Boston 2026 Stamp Show (U.S. 2026)

These stamps were announced by the USPS on March 6th:

For one week in May 2026, the world capital of stamp collecting will be Boston, host of the Boston 2026 World Expo, the 12th international philatelic exhibition of the United States. To build anticipation and commemorate this confluence of art, history and international goodwill, two intaglio-printed stamps will highlight the special role of Boston in the American Revolution as we prepare to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary. Greg Breeding, an art director for USPS, designed these stamps with digital illustrations by Dan Gretta featuring the Old North Church and a “midnight rider” on horseback in Colonial garb.

No date of issuance or city was given. However, many philatelists expect them to be issued at Great American Stamp Show in August. The latest information will appear below the line, with the most recent at the top.


Updated July 24th:
Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue: The Digital Color Postmark measures 1.99″ x 1.48″ The Pictorial Postmark measures 1.89″ x 1.24″The NTSS postmark measures 2.646″ x 1.7834″ The Americover postmark for the first day of the show measures 2.3125″ x 1.50″

From the Postal Bulletin:
On August 14, 2025, in Schaumburg, IL, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Boston 2026 World Stamp Show stamps (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate), in two designs, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 487300). This stamp will go on sale nationwide August 14, 2025, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue. The Boston 2026 World Stamp Show commemorative pane of 20 stamps must not be split and the stamps must not be sold individually.

Issued to celebrate the Boston 2026 World Expo, the 12th international philatelic exhibition of the United States, these two stamps highlight the special role of Boston in the American Revolution as we prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. Digital illustrations on these intaglio-printed stamps depict the Old North Church and a “midnight rider” on horseback in colonial garb. Dan Gretta created the digital illustrations for the stamps. Greg Breeding served as art director and stamp designer.

Automatic distribution.

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 – Boston 2026 World Stamp Show 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 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 December 14, 2025.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Boston 2026 World Stamp Show Stamps
Item Number: 487300
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (2 designs)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: August 14, 2025, Schaumburg, IL 60194
Art Director: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Designer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Artist: Dan Gretta, Asheville, NC
Modeler: Sandra Lane / Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Intaglio
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Phoenix
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 12,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Pantone 301 C
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.8400 x 1.4200 in. / 21.3360 x 36.0680 mm.
Overall Size (w x h): 0.9800 x 1.5600 in. / 24.8920 x 39.6240 mm.
Full Pane Size (w x h): 5.9200 x 7.8800 in. / 150.3680 x 200.1520 mm.
Press Sheets Size (w x h): 11.8400 x 23.6400 in. / 300.7360 x 600.4560 mm.
Plate Size: 120 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “B” followed by one (1) single digit
Marginal Markings:
Front: Header: BOSTON 2026 WORLD STAMP SHOW • Plate number in bottom two corners
Footer: MAY 23-30, 2026, BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
Back: ©2025 USPS • USPS logo • Two barcodes (487300) • Plate position diagram (6) • Promotional text

Updated July 10th:
[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
USPS To Release Stamps Celebrating Boston 2026 World Stamp Expo

What: At the 2025 Great American Stamp Show in Schaumburg IL, the U.S. Postal Service will issue a set of stamps in anticipation of the Boston 2026 World Stamp Exposition. Issued to celebrate this once-a-decade extravaganza, these two stamps highlight the special role of Boston in the American Revolution as the Postal Service prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation.

The first-day-of-issue event for the Boston 2026 World Stamp Show Commemorative Forever stamps is free and open to the public. News of the stamps is being shared with the hashtag #WorldStampShowStamps.

Who: William G. Fraine, senior vice president, national sales, U.S. Postal Service

When: Thursday, Aug. 14, at 11 a.m. CDT

Where:
Great American Stamp Show
Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center
1551 North Thoreau Drive
Schaumburg, IL 60173

RSVP: Attendees are encouraged to register at usps.com/worldstampshowstamps.

