Netherlands Issues Crypto Stamps (Netherlands 2022)

[from a PostNL press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
[Note: On any PostNL in Dutch, look for the <NL at the top of the page, above the search box. Click on the left-facing triangle and you should be offered <EN.]

Date of issue: 22 September 2022
Format: stamp sheet with one crypto stamp marked R for registered mail up to and including 2 kg destined for delivery within the Netherlands
Item number: 420862
Design: David Gruber, Vienna (Austria)
Collaboration: joint issue of a Dutch and an Austrian crypto stamp with a digital twin in the blockchain

On 22 September 2022, PostNL issued the NL crypto stamp, marked with R for registered mail weighing up to 2 kg destined for delivery inside of the Netherlands. Each physical postage stamp has a digital twin in the blockchain. The NL crypto stamp is the first crypto stamp to be issued by PostNL. In addition, it is also the world’s first ever joint issue of a crypto stamp. PostNL and Österreichische Post are simultaneously issuing their own crypto stamp based on the same design, featuring the colours of the respective country’s flag, each with the same symbol but with a different denomination. Another special feature is the fact that collectors can reserve their copy of the NL crypto stamp from 2 September 2022.

Crypto stamps are a recent phenomenon. In 2019, Austria’s national postal service, Österreichische Post AG, became the first postal service in the world to issue a crypto stamp. It was followed by Gibraltar, Croatia, Liechtenstein, Malta, the United Arab Emirates, the UN and Switzerland. With the NL crypto stamp, PostNL is next in line. As is the case with other crypto stamps, each individual NL crypto stamp is linked to a digital twin in the blockchain. Blockchain is a computer technology that uses distributed databases to secure the ownership of crypto money and other digital assets such as crypto art and crypto stamps. These digital items are also known as NFTs, non-fungible tokens. You can view the digital twin of your NL crypto stamp on a computer or smartphone at any time. It is also possible to store it in a digital collection or sell it using a digital wallet.

How Does It Work?
Activate the NFC function on your smartphone. Hold your phone near the NL crypto stamp to check its authenticity.

Each NL crypto stamp has a digital twin with a particular colour in the blockchain. There are five different colours, some of which are more common than others. Activate your NL crypto stamp to discover the colour of the digital twin. Scan the QR-code on the front or enter code [1] and code [A] on the reverse at NLcryptostamp.nl [link is to the English-language version].

Design
The stamp sheet with the NL crypto stamp is the size of a bank card and is made of extra strong reinforced paper. The physical stamp has been affixed to the front of the stamp sheet, in the centre. The stamp can be detached along the perforated edges. The background of both the sheet and the stamp feature the stripes of the Dutch flag with an added crystal structure. A pattern of silver tulips runs across the flag.

As was the case with the previous crypto stamp issues by Österreichische Post, the design of this jointly issued crypto stamp features a unique symbol. Designs for the earlier Austrian editions included a unicorn, a whale and a panda. The PostNL and Österreichische Post version features the silver silhouette of a bull’s head in the top left-hand corner. The bull is not just a symbol of courage and perseverance; it also represents ‘bull markets’, which is how the world of the stock exchange refers to rising markets.

The denomination R for registered mail is printed in the top right-hand corner of the stamp and a QR code with a link to the digital twin can be found in the bottom right-hand corner. The country (Nederland) and the year (2022) are printed in the bottom left-hand corner of the stamp. The reverse of the stamp sheet features a number of codes, a QR code and a ‘secret word list’ for viewing, storing and selling the digital twin of the NL crypto stamp in the blockchain. The image on the reverse is the same as that on the front, with the Dutch tricolour, the crystal structure and the silver tulips. The upper right-hand corner of the reverse features the unicorn logo, which has been used as a symbol for crypto stamps since the very first issue by Austria in 2019.

The issue of the NL crypto stamp is groundbreaking for several reasons. It is the first crypto stamp PostNL has ever issued and it is also the first joint issue (together with Österreichische Post) of a crypto stamp worldwide. It is also unusual that collectors and other interested parties were able to reserve a copy through an official presale.

Stephan van den Eijnden, commercial director of PostNL Mail Nederland, agrees that this issue is unusual. ‘We have been receiving a lot of interest since the end of May, when we announced that we would be issuing our first Dutch crypto stamp this autumn. The Dutch are becoming more and more interested in the world of crypto. But until now, the general public only knew of these products by name. With the NL crypto stamp, we are making NFTs accessible to a wider audience. We hope that this will make more people eager to discover this new way of collecting. Because stamps are timeless!’

Van den Eijnden adds ‘ the basic design is the same. But with a different denomination, different flags (of course) and also a different national flower. What the tulip is to the Netherlands, the edelweiss is to Austria.’

Colors
The digital twins are stored in the blockchain in five different colours. The likelihood of getting a particular colour depends on the colour: there are 1,400 red, 9,334 yellow, 18,666 blue, 37,334 green and 73,266 black stamps. So a red digital twin is much rarer than a black one, for example. The digital twin of the crypto stamp is randomly generated. Scan the QR code on the stamp with a smartphone to find out which colour is linked to your NL crypto stamp.

