Radio: Stamp Collecting Resolutions

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The Stamp Collecting Report
A radio feature by Lloyd de Vries

Download or listen to this report as an MP3 sound file.

Being Resolute.

The Stamp Collecting Report, I’m Lloyd de Vries.

The beginning of the year is the time to make resolutions to do better in the next twelve months. For me, and perhaps for you, that includes what I do, and don’t do, in stamp collecting.

For 20-23, I hope to improve my exhibit, find a key item that I know I have here somewhere, and enter the exhibit in more competitions. I won’t win anything major, I just want to do better.

And the fact that I know I have that piece “somewhere” tells you about another resolution I need to make!

I resolve to update The Virtual Stamp Club website more often and even do more of these audio features.

And I need to be more patient and forgiving when something goes wrong. After all, this is a hobby, not my life, and it’s supposed to be fun.

What are your stamp collecting resolutions? Leave a comment under this piece’s script and tell us about it. Then come back in a year, and tell us how you did.

And that’s stamp collecting. I’m Lloyd de Vries of The Virtual Stamp Club.

The Stamp Collecting Report began in 1997 as a 60-second weekly feature distributed to CBS Radio Network stations by CBS News as part of its Weekend Feature Package. Eventually, longer versions were recorded for this website and a Christian evangelical shortwave service. The Report ended its CBS run in 2017 with only six repeats in some 1,040 weeks. It is now produced solely for The Virtual Stamp Club on an occasional basis.

Go to Report Index • Return to Virtual Stamp Club Home Page

Cheap USPS Order Packaging

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I was surprised at the flimsy packaging on a recent stamp order from Stamp Fulfillment Services. There was no cardboard in the plastic envelope (shown here), which could have been especially important since the order included both flat panes and a three-dimensional coil. If something heavy had been placed on top of this package, the coil would have left an imprint on the panes. Luckily, there were only a few minor marks.

USPS Adds Dates, Cities for 2023 Stamps (February-May)

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A quick list:

Women’s Soccer February 16 Orlando FL 32862
$10 Floral Geometry (no national ceremony) February 24 San Diego CA 92199
Patriotic Block (nonprofit org.) (no national ceremony) March 1 Liberty NY 12754
Toni Morrison March 7 Princeton NJ 08540
Railroad Stations March 9 Cincinnati OH 45234
Art of the Skateboard March 24 Phoenix AZ 85026
Tulip Blossoms April 5 Woodburn OR 97071
Roy Lichtenstein April 24 New York NY 10199
Tomie dePaola May 5 Manchester NH 03103
Chief Standing Bear May 12 Lincoln NE 68501
Endangered Species May 19 Wall SD 57790

If you’re wondering why some of these were chosen

  • The U.S.Women’s National (soccer) Team will play Canada in the “SHEBELIEVES” Cup on that date in Orlando.
  • Toni Morrison was associated with Princeton University from 1989 to 2006.
  • The Union Terminal is one of the railroad stations featured.
  • PHXAM (some sort of skateboard competition) begin on that date there.
  • The Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival will be held there March 17 – April 30.
  • Lichtenstein‘s studio in New York is being refurbished by the Whitney Museum.
  • The Currier Museum in Manchester showcases dePaola‘s work.
  • Chief Standing Bear won one of the first major civil rights cases in the Nebraska capital.
  • A National Forest Service visitors center features exhibits about grassland wildlife and plants and, presumably, endangered species.

Click on the links for more information about those specific issues.

APS-ASDA Merger Off The Table

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A merger between the largest U.S. stamp collecting organization, the American Philatelic Society, and the major stamp deaer organization, the American Stamp Dealers Association, is unlikely to happen in the near future. Outlining work ahead for the APS Board, executive director Scott English wrote on January 6, 2023:

The APS/ASDA merger is not our best option to move forward. Looking at the risks and opportunities of a merger, the scale tilts toward the risk side. We’ve spent years getting the APS and APRL fiscal house in order, and a merger with the ASDA will not further what we’ve accomplished.