Background: For one week in May 2026, the world capital of stamp collecting will be Boston, host to the 2026 World Expo, the 12th international philatelic exhibition of the United States.

From May 23-30, 2026, the Boston 2026 World Expo will fill the halls and meeting rooms of the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. Spanning 352,000 square feet of exhibition space, the expo will feature a vast bourse — the philatelic term for a collectors’ and dealers’ marketplace — as well as hundreds of collectors’ club and society meetings, competitive exhibitions, dedication ceremonies for new stamps, and displays and exhibits by postal authorities around the world.

This event offers rare and remarkable opportunities for stamp collectors to connect with colleagues and friends, build their collections, learn from experts, and fully immerse themselves in their hobby. For curious newcomers and the public, the expo offers eye-catching displays of visually stunning stamps, opportunities to learn about other countries and their cultures, and a rich sense of tradition in a fun, family-friendly setting.

The United States hosted its first international philatelic exhibition in New York City in 1913 and has hosted similar expos once a decade ever since. In 1926, the U.S. Post Office Department issued a special souvenir sheet commemorating the 1777 Battle of White Plains with text promoting the second international philatelic exhibition on the selvage, the start of a tradition of commemorating or promoting the exhibition through stamps.

Since the 1970s, a tradition of issuing special U.S. stamps to commemorate the international philatelic exhibition at the event itself has, with some exceptions, generally given way to the release of stamps to promote the exhibition in advance. Today, many other nations issue stamps, sometimes three years beforehand, to build anticipation and commemorate a gathering that celebrates, as no other event can, the confluence of art, education, history and international goodwill.

The artist for these stamps was Dan Gretta. Greg Breeding, an art director for USPS, designed the stamps.

These stamps are being issued as Forever stamps and will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail one-ounce rate.

Updated March 10th:
The American Philatelic Society says these stamps will be issued on the first day of Great American Stamp Show, Thursday, August 14, in Schaumburg, IL.

U.S. Marine Corps 250th (U.S. 250th)

This stamp was announced by the USPS on March 6th:

The familiar symbolism of a Marine Corps emblem appears on this stamp to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps. First established during the Revolutionary War as the American colonies fought for independence, the Marine Corps is respected worldwide as an elite fighting force, prepared to face any challenge and prevail in the conflicts of the 21st century. Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp.

No date of issuance or city was given. The latest information will appear below the line, with the most recent at the top.


Updated July 7th:
The Scott catalogue number for this issue is 6005.

Updated April 18th:
Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue:The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.3″ x 1.2″ The Pictorial Postmark measures 2.6″ x 0.95″

From the Postal Bulletin:
On May 16, 2025, in Washington, DC, the United States Postal Service® will issue the U.S. Marine Corps 250th stamp (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 486800). This stamp will go on sale nationwide May 16, 2025, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

This stamp celebrates the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps, the elite fighting force prepared to face any challenge and prevail in the conflicts of the 21st century. Featuring a Marine Corps emblem against a white background, the stamp was designed by art director Antonio Alcalá.

Automatic distribution.

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 store.usps.com/store/home. 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 – U.S. Marine Corps 250th 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 September 16, 2025.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: U.S. Marine Corps 250th Stamp
Item Number: 486800
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: May 16, 2025, Washington, DC 20066
Art Director: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Designer: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Modeler: Sandra Lane / Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 18,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, PMS 186C, PMS 2146C, PMS Warm Gray 5C
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.8400 x 1.4200 in. / 21.3360 x 36.0680 mm.
Overall Size (w x h): 0.9800 x 1.5600 in. / 24.8920 x 39.6240 mm.
Full Pane Size (w x h): 5.9200 x 7.2400 in. / 150.3680 x183.8960 mm.
Press Sheets Size (w x h): 11.8400 x 21.9700 in. / 300.7360 x558.0380 mm.
Plate Size: 240 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: ”B” followed by seven (7) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Header: CELEBRATING 250 YEARS OF THE U.S. MARINE CORPS • Plate number in bottom two corners
Back: © 2025 USPS • USPS logo • Two barcodes (486800) • Plate position diagram (6) • Promotional text

Updated April 16th:
This stamp will be issued Friday, May 16.
[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
From Revolution to Resilience: USPS to Celebrate 250th Anniversaries of Army, Navy, and Marine Corps With Commemorative Stamps

WHAT: The U.S. Postal Service to proudly unveil three individual commemorative stamps honoring the 250th anniversaries of the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps, recognizing the enduring legacy and unwavering dedication of these vital branches of the American military.

