Experience Nature: Marker Wadden (Netherlands 2023)

Posted on by

[press release, translated via Google Translate] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
New nature on new stamps: full attention for the Marker Wadden

Between 2016 and 2021, five islands have been constructed in the Markermeer; the Marker Wadden. Representatives of the flora and fauna of this new nature reserve feature on the latest stamp sheetlet that PostNL has issued January 2 in the series “Experience Nature.”

[According to Wikipedia, “the Marker Wadden is an artificial archipelago under development in the Markermeer, a lake in the Netherlands.”]

The following ten inhabitants of this area play the leading role on the stamps “Experience Nature – Marker Wadden”: mute swan [right], bulrush, spoonbill, marram grass, little plover, bearded man, common tern, smelt, grasshopper warbler and sea buckthorn. All photos are included in a graphic layer of overlapping circles of different sizes, which break through the boundaries of the perforations.

Island 6 and 7
With the construction of the Marker Wadden, the initiators in the Markermeer want to promote nature restoration and improve bird abundance. The project is still ongoing, islands 6 and 7 will be completed this year. A visit to the Marker Wadden is already possible via a fixed ferry service, with departures from April to October from Lelystad.

Friesland, Overijssel and North Brabant
With the series “Experience nature’, PostNL draws attention to various nature areas in our country. After this first issue, three more stamp sheets will follow this year: about Skrok and Skrins in Friesland (February 13, 2023), the Wieden in Overijssel (June 12, 2023) and the Oisterwijkse Bossen en Vennen in North Brabant (August 24, 2023).

Close to the hearts
Natuurmonumenten manages the Marker Wadden. Roel Posthoorn, project director at the foundation, is proud of ‘his’ area. “The essence of Marker Wadden for me is that it was born from the feeling of desire. In nature management we are often busy looking for solutions to problems. But this is something we want, we desire. Something that is close to people’s hearts. That is why they are very welcome.”

Landscape variation
The stamp sheet Experience nature – Marker Wadden is a design by graphic designer Frank Janse from Gouda. “The common factor of this issue about Marker Wadden is the new nature that man has created here. There is a lot of variation in the landscape, with parts that are regularly flooded. This way you attract different species, mainly fish and birds, that feel at home where water and land meet.”

Availability
The stamp sheet “Experience Nature – Marker Wadden” has ten stamps in ten different designs, with the value indication Nederland 1, intended for mail up to and including 20 grams with a destination within the Netherlands.

The “Experience Nature – Marker Wadden” stamps are available while stocks last at all PostNL sales points, the post office in the Bruna stores and via shop.postnl.nl/webshop/collect-club/postzegeluitgiften/bdn-marker-wadden-10-vel-nl1 [direct link. The stamps can also be ordered by telephone from the Collect Club customer service on telephone number 088 868 99 00. The price per sheet of 10 stamps is € 10.10. The stamps are valid indefinitely. [VSC Note: The link to first day covers (“Eerstedagenveloppen”) is here. There are two for this issue, shown above and below.]

Iron Maiden (UK 2023)

Posted on by

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Royal Mail Honours Rock Legends Iron Maiden with a Set of 12 Special Stamps

Issue date: 12 January 2023

  • Royal Mail has revealed images of 12 stamps being issued as a tribute to one of the most revered and influential bands of all time – Iron Maiden
  • Eight of the stamps will feature images of some of their legendary performances over the years
  • A further four stamps, presented in a miniature sheet, pays homage to the band’s long-serving mascot and pop-cultural icon in his own right, Eddie
  • The band has amassed over 100 million record sales, almost 2,500 live performances across 64 countries, 17 studio albums and has recently finished their Legacy Of The Beast World Tour where they played to over 3,000,000 fans
  • Royal Mail collaborated closely with the band members and Phantom Music Management Ltd on the stamp issue
  • Iron Maiden become only the fifth music group to feature in a dedicated stamp issue – following on from The Beatles in 2007, Pink Floyd in 2016, Queen in 2020, and the Rolling Stones in 2022
  • The band will be back on the road in 2023 with their brand new The Future Past tour, with dates across the UK and Europe
  • The stamps and a range of collectible products are available  at www.royalmail.com/ironmaiden and by phone on +44 (0)3457 641 641
  • The Presentation Pack containing all 12 stamps is priced at £17.70

Royal Mail has revealed images of 12 new Special Stamps celebrating one of the most legendary rock bands of all time, Iron Maiden.