The APRL is the American Philatelic Research Library, of which he is also executive director and which owns the American Philatelic Center, the headquarters of the APS.

In his statement, which can be found on the APS website, English said a significant portion of the membership opposed the merger, while a significant majority (85%) felt collectors and dealers should work together to foster more ethical practices in philately.

The APS already has a dealer member program, with hundreds of APS members registered as dealers and a Dealer Advisory Council established by the APS Board in 2016. Both programs should be more effective in serving collectors and dealers.

Our earlier story on the proposal that English and a member of the ASDA board had floated, can be found here.

New FDC Videos On YouTube

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[press release]

Need a break from the merrymaking or the family? Your team isn’t in the playoffs? You’re home alone with no burglars in sight? Check out the new videos on the American First Day Cover Society‘s YouTube channel this weekend. Go to www.afdcs.org/videos.html for previews and links.

The recent programs include Michael Dodd’s “Great Britain First Day Covers – My Collecting Journey.” Dodd writes a regular column for the AFDCS journal First Days, as well as for other publications in Britain and Australia. He also is the author of a book, Caveat Emptor and Other Advice For Philatelists.

Another program is “Weird Stuff First Day Covers,” presented by Lloyd de Vries. The FDC columnist for Linn’s Stamp News and host of The Virtual Stamp Club shows how first day covers can be so much more than just an envelope, a stamp and a cancel.

And Foster Miller tells us about “The Isle of Man – FDCs and Event Covers” from 1973 to the present. His seminar traces the history and culture of the Isle of Man through its first day and event covers. The Isle of Man is located in the Irish Sea off the coast of England and has been postally independent since 1973.

Membership in the AFDCS is not required to view these videos, but with memberships starting at $24 for Internet-only access or $35 with the printed magazine, it is very affordable and a good asset for any first day cover collector, anywhere in the world.

The AFDCS publishes handbooks, catalogues, directories and its bimonthly award-winning journal, First Days. The society also advocates for first day cover collecting and exhibiting, and is a co-host of Great American Stamp Show, which next will be held August 10-13, 2023, in Cleveland, Ohio.

For more information on the AFDCS, visit its website www.afdcs.org, email afdcs@afdcs.org or write to the society at Post Office Box 246, Colonial Beach, VA 22443-0246.

Canada’s 2023 Stamp Program Preview

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[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Canada’s 2023 stamps will feature His Majesty King Charles III, trailblazers and changemakers
Other stamps will continue to honour Indigenous leaders and celebrate Black History Month

OTTAWA – The 2023 Canadian stamp program will celebrate some of the country’s most accomplished individuals, historic milestones, and the holidays that bring communities together. The lineup includes these topics, among others:

  • Canada’s first definitive stamp to honour His Majesty King Charles III, who was proclaimed Canada’s new head of state on September 10, 2022.
  • Ferries that charm tourists and serve commuters across Canada.
  • Six new stamps that demonstrate how a picture is worth a thousand words
  • Quebec activists and trailblazers.
  • A hockey pioneer who broke boundaries and gave back to his sport and community.
  • A courageous Canadian in the resistance during the Second World War.

Stamps will also be issued in several popular annual series:

  • A new stamp to celebrate Black History Month.
  • The annual flower series will feature the delicate ranunculus, a favourite of gardeners and the soon-to-be-wed.
  • The fundraising stamp for the Canada Post Community Foundation, which supports children and youth.
  • Three new stamps will honour Indigenous leaders in the second stamp issue of the series.
  • The second stamp issue to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
  • New Eid, Diwali and Hanukkah stamps will mark these important celebrations.
  • Annual Christmas and holiday stamp issues will celebrate the Nativity story and creatively depict the beauty of the Canadian winter.