The first-day-of-issue event for the Armed Forces stamps is free and open to the public. News of the stamp is being shared with the hashtag#ArmedForces250Stamps.

WHO: Jeffery A. Adams, USPS corporate communications vice president and dedicating official

WHEN: Friday, May 16, 2025, at 11 a.m. EDT

WHERE:
Freedom Plaza
1325 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20004

RSVP: Attendees are encouraged to register at: usps.com/armedforcesstamps.

BACKGROUND:
The three Forever stamps commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, each a vital component of the nation’s defense. All three branches trace their origins to the Revolutionary War, born from the necessity to secure American independence.

The Second Continental Congress in 1775 recognized the need for a unified military force and established the Continental Army on June 14, the Continental Navy on Oct. 13, and authorized the formation of the Continental Marines on Nov. 10. The Continental forces were disbanded after the war but were re-established in the years that followed when the need for a standing military became clear.

These stamps honor the enduring legacy and unwavering commitment of the men and women who have served and continue to serve. Each branch plays a crucial role in safeguarding American interests, standing as symbols of strength and resilience, upholding core values such as loyalty, duty, honor, and courage.

The Armed Forces stamps are three individual stamp panes featuring the respective symbols of the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps against a white background.

Each stamp, designed by Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, also includes the inscriptions “250 YEARS OF SERVICE,” “SINCE 1775,” and FOREVER/USA”.

As Forever stamps, the Armed Forces stamps will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.

Updated April 9th:
We had heard that this stamp would be issued in November, but the latest USA Philatelic catalogue says “Spring.”

U.S. Navy 250th (U.S. 2025)

This stamp was announced by the USPS on March 6th:

First established during the Revolutionary War as the American colonies fought for independence, the U.S. Navy is now at the forefront of cutting-edge technology that safeguards the maritime interests of the United States, ensuring economic prosperity and the freedom of the seas. Featuring the emblem of the Navy against a white background, this stamp celebrates the U.S. Navy’s 250th anniversary. Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp.

No date of issuance or city was given. The latest information will appear below the line, with the most recent at the top.


Updated July 7th:
The Scott catalogue number for this issue is 6004.

Updated April 18th:
Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue:The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.8″ x 1.2″The Pictorial Postmark measures 2.7″ x 1.2″

From the Postal Bulletin:
On May 16, 2025, in Washington, DC, the United States Postal Service® will issue the U.S. Navy 250th stamp (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 486900). This stamp will go on sale nationwide May 16, 2025, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

This stamp celebrates the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy. First established as the American colonies fought for independence, the Navy is now at the forefront of cutting-edge technology that safeguards the maritime interests of the United States to ensure economic prosperity and the freedom of the seas. Featuring the emblem of the U.S. Navy against a white background, the stamp was designed by art director Antonio Alcalá.

Automatic distribution.

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 store.usps.com/store/home. 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 – U.S. Navy 250th 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 September 16, 2025.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: U.S. Navy 250th Stamp
Item Number: 486900
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: May 16, 2025, Washington, DC 20066
Art Director: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Designer: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Modeler: Sandra Lane / Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 18,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Magenta, Yellow, Black, PMS 186C, PMS 2146C, PMS Warm Gray 5C
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.8400 x 1.4200 in. / 21.3360 x 36.0680 mm.
Overall Size (w x h): 0.9800 x 1.5600 in. / 24.8920 x 39.6240 mm.
Full Pane Size (w x h): 5.9200 x 7.2400 in. / 150.3680 x183.8960 mm.
Press Sheets Size (w x h): 11.8400 x 21.9700 in. / 300.7360 x558.0380 mm.
Plate Size: 240 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: ”B” followed by six (6) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Header: CELEBRATING 250 YEARS OF THE U.S. NAVY • Plate number in bottom two corners
Back: © 2025 USPS • USPS logo • Two barcodes (486900) • Plate position diagram (6) • Promotional text