The main stamp set celebrates Iron Maiden’s live performances, featuring a selection of photos from their world-wide tours across the years, internationally and at home – and feature all current members of the band.

Images range from the 1980s until 2018 and show:

  • Steve Harris in Vancouver, June 2010
  • Bruce Dickinson at Hammersmith, Odeon, London, May 1983
  • Dave Murray, Adrian Smith and Steve Harris in Pamplona, September 1988
  • Nicko McBrain in Quito, March 2009
  • Dave Murray, Bruce Dickinson and Janick Gers in Rio de Janeiro, January 2001
  • Adrian Smith and Steve Harris in Helsinki, May 2018
  • Iron Maiden at Twickenham Stadium, London, July 2008
  • Bruce Dickinson sword fighting with Eddie in Birmingham, August 2018

A further four stamps pay homage to the band’s long-serving mascot and pop-cultural icon in his own right, Eddie, with his own miniature sheet. The stamps show four notorious Eddie artworks, including the latest addition featuring Eddie as a samurai warrior from the recent Senjutsu album.Shown on the stamps are:

    • ‘Iron Maiden’ Eddie: The stare that started it all. Born in 1980 – on the cover of the band’s debut album
    • ‘The Trooper’ Eddie: The unforgettable artwork for one of Iron Maiden’s greatest hit singles and, more recently, the logo for their award-winning beer
    • ‘Aces High’ Eddie: Reimagined as a fighter pilot for a song honouring the RAF servicemen who defended Britain during the Second World War
    • ‘Senjutsu’ Eddie: Samurais, feudal Japan and flashing blades inspired this katana-wielding warrior, from the band’s most recent album

    The backdrop of the miniature sheet is taken from Iron Maiden’s first official live album, Live After Death (1985).

    Founded in east London in the mid-1970s by songwriter and bassist Steve Harris, Iron Maiden’s decades-spanning career has made them one of the most revered and influential bands of all time. With over 100 million record sales, almost 2,500 live performances across 64 countries and 17 studio albums – including their latest, Senjutsu, released in 2021 – Iron Maiden have remained fearlessly creative and dedicated to their legions of fans for almost half a century.

    Iron Maiden founder member and bassist Steve Harris comments: “We were all absolutely astounded – in a good way! – when we heard first about the commemorative project, and equally pretty much speechless when we saw the stamps for the very first time. They look superb and I think they really capture the essence and energy of Maiden. We’re all very proud that Royal Mail has chosen to honour the band’s legacy like this and we know our fans will feel the same way,”

    Iron Maiden manager, Rod Smallwood adds: “As a band who have never played by anyone else’s rules for over 40 years, it’s very gratifying to see them honoured in their home country in this way. We’re proud to show how these six band members are still appealing to more and more fans every year with their music and their legendary shows – which I think these stamps really capture well. It’s also fantastic that Eddie has been honoured too – it’s incredible to think that Her Majesty, may she rest in peace, saw these and lent her iconic silhouette to them too.”

    David Gold, Director of External Public Affairs & Policy, Royal Mail, said: “Few bands in the history of rock music can be called bona fide rock legends – but Iron Maiden are just that – and more. With legions of devoted fans of all ages and from every corner of the globe, not only have they changed the way rock music sounds, but they have also changed the way it looks. We fully expect their fans will love these stamps as much as we do.”

    Royal Mail collaborated closely with the band members and Phantom Music Management Ltd on the stamp issue.

    The band will be back on the road in 2023 with their brand new, The Future Past tour, with dates across the UK and Europe.

    The stamps are now on general sale from 12 January 2023 with a Presentation Pack containing all 12 stamps priced at £17.70. They may be ordered at www.royalmail.com/ironmaiden and by phone on 03457 641 641.

VSC Notes: The “special products” include

  • A “highly collectible keepsake featuring platinum-layered Eddie Stamp Sheet stamps packaged in an Iron Maiden flight case” [shown here]. It is currently “out of stock” but when it is available, the price is £199.99.
  • A special edition version of the Iron Maiden stamp set “plated in pure 24 carat gold with colourised and embossed detailing.” This one is in-stock and only £149.99.
  • Various fan and collector sheets (£7.50 to £12.40), a press sheet, postcards, and “full sheets” (48 stamps) and “half sheets” (24), with either the four first-class designs or four £1.85 designs
  • The only first day covers offered are two silver-plated “medal” covers at £19.99 each.

Radio: Stamp Collecting Resolutions

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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)

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

[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

Posted on by

[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)

Posted on by

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)

Posted on by

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.