Canada Post is proud of its role as one of Canada’s storytellers. The independent Stamp Advisory Committee recommends the subjects for the annual stamp program and relies on thoughtful input from groups and individuals to choose subjects that are meaningful to all Canadians.

[en Francais pour les médias d’information]
Les timbres canadiens de 2023 mettront en vedette Sa Majesté le roi Charles III et des personnes d’ici ayant laissé leur marque
D’autres timbres rendront hommage à des dirigeants autochtones et au Mois de l’histoire des Noirs

OTTAWA – Le programme des timbres-poste du Canada de 2023 comptera parmi ses sujets variés des personnes d’ici accomplies, des moments marquants de l’histoire et des fêtes rassembleuses. En voici un aperçu :

  • Le premier timbre courant du Canada en l’honneur de Sa Majesté le roi Charles III, proclamé chef d’État du Canada le 10 septembre 2022;
  • Des traversiers qui charment les touristes et font la navette partout au Canada;
  • Six nouveaux timbres illustrant qu’une image vaut mille mots;
  • Des activistes et visionnaires du Québec;
  • Un pionnier du hockey qui a brisé des barrières et redonné à son sport et à sa communauté;
  • Un brave Canadien dans la résistance pendant la Seconde Guerre mondiale.

Des timbres de plusieurs séries annuelles populaires seront également émis:

  • Un nouveau timbre du Mois de l’histoire des Noirs;
  • Une vignette consacrée à la délicate renoncule, une fleur chouchou dans les jardins et les mariages;
  • Le timbre philanthropique de la Fondation communautaire de Postes Canada, qui vient en aide aux enfants et aux jeunes;
  • Trois nouveaux timbres en l’honneur de dirigeants et dirigeantes autochtones (le deuxième volet de la série);
  • La deuxième émission de timbres soulignant la Journée nationale de la vérité et de la réconciliation;
  • De nouveaux timbres consacrés aux fêtes importantes que sont l’Aïd, Diwali et Hanoukka;
  • Les vignettes de l’émission annuelle de Noël et des fêtes, qui célébreront l’histoire de la Nativité et présenteront de manière originale la beauté de l’hiver canadien.

Postes Canada est fière de faire partie des conteurs du Canada. Le Comité consultatif sur les timbres-poste, qui travaille de façon indépendante, recommande les sujets du programme annuel des timbres en s’appuyant sur la contribution réfléchie de groupes et de particuliers pour choisir des sujets significatifs pour tout le pays.

Life Magnified (U.S. 2023)

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This issue was announced by the USPS on December 13th:

These stamps reveal life on Earth like many have never seen it. Twenty stamps feature 20 different images taken with microscopes and highly specialized photographic techniques that capture details of life undetectable by the human eye. The images show the phenomena of life in exquisitely fine detail. While stunning on their own as works of art, these images also hold scientific significance. Art director Derry Noyes designed the stamps using existing photographs.

We will post additional information as we get it below the line, with the most recent information at the top.

Updated September 5th:
Here are the Scott catalogue numbers for this issue:
5802 Life Magnified pane of 20
a. (66¢) Red blood cells
b. (66¢) Macaw parrot feather
c. (66¢) Human hair
d. (66¢) Moss leaves
e. (66¢) Arranged diatoms
f. (66¢) Freshwater protozoans
g. (66¢) Acorn barnacle
h. (66¢) Moth antenna
i. (66¢) Diving beetle front foot
j. (66¢) Mouse brain neurons
k. (66¢) Starling bone tissue
l. (66¢) Moth wing scales
m. (66¢) Zebrafish
n. (66¢) Mushroom gills
o. (66¢) Freshwater snail tongue
p. (66¢) Blue button organism
q. (66¢) Mold spores
r. (66¢) Barnacle legs
s. (66¢) Flame lily pollen
t. (66¢) Oak leaf surface

Updated August 11th:
APS’ Ken Martin speaks during the first-day ceremony:Updated July 11th:
Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue:The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.73″ x 1.06″.The Pictorial Postmark measures 2.75″ x 1.08″This is the Great American Stamp Show Postmark for August 10th.This is the Americover show postmark for August 10th.