Updated April 16th:
This stamp will be issued Friday, May 16.
[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
From Revolution to Resilience: USPS to Celebrate 250th Anniversaries of Army, Navy, and Marine Corps With Commemorative Stamps

WHAT: The U.S. Postal Service to proudly unveil three individual commemorative stamps honoring the 250th anniversaries of the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps, recognizing the enduring legacy and unwavering dedication of these vital branches of the American military.

The first-day-of-issue event for the Armed Forces stamps is free and open to the public. News of the stamp is being shared with the hashtag#ArmedForces250Stamps.

WHO: Jeffery A. Adams, USPS corporate communications vice president and dedicating official

WHEN: Friday, May 16, 2025, at 11 a.m. EDT

WHERE:
Freedom Plaza
1325 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20004

RSVP: Attendees are encouraged to register at: usps.com/armedforcesstamps.

BACKGROUND:
The three Forever stamps commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, each a vital component of the nation’s defense. All three branches trace their origins to the Revolutionary War, born from the necessity to secure American independence.

The Second Continental Congress in 1775 recognized the need for a unified military force and established the Continental Army on June 14, the Continental Navy on Oct. 13, and authorized the formation of the Continental Marines on Nov. 10. The Continental forces were disbanded after the war but were re-established in the years that followed when the need for a standing military became clear.

These stamps honor the enduring legacy and unwavering commitment of the men and women who have served and continue to serve. Each branch plays a crucial role in safeguarding American interests, standing as symbols of strength and resilience, upholding core values such as loyalty, duty, honor, and courage.

The Armed Forces stamps are three individual stamp panes featuring the respective symbols of the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps against a white background.

Each stamp, designed by Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, also includes the inscriptions “250 YEARS OF SERVICE,” “SINCE 1775,” and
FOREVER/USA”.

As Forever stamps, the Armed Forces stamps will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.

Updated April 9th:
We had heard that this stamp would be issued in October, but the latest USA Philatelic catalogue says “Spring.”

U.S. Army 250th (U.S. 2025)

This stamp was announced by the USPS on March 6th:

This stamp celebrates the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. Established by the Continental Congress in 1775, the Army is now a global force with a clear purpose: to fight and win America’s wars. Featuring the military service mark of the U.S. Army against a white background, the stamp was designed by Antonio Alcalá, an art director for the USPS.

No date of issuance or city was given. The latest information will appear below the line, with the most recent at the top.


Updated July 7th:
The Scott catalogue number for this issue is 6003.

Updated April 18th:
Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue:The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.8″ x 1.2″The Pictorial Postmark measures 2.7″ x 1.2″

From the Postal Bulletin:
On May 16, 2025, in Washington, DC, the United States Postal Service® will issue the U.S. Army 250th stamp (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 486700). This stamp will go on sale nationwide May 16, 2025, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

This stamp celebrates the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. First established during the Revolutionary War as the American colonies fought for independence, the Army is now a global force with the world-class equipment and logistics necessary to fight and win America’s wars. Featuring the United States Army Symbol against a white background, the stamp was designed by art director Antonio Alcalá.

Automatic distribution.

