to showcase the iconic and unique role of connecting the nation through the past, present and future. The face of the Eagle in Flight honors the Postal Service’s roots while amplifying the notion of delivering into the future through the wings. As it takes flight, its wings show confidence and purpose, while the vibrant colors exude a spirit of celebration. The Eagle in Flight does not replace the sonic eagle logo but will be used to help celebrate throughout 2025.

In addition to unveiling the Eagle in Flight symbol, USPS will commemorate this historic milestone with several exciting events and releases throughout the year, including:

  • Commemorative stamps;
  • A USPS-licensed coffee table book;
  • A 250th anniversary edition of “The United States Postal Service: An American History,” available online and in print;
  • Assorted branded merchandise;
  • A special episode of the “Mail with Mr. ZIP” YouTube series that will focus on the 250th anniversary;
  • Special advertising campaigns using the “Delivering since 1775” theme;
  • Social media, podcasts and blog posts to commemorate the milestone; and
  • Other exciting events to be announced as the anniversary approaches.

News and updates of the U.S. Postal Service’s 250th anniversary activities can be found at usps.com/news or by using the hashtag #USPS250 on social media.

Armed Services: One First-Day or Three Separate?

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The US Postal Service will issue all three stamps on the same day in Washington, rather than in three separate ceremonies, as expected. How do you feel about that?

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Behind the Betty White/Arthur Duncan Dragon Card

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Now available:


Dgn 854 $4.00


You can see this and more on the Dragon Cards Web site.

The last line in the Dragon Card text is “Her show was canceled later that year.” The Duncan incident was never cited as the reason that the show was dropped; just declining ratings.

This was a common technique for the networks: They would move a show they wanted to dump around the schedule, often to unpopular time slots. Fans had trouble finding and watching these shows, so of course their ratings dropped.

Another reason for declining ratings for a show such as White was if the Southern affiliates didn’t carry the show, fewer people watched it and of course (again) the ratings dropped.

Stations do not have to carry a network’s shows. Often, if a show is doing poorly in the ratings, they will opt for something with a guaranteed income that they don’t have to share with the network. Even the network-owned stations, such as WCBS or KNBC, are free to drop the network shows for, say, “The Billy Graham Hour.”

USPS Seeks Rate Hike in July 2025

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“Put another nickel in…. ”

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
U.S. Postal Service Recommends New Prices for July

WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Postal Service today filed notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) of mailing services price changes to take effect July 13. The new rates include a 5-cent increase in the price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp from 73 cents to 78 cents.

The proposed adjustments, approved by the governors of the Postal Service, would raise mailing services product prices approximately 7.4 percent. If favorably reviewed by the commission, the price changes would include:

Product
Letters (1 oz.)
Letters (metered 1 oz.)
Additional Ounces
Domestic Postcards
International Postcards
International Letter (1 oz.)		 Current Prices
73¢
69¢
28¢
56¢
$1.65
$1.65		 Proposed Prices
78¢
74¢
29¢
62¢
$1.70
$1.70

The Postal Service is also seeking price adjustments for the Special Services products. Notably, the Postal Service will apply a price reduction of 12 percent for postal insurance when mailing an item.

As changes in the mailing and shipping marketplace continue, these price adjustments are needed to achieve the financial stability sought by the organization’s Delivering for America 10-year plan. USPS prices remain among the most affordable in the world.

Following a directive from the PRC, the Postal Service is filing two sets of prices for Marketing Mail and Package Services products. While only one set of rates will go into effect on July 13, these prices address the pending proposal to eliminate Bound Printed Matter and expand Marketing Mail, pending the commission’s approval. USPS will release additional communications to address price changes in these categories.

The PRC will review the changes before they are scheduled to take effect. The complete Postal Service price filing, with prices for all products, can be found on the commission’s website under the Daily Listings section. The Mailing Services filing is Docket No. R2025-1. The price tables are also available on the Postal Service’s Postal Explorer website at pe.usps.com/PriceChange/Index.

March-April 2025 First Days Online

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The new issue of First Days is online here.

The feature article is on the ArtCraft cachets for the George Eastman FDCs of 1954 (Sc. 1062). Other articles include error postmarks on FDCs, cachets for Sc. 989 Statue of Freedom, Baffling Cachets and Part 2 of a checklist of cachets and cancellations for World Stamp Expo 2000.

Some additional news:

The AFDCS “central office” is closed for the entire month of April, although Your Faithful Officers (and the rest of us) try to pick up the slack.

You can pay electronically for items from the AFDCS (such as memberships or covers) without having or getting a PayPal account. You’ll find details here.