Updated July 7th:

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Postal Service to Release Life Magnified Stamps

What: The U.S. Postal Service will commemorate the beauty of the microscopic world with 20 new stamps featuring otherworldly images of some of the smallest components of life as we know it.

The first-day-of-issue event for the Life Magnified Forever stamps will be held at theGreat American Stamp Show in partnership with the American Philatelic Society. The ceremony is free and open to the public. News of the stamp is being shared with the hashtag #LifeMagnifiedStamps.

Who: Luke Grossmann, senior vice president, Finance and Strategy, United States Postal Service
When: Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023, at 11 a.m. EDT

Where:
The Great American Stamp Show
Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland — Hall C
300 Lakeside Ave. ∙ Cleveland, OH 44113

RSVP: Dedication ceremony attendees are encouraged to RSVP at: usps.com/lifemagnified

Background: For hundreds of years, scientists have held deep fascination with making the invisible elements of our world visible. Development of more refined and precise microscopes over several centuries brought smaller and smaller components of life into focus. By the 20th century, microscopes had become ubiquitous in laboratories across the country and around the globe. Electron microscopes are now essential tools in a variety of scientific fields.

The images that result from microscope-based research show, in exquisitely fine detail, the phenomena of life. While stunning on their own as works of art, these images also hold scientific significance.

Microscopists, both professional and amateur, use a variety of techniques to capture the beauty of their subjects.

Derry Noyes, an art director with USPS, designed the stamps and the stamp pane using existing photographs.

The Life Magnified stamps are being issued as Forever® stamps. These Forever stamps will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail® one-ounce price

Updated June 29th from the Postal Bulletin:
On August 10, 2023, in Cleveland, OH, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Life Magnified stamps (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in 20 designs, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 484000). These stamps will go on sale nationwide August 10, 2023, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue. The Life Magnified commemorative pane of 20 stamps must not be split and the stamps must not be sold individually.

The Life Magnified stamps explore life on Earth, as few have ever seen it. Twenty stamps feature different images taken with microscopes and highly specialized photographic techniques that capture details of life undetectable by the human eye. Each stamp includes the name of the specimen that is showcased. Art director Derry Noyes designed the stamps and the stamp pane using existing photographs.

No 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 – Life Magnified 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 10, 2023.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Life Magnified Stamps
Item Number: 484000
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (20 designs)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: August 10, 2023, Cleveland, OH 44101
Art Director: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Designer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Existing Photo: Don Komarechka
Existing Photo: David Liittschwager
Existing Photos: Tagide deCarvalho
Existing Photos: Charles Krebs
Existing Photos: Igor Siwanowicz
Existing Photos: Steve Gschmeissner
Existing Photos: Dennis Kunkel
Existing Photos: Jason Kirk
Modeler: Sandra Lane / Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Flexographic
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Gallus RCS
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 32,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper, Block
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Horizontal
Image Area (w x h): 1.42 x 0.84 in / 36.068 x 21.336 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 1.56 x 0.98 in / 39.624 x 24.892 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 7.25 x 7.25 in / 184.150 x 184.150 mm
Press Sheets Size (w x h): 14.75 x 22.25 in / 374.65 x 565.15 mm
Plate Size: 120 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “B” followed by four (4) single digits in two corners
Marginal Markings:
Front: Header: Life Magnified • Plate number in bottom two corners
Back: ©2022 USPS • USPS logo • Two barcodes (484000) • Plate position diagram (6) • Promotional text

Updated December 20th:
The American Philatelic Society says these stamps will be issued at its Great American Stamp Show on the first day of the show, Thursday, August 10.