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 store.usps.com/store/home. 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 – U.S. Army 250th 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 September 16, 2025.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: U.S. Army 250th Stamp
Item Number: 486700
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: May 16, 2025, Washington, DC 20066
Art Director: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Designer: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Modeler: Sandra Lane / Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 18,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, PMS 186C, PMS 2146C, PMS Warm Gray 5C
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.8400 x 1.4200 in. / 21.3360 x 36.0680 mm.
Overall Size (w x h): 0.9800 x 1.5600 in. / 24.8920 x 39.6240 mm.
Full Pane Size (w x h): 5.9200 x 7.2400 in. / 150.3680 x183.8960 mm.
Press Sheets Size (w x h): 11.8400 x 21.9700 in. / 300.7360 x 558.0380 mm.
Plate Size: 240 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: ”B” followed by seven (7) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Header: CELEBRATING 250 YEARS OF THE U.S. ARMY • Plate number in bottom two corners
Back: © 2025 USPS • USPS logo • Two barcodes (486700) • Plate position diagram (6) • Promotional text

Updated April 16th:
This stamp will be issued Friday, May 16.
[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
From Revolution to Resilience: USPS to Celebrate 250th Anniversaries of Army, Navy, and Marine Corps With Commemorative Stamps

WHAT: The U.S. Postal Service to proudly unveil three individual commemorative stamps honoring the 250th anniversaries of the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps, recognizing the enduring legacy and unwavering dedication of these vital branches of the American military.

The first-day-of-issue event for the Armed Forces stamps is free and open to the public. News of the stamp is being shared with the hashtag#ArmedForces250Stamps.

WHO: Jeffery A. Adams, USPS corporate communications vice president and dedicating official

WHEN: Friday, May 16, 2025, at 11 a.m. EDT

WHERE:
Freedom Plaza
1325 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20004

RSVP: Attendees are encouraged to register at: usps.com/armedforcesstamps.

BACKGROUND:
The three Forever stamps commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, each a vital component of the nation’s defense. All three branches trace their origins to the Revolutionary War, born from the necessity to secure American independence.

The Second Continental Congress in 1775 recognized the need for a unified military force and established the Continental Army on June 14, the Continental Navy on Oct. 13, and authorized the formation of the Continental Marines on Nov. 10. The Continental forces were disbanded after the war but were re-established in the years that followed when the need for a standing military became clear.

These stamps honor the enduring legacy and unwavering commitment of the men and women who have served and continue to serve. Each branch plays a crucial role in safeguarding American interests, standing as symbols of strength and resilience, upholding core values such as loyalty, duty, honor, and courage.

The Armed Forces stamps are three individual stamp panes featuring the respective symbols of the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps against a white background.

Each stamp, designed by Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, also includes the inscriptions “250 YEARS OF SERVICE,” “SINCE 1775,” and
FOREVER/USA”.

As Forever stamps, the Armed Forces stamps will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.

More 2025 Stamps Announced (U.S. 2025)

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
U.S. Postal Service Announces Additional 2025 Stamps

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service Thursday, March 6, announced stamps celebrating the 250th anniversaries of the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps, a stamp previewing the 2026 World Stamp Show in Boston and a stamp honoring writer William F. Buckley Jr. There will be additional stamps in the 2025 stamps program announced in the near future. These designs are preliminary and may change.

U.S. Army 250th
This stamp celebrates the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. Established by the Continental Congress in 1775, the Army is now a global force with a clear purpose: to fight and win America’s wars. Featuring the military service mark of the U.S. Army against a white background, the stamp was designed by Antonio Alcalá, an art director for the USPS.

U.S. Navy 250th
First established during the Revolutionary War as the American colonies fought for independence, the U.S. Navy is now at the forefront of cutting-edge technology that safeguards the maritime interests of the United States, ensuring economic prosperity and the freedom of the seas. Featuring the emblem of the Navy against a white background, this stamp celebrates the U.S. Navy’s 250th anniversary. Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp.

U.S. Marine Corps 250th
The familiar symbolism of a Marine Corps emblem appears on this stamp to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps. First established during the Revolutionary War as the American colonies fought for independence, the Marine Corps is respected worldwide as an elite fighting force, prepared to face any challenge and prevail in the conflicts of the 21st century. Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp.