Bridges (Presorted First-Class Mail)

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This issue was announced by the USPS on December 13th:

Four new Presorted First-Class Mail stamps will be available for purchase by bulk mail users in coils of 3,000 and 10,000. The stamps feature existing photographs of four different bridges that range from modern to historic, pedestrian to car-carrying, but all are important landmarks in their communities. They are the Arrigoni Bridge in Middletown, CT; the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge in Omaha, NE; the Skydance Bridge in Oklahoma City; and the Iowa-Illinois Memorial Bridge in Bettendorf, IA, and Moline, IL. Art director Ethel Kessler designed the stamps with existing photographs.

We will post additional information as we get it below the line, with the most recent information at the top.

Updated October 3rd:
Here are the Scott catalogue numbers for this issue:
5808 (25¢) Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
5809 (25¢) Skydance Bridge
5810 (25¢) Iowa-Illinois Memorial Bridge
5811 (25¢) Arrigoni Bridge
a. Horiz. coil strip of 4, #5808-5811

Updated August 24th:
The location of the first day ceremony sponsored by the Connecticut Cover Club for the Bridges Presorted First Class stamps has changed to the Brownstone Intermediate School, 314 Main Street, Portland, CT. Over 150 people RSVPed for the ceremony; this exceeds the capacity of the Portland Senior Center, the planned location. The ceremony starts at 11AM.

Updated July 13th:
Here is the first-day postmark for this issue:

From the Postal Bulletin:

On August 24, 2023, in Portland, CT, the United States Postal Service® will issue the non-denominated, Presorted First-Class Mail® rate (25-cent value) Bridges stamps in four designs, in pressure-sensitive adhesive coils of 3,000 (Item 751600) and 10,000 (Item 761800). These stamps will go on sale nationwide August 24, 2023, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

The Bridges stamp issuance features photographs of four bridges, ranging from modern to historic and pedestrian to car-carrying. All are important landmarks in their communities:

  • Arrigoni Bridge connecting Middletown and Portland, CT;
  • Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge between Council Bluffs, IA, and Omaha, NE;
  • Skydance Bridge in Oklahoma City, OK; and
  • Iowa-Illinois Memorial Bridge connecting Bettendorf, IA, and Moline, IL.

These stamps, intended for bulk mail users, will be issued in coils. Art director Ethel Kessler designed the stamps with existing photographs.

No 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. Each cover must have sufficient postage to meet First-Class Mail requirements. 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 – Bridges 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 24, 2023.

Technical Specifications – Coil of 3,000:

Issue: Bridges Stamps
Item Number: 751600
Denomination & Type of Issue: Non-denominated, Presorted First-Class Mail Rate
Format: Coil of 3,000 (4 designs)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: August 24, 2023, Portland, CT 06480
Art Director: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Designer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Existing Photo: Kyle Henderson
Existing Photo: Christina Woods
Existing Photo: MILLER + MILLER Architectural Photography
Existing Photo: Joe Gowac
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd (APU)
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Coil: 3,000
Print Quantity: 20,100,000
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tagged
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.73 x 0.84 in / 18.542 x 21.336 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.87 x 0.98 in / 22.098 x 24.892 mm
Plate Size: 594 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “P” followed by four (4) single digits
Coil Number Frequency: Plate numbers every 27th stamp below stamp image

Technical Specifications – Coil of 10,000:

Issue: Bridges Stamps
Item Number: 761800
Denomination & Type of Issue: Non-denominated, Presorted First-Class Mail Rate
Format: Coil of 10,000 (4 designs)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: August 24, 2023, Portland, CT 06480
Art Director: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Designer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Existing Photo: Kyle Henderson
Existing Photo: Christina Woods
Existing Photo: MILLER + MILLER Architectural Photography
Existing Photo: Joe Gowac
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd (APU)
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Coil: 10,000
Print Quantity: 600,000,000
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tagged
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.73 x 0.84 in / 18.542 x 21.336 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.87 x 0.98 in / 22.098 x 24.892 mm
Plate Size: 594 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “P” followed by four (4) single digits
Coil Number Frequency: Plate numbers every 27th stamp below stamp image

Updated March 14th:
The issue date is August 24th in Portland, Connecticut, less than half a mile from the eastern side of the Arrigoni Bridge and about 14 miles south of Hartford. There will be no “headquarters” first-day ceremony for this issue.

Northern Cardinal (Stamped Envelope) (U.S. 2023)

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This issue was announced by the USPS on December 13th:

The Northern Cardinal stamped envelope showcases one of the most beloved and popular songbirds native to North America. The art features a male cardinal, immediately recognizable by its crimson-colored feathers and black facial markings. Art director Antonio Alcalá designed the stamped envelope with Kandis Vermeer Phillips’s highly realistic illustration.

We will post additional information as we get it below the line, with the most recent information at the top.

Updated August 7th:
The Scott catalogue number for this issue is U702

Updated June 4th:
This is the only first-day postmark for this issue:Updated June 1st:
On July 9, 2023, in Bird City, KS, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Northern Cardinal stamped envelope (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate).

The Northern Cardinal stamped envelope celebrates a much-loved songbird. The highly realistic stamp art features an illustration of a northern cardinal perching on the branch of an evergreen tree. Art director Antonio Alcalá designed the stamped envelope, using an illustration by artist Kandis Vermeer Phillips.

The pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) Northern Cardinal stamped envelope will be available in the following formats in the field and through Stamp Fulfillment Services:

  • #10 regular envelope (Item 292500)
  • #10 window envelope (Item 292600)
  • #9 regular security envelope (Item 293300)
  • #9 window security envelope (Item 293400)
  • #6-¾ regular envelope (Item 281500)
  • #6-¾ window envelope (Item 281600)

The water-activated gum (WAG) Northern Cardinal stamped envelope will be available in the following formats only through Stamp Fulfillment Services at store.usps.com/store/home or by calling 844-737-7826:

  • #10 regular envelope (Item 293500)
  • #10 window envelope (Item 293600)
  • #9 regular security envelope (Item 293700)
  • #6-¾ regular envelope (Item 281700)

Priced at 85¢ (66¢ Forever rate + 19¢ surcharge). No 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 stamped envelopes at their local Post Office™ or at The Postal Store® website at store.usps.com/store/home. They should address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

FDOI – Northern Cardinal Stamped Envelope
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 9, 2023.

Technical Specifications: (all)
Issue: Northern Cardinal Stamped Envelope
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Stamped Envelope (Forever)
Issue Date & City: July 9, 2023, Bird City, KS 67731
Art Director: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Designer: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Artist: Kandis Vermeer Phillips, Gaithersburg, MD
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Flexographic, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Halm Jet EM4000
Folding Machine: W&D #527
Print Quantity: Fulfillment
Paper Type: 61# Postal Envelope, Block, Type III
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, PMS 339 Green
Marginal Markings: FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL logo • “THIS ENVELOPE IS RECYCLABLE AND MADE WITH 30% POST CONSUMER CONTENT” • Recycling logo • ©USPS 2022

Specific Sizes and Configurations:
Item Number: 292500
Format: #10 Regular Envelope
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Envelope Orientation: Horizontal
Envelope Size: (w x h): 9.5 x 4.125 in / 241.3 x 104.775 mm
Image Size (w x h): 1.845 x 1.448 in / 48.863 x 36.779 mm

Item Number: 292600
Format: #10 Window Envelope
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Envelope Orientation: Horizontal
Envelope Size: (w x h): 9.5 x 4.125 in / 241.3 x 104.775 mm
Image Size (w x h): 1.845 x 1.448 in / 46.863 x 36.779 mm