Boston 2026 Stamp Show
For one week in May 2026, the world capital of stamp collecting will be Boston, host of the Boston 2026 World Expo, the 12th international philatelic exhibition of the United States. To build anticipation and commemorate this confluence of art, history and international goodwill, two intaglio-printed stamps will highlight the special role of Boston in the American Revolution as we prepare to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary. Greg Breeding, an art director for USPS, designed these stamps with digital illustrations by Dan Gretta featuring the Old North Church and a “midnight rider” on horseback in Colonial garb.

William F. Buckley, Jr.
One of the most influential public intellectuals in modern U.S. history, William F. Buckley Jr. (1925–2008) defined the conservative movement of the mid-20th century and was one of its most recognizable spokesmen. Author of more than 50 books, Buckley foundedNational Review, one of the nation’s leading conservative publications, and hosted the Emmy Award–winning public affairs television program Firing Line for more than 30 years. Original art by Dale Stephanos features a portrait of Buckley, created by hand with graphite and charcoal on hot-press watercolor paper, then refined digitally. Greg Breeding, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp.

Peonies (Canada 2025)

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
This year’s annual Flower stamp issue features original photos of peonies in bloom

Perfect for wedding stationery and other celebratory announcements, this bestselling stamp issue is popular among Canadian gardeners.

OTTAWA – Laden with luxurious, delicately perfumed blossoms, peonies are perennial showstoppers. The elegant two hybrids featured on Canada Post’s latest stamp issue are ‘Cytherea’ and ‘Marie-Victorin’, both developed by Canadian-born horticulturists.

Named after the Greek goddess of love, ‘Cytherea’ is a cherry rose “semi-double” – meaning that it has two or more rows of petals. ‘Marie-Victorin’ is a symmetrical, globe-shaped flower composed of a single row of rounded, pale pink petals with purple-pink flares. It was named after the founder of the Montréal Botanical Garden.

Known for their showy blooms, peonies are popular perennials in many private and public ornamental gardens in Canada and around the world.

The images on the stamps were shot by Jeffery Ofori, a mail service courier with Canada Post, at the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa, which has more than 400 varieties of peonies in its collection. The stamps were designed by Stéphane Huot and cancelled in Ottawa. Printed by Lowe-Martin, the issue includes a booklet of 10 Permanent™ stamps and an Official First Day Cover (below).You
YouTube Video:


[en Francais pour les médias d’information]
Postes Canada présente son émission florale annuelle de timbres illustrés de photos originales de pivoines en fleurs

Parfaites pour les faire-part de mariage ou autres occasions, ces vignettes sont aussi très populaires auprès des adeptes de jardinage.

OTTAWA – Ornées d’opulentes fleurs, les pivoines sont de splendides vivaces au parfum délicat. Les deux élégantes hybrides en vedette dans cette émission sont les pivoines ‘Cytherea’ et ‘Marie-Victorin’, qui ont été créées par des spécialistes de l’horticulture du Canada.

Portant le nom de la déesse grecque de l’amour, la pivoine ‘Cytherea’ est une fleur semi-double rose cerise composée d’au moins deux rangées de pétales. Quant à la pivoine ‘Marie-Victorin’, elle est une fleur symétrique bombée composée d’une seule rangée de pétales arrondis rose pâle aux reflets rose mauve. Elle porte le nom du fondateur du Jardin botanique de Montréal.

Connues pour leurs fleurs éclatantes, les pivoines sont des vivaces populaires dans de nombreux jardins ornementaux privés et publics au Canada et dans le monde.

Les photos sur les timbres ont été prises par Jeffery Ofori, un courrier des services postaux de Postes Canada, à la Ferme expérimentale centrale à Ottawa, dont la collection compte plus de 400 variétés de pivoines. Les timbres ont été conçus par Stéphane Huot et oblitérés à Ottawa. Imprimée par Lowe-Martin, l’émission comprend un carnet de 10 timbres PermanentsMC au tarif du régime intérieur et un pli Premier Jour officiel.Vidéo sur YouTube:

Great American Stamp Show 2027: Albuquerque

[press release]

The APS is pleased to announce the location of the 2027 Great American Stamp Show, unanimously approved by the APS Board: Albuquerque, New Mexico!