Item Number: 293300
Format: #9 Regular Security Envelope
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Envelope Orientation: Horizontal
Envelope Size: (w x h): 8.875 x 3.875 in / 225.425 x 98.425 mm
Image Size (w x h): 1.845 x 1.448 in / 46.863 x 36.779 mm

Item Number: 293400
Format: #9 Window Security Envelope
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Envelope Orientation: Horizontal
Envelope Size: (w x h): 8.875 x 3.875 in / 225.425 x 98.425 mm
Image Size (w x h): 1.845 x 1.448 in / 46.863 x 36.779 mm

Item Number: 281500
Format: #6¾ Regular Envelope
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Envelope Orientation: Horizontal
Envelope Size: (w x h): 6.5 x 3.625 in / 165.1 x 92.075 mm
Image Size (w x h): 1.845 x 1.394 in / 46.863 x 34.408 mm

Item Number: 281600
Format: #6¾ Window Envelope
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Envelope Orientation: Horizontal
Envelope Size: (w x h): 6.5 x 3.625 in / 165.1 x 92.075 mm
Image Size (w x h): 1.845 x 1.394 in / 46.863 x 34.408 mm

Item Number: 293500
Format: #10 Regular Envelope
Adhesive Type: Water-activated
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Envelope Orientation: Horizontal
Envelope Size: (w x h): 9.5 x 4.125 in / 241.3 x 104.775 mm
Image Size (w x h): 1.845 x 1.448 in / 46.863 x 36.779 mm

Item Number: 293600
Format: #10 Window Envelope
Adhesive Type: Water-activated
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Envelope Orientation: Horizontal
Envelope Size: (w x h): 9.5 x 4.125 in / 241.3 x 104.775 mm
Image Size (w x h): 1.845 x 1.448 in / 46.863 x 36.779 mm

Item Number: 293700
Format: #9 Regular Security Envelope
Adhesive Type: Water-activated
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Envelope Orientation: Horizontal
Envelope Size: (w x h): 8.875 x 3.875 in / 225.425 x 98.425 mm
Image Size (w x h): 1.845 x 1.448 in / 46.863 x 36.779 mm

Item Number: 281700
Format: #6¾ Regular Envelope
Adhesive Type: Water-activated
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Envelope Orientation: Horizontal
Envelope Size: (w x h): 6.5 x 3.625 in / 165.1 x 92.075 mm
Image Size (w x h): 1.845 x 1.394 in / 46.863 x 34.408 mm

Updated April 3rd:
This “indicia” will be available in 10 formats:

Size & Type
No. 10 plain – pressure-sensitive adhesive
No. 10 window – pressure-sensitive adhesive
No. 9 plain – pressure-sensitive adhesive
No. 9 window – pressure-sensitive adhesive
No. 6¾ plain – pressure-sensitive adhesive
No. 6¾ window – pressure-sensitive adhesive
No. 10 plain – water-activated glue
No. 10 window – water-activated glue
No. 9 plain – water-activated glue
No. 6¾ plain – water-activated glue		 Order #
292500
292600
293300
293400
281500
281600
293500
293600
292700
292900

Updated March 14th:
The issue date is Sunday, July 9th in Bird City, KS. There will be no first-day ceremony.

Tomie dePaola (U.S. 2023)

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This issue was announced by the USPS on December 13th:

This stamp honors prolific children’s book author and illustrator Tomie dePaola (1934-2020), whose extraordinarily varied body of work encompasses folktales and legends, informational books, religious and holiday stories, and touching autobiographical tales. The stamp art features a detail from the cover of “Strega Nona” (1975), the Caldecott Honor winning first book in the series. Set in southern Italy, the gently humorous story focuses on Strega Nona, “Grandma Witch,” who uses magic to help with matters of the heart and to cure her neighbors’ ills. Art director Derry Noyes designed the stamp with Tomie dePaola’s original art.

We will post additional information as we get it below the line, with the most recent information at the top.

Updated June 6th:
The Scott catalogue number for this issue is 5797 and 5797a for the imperforate version.

Updated March 24th from the Postal Bulletin:
On May 5, 2023, in Manchester, NH, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Tomie dePaola stamp (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 483600). This stamp will go on sale nationwide May 5, 2023, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

This stamp honors prolific children’s book author and illustrator Tomie dePaola (1934–2020), whose extraordinarily varied body of work encompasses folktales and legends, informational books, religious and holiday stories, and touching autobiographical tales. The stamp art features a detail from the cover of Strega Nona (1975), the Caldecott Honor-winning first book in the series. The story focuses on Strega Nona, “Grandma Witch,” who uses magic to help with matters of the heart and to cure her neighbors’ ills. The cover shows Strega Nona carrying her magic pasta pot. Art director Derry Noyes designed the stamp with Tomie dePaola‘s original art.

No 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 – Tomie dePaola 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 5, 2023.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Tomie dePaola Stamp
Item Number: 483600
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: May 5, 2023, Manchester, NH, 03103
Art Director: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Designer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Existing Art: Tomie dePaola
Modeler: Ty Schroeder
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd (APU)
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 22,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tagged
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Pantone 7584C, Pantone 624C
Stamp Orientation: Horizontal
Image Area (w x h): 1.42 x 1.085 in / 36.068 x 27.559 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 1.56 x 1.225 in / 39.624 x 31.115 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 7.24 x 7.90 in / 183.896 x 200.66 mm
Press Sheets Size (w x h): 22.75 x 27 in / 577.85 x 685.80 mm
Plate Size: 180 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “P” followed by six (6) single digits in two corners
Marginal Markings:
Front: Header: Tomie • Plate number in bottom 2 corners
Back: ©2022 USPS • USPS logo • Two barcodes (483600) • Plate position diagram (9) • Promotional text

Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue: The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.87″ x 1.48″ The pictorial postmark measures 2.53″ x 1.48″

Updated March 22nd:
[ceremony details] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
USPS Celebrates Award-Winning Children’s Book Author and Illustrator Tomie dePaola

What: The U.S. Postal Service will honor prolific children’s book author and illustrator Tomie dePaola with the issuance of a Forever stamp.

The first-day-of-issue event for the stamp is free and open to the public. News of the release is being shared with the hashtag #TomiedePaolastamp.

Who: Steve Monteith, chief customer and marketing officer and executive vice president, U.S. Postal Service, will serve as dedicating official.

Alan Chong, director and chief executive officer, Currier Museum of Art

Dr. Susan Lynch, former first lady of New Hampshire

Jon Anderson, president, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers and
publisher of Strega Nona

Erin Fehlau, WMUR-TV anchor

Sarah Mackenzie, founder, Read Aloud Revival

When: Friday, May 5, 2023, at 11 a.m. ET

Where:
Currier Museum of Art
150 Ash St.
Manchester, NH 03104

RSVP: Dedication ceremony attendees are encouraged to RSVP at  usps.com/tomiedepaola

Background: This stamp honors Tomie dePaola (1934–2020), whose extraordinarily varied body of work encompasses folk tales and legends, informational books, religious and holiday stories, and touching autobiographical accounts. His illustrations are immediately recognizable by their clean, bold lines and uncomplicated shapes. Deceptively simple, dePaola’s stories contain layers of emotional meaning and appeal to readers of all ages.

The stamp art features a detail from the cover of “Strega Nona” (1975), a Caldecott Honor Book and the first in a popular series. The title character, “Grandma Witch” in Italian, uses magic to cure her neighbors’ ills and to help with matters of the heart. The stamp image shows her carrying her magic pasta pot.

Derry Noyes, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp with dePaola’s original art.

Updated January 10th:
This stamp will be issued Friday, May 5, in Manchester, NH. The Currier Museum of Art here has a number of his works in its collection and has established The Tomie dePaola Art Education Fund to support art education for young people.