The 2027 show will be held August 19-22, 2027 at the Albuquerque Convention Center, located at 401 2nd Street NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Situated in the city’s downtown, the convention center is located just 10 minutes by car from the Albuquerque airport and about a 10 minute walk from the Alvarado Transportation Center.

“We’re excited to host our 2027 show in ‘the Land of Enchantment,’” said APS Director of Membership and Shows, Wendy Masorti. “Albuquerque, a city with a rich culture and history, is a new location for us, and we look forward to making this an impactful and experiential Great American Stamp Show.”

New Mexico’s most populous city and the ballooning capital of the world, Albuquerque is home to incredible natural landscapes; unique, world-class museums (like the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History and the Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum); a thriving local food and beverage scene; and countless filming locations from award-winning films and TV shows, including Lone Survivor and AMC’s Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul.

Thrill-seekers (and truly extreme philatelists) will find options for hot air balloon, helicopter, and even glider rides in the area, and should check out the city’s legendary Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway, the longest aerial tramway in the Americas and the second longest in the world.

And for those wanting to see more of New Mexico while in the area for GASS, APS Executive Director Scott English personally recommends taking the scenic train ride from the city to New Mexico’s capital, Santa Fe, and visit to the Palace of Governors, which is featured on a Liberty Issue stamp.

We hope to see you all at the Great American Stamp Show in 2027!

US Postal Chief: “It’s Time To Go”

U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has notified the Postal Service Board of Governors that it should begin looking for his successor. In neither the USPS press release nor his letter to the Governors, was there an indication of when he will leave the post.

DeJoy became PMG in 2020. He is currently in his late 60s, and only 4 years into his “Delivering for America” Plan. “I am confident that with a period of dedicated focus preparing for this change, the Postal Service will be well positioned for future success under the new leadership,” he says in the press release.

D.A. Lux To Chair AFDCS’ Americover 2025

[press release]
D.A. Lux of Texas will chair the American First Day Cover Society’s Convention Planning and Americover 2025 committees. He has attended nearly every Americover show in the past 15 years, often volunteering at the AFDCS booth.

Americover, which is both the organization’s annual celebration of first day covers as well as its convention, is now part of Great American Stamp Show (GASS), which this year will be held August 14-17 in Schaumburg, Illinois. It includes an exhibition of FDCs, a cachetmakers bourse, AFDCS meetings, seminars, and social events.

D.A. has been a member of the AFDCS and the American Philatelic Society — also a cosponsor of GASS —for more than 40 years. He didn’t attend his first stamp show, however, until TEXPEX in 2008. Three years later, he came to his first Americover and joined the Fred Sawyer North Texas Chapter of the AFDCS. He is currently Sawyer’s president. He was the 2024 recipient of the AFDCS’ Distinguished Service Award and is the society’s Chapter Coordinator.

His main collecting interest is the 1983 Brooklyn Bridge stamp and FDCs (Sc. 2041), which he has exhibited at Americover and other national shows. He also collects stamps and FDCs of the $2 Bobcat (Sc. 2482), the four 1937 territory issues (Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, Sc. 799-802), and the Chief Anderson stamp (Sc. 4879), as well as just the stamps of Thailand, and the FDCs of several cachetmakers.

He lives in Northern Texas with his wife, Dee. Before retirement, he was a Chief Electronics Technician in the U.S. Navy, including tours of duty on nuclear submarines.

In addition to holding Americover, the AFDCS also publishes its award-winning journal First Days six times a year as well as handbooks and catalogues; has a YouTube channel; promotes the collecting of both modern and “classic” issues and cachets, and exhibiting them; and offers awards for outstanding first day cover exhibits, the writing of serious FDC literature and the best FDC cachets of the past year.

For more information about the AFDCS, visit www.afdcs.org, e-mail afdcs@afdcs.org or write the AFDCS at Post Office Box 57, Somerset, Wis., 54025-0057.