Austrian Version
Österreichische Post will issue its version of the latest crypto stamp – the Crypto stamp 4.0 – on the same day PostNL issues theirs. Its design is very similar to that of the NL crypto stamp, [with] a few important differences.

Availability
The stamps are available while stocks last in Bruna shops and through the webshop and the onchainshop. The validity period is indefinite. More information about the crypto stamps can be found at NLcryptostamp.nl [link is to the English-language version].

Technical Specifications:
Postage stamp dimensions: 43 x 53 mm
Stamp sheet dimensions: 53.98 x 85.6 x 0.79 mm (+/- 0.05 mm)
Paper: Invercote Creato matt 240 g/m2
Special features: PET film for NFC chip, silver metallic, film and varnish
NFC chip: 384 bytes, AES-SUN NDEF security
Gum: gummed
Printing technique: offset and screen print
Printing colours: cyan, magenta, yellow, black
Print run: 140,000 stamps
Format: stamp sheet with one stamp
Design: David Gruber, Vienna (Austria)
Printer: Variuscard GmbH, Vienna (Austria)
Item number: 420862

Watch 2022-23 U.S. Duck Stamp Competition Live

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Join the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the 2022 Virtual Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s annual national wildlife art competition – the 2022 Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest – will be broadcast live on September 23 and 24.

The media and public are invited to view the contest via live webcast as five judges review 187 contest entries [which you can see here] and select the winning artwork. Judging for the duck stamp begins at 10:00 a.m. EST, Friday and 10:00 a.m. EST, Saturday, with the final selection announced around noon. This event is not open to the public this year. Tune in for video cameos from Service Director, Martha Williams, artists and other members of the conservation community.

The winning art selected will appear on the 2023-2024 Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, or “Duck Stamp”. The Federal Duck Stamp plays a critically important role in wildlife conservation. Since 1934, sales from the iconic stamp have raised more than $1.1 billion to protect over 6 million acres of wetlands habitat.

More information is available at here.

What: Selection of the 2022 Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest Winner

When: September 23 and 24, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. EST (judging begins at 10:00 a.m., daily; winning artwork expected to be announced on Saturday between 11:00 a.m. and noon)

Where: Virtual Webcast

Who: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, visit www.fws.gov, or connect with us through any of these social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.

Community Foundation (Canada 2022)

Although the issue date is 19 September, on VSC’s Facebook group, Danforth Guy points out that all Canadian post offices were supposed to be closed that day, for Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Canada Post Community Foundation ramps up 2022 campaign, rolls out grants to improve the lives of Canadian children
101 groups receive $1.3 million in funding as in-store campaign and new stamp launched to meet growing needs across the country

OTTAWA – As the Canada Post Community Foundation launches its 2022 fundraising campaign, 101 organizations across the country have been informed they will receive much-needed funding to support their efforts to improve the lives of Canadian children and youth.

Support for grassroots organizations and Indigenous youth
A total of $1.3 million in grants has been awarded for this year. The recipients include grassroots organizations from every province and territory. This year represents the first Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation Signature Grant, which is going to the Northern Nishnawbe Education Council in Sioux Lookout, Ontario, to support its goal to create stronger bonds, relationships and understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people across Northern Ontario.

Canada Post is committed to fostering reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, including through funding of community programs that support Indigenous children and youth. All 2022 grant recipients are listed on the Canada Post Community Foundation website.

In-store campaign launched with special stamp to raise funds for next year
Faced with a growing number of applications each year, the Foundation raises money through customer donations in post offices, employee payroll deduction and sale of a special annual stamp. This year’s stamp, issued on September 19, will raise funds for distribution in 2023 and is available for purchase. Stamp booklets can be purchased and donations made at local post offices, with funds going to organizations that operate in the province or territory in which they are raised.

$12.3 million for 1,100 initiatives since 2012
Established in 2012, the Foundation is a registered charity that operates at arm’s length from Canada Post. It has granted more than $12.3 million to 1,100 initiatives for children and youth nationwide, including literacy and language programs; youth outreach services; projects that support Indigenous youth; gender and sexual diversity programs; arts and recreation projects; special education programs; childhood health programs; anti-bullying initiatives; mentoring programs and many others. Every dollar raised by the Foundation is granted to children’s charities and community organizations across Canada.

About the stamp issue
The 2022 stamp for the Canada Post Community Foundation was designed by Joanna Todd of Chad Roberts Design. There’s something magical about treehouses. They inspire imagination, offer a place for make-believe play and provide a setting in which to dream. Creating spaces for children – literal, virtual and figurative – is of vital importance. That’s why the Canada Post Community Foundation exists.

This design was selected by Canada Post frontline retail employees. The stamp is available at Canada Post outlets across the country and online at canadapost.ca/shop. Follow these links for high-resolution images.

About the Foundation
The Canada Post Community Foundation provides grants to Canadian schools, charities and organizations in an effort to make a difference in the lives of children across the country. It supports the small, underfunded projects that often go unnoticed, from coast to coast to coast. Through its grassroots, community-based approach, the Foundation plays a critical role in helping Canada Post achieve its purpose, A Stronger Canada – Delivered.

To donate to the Canada Post Community Foundation, purchase a booklet of stamps at a local post office or visit canadapost.ca/community.

[en Francais pour les médias d’information]
La Fondation communautaire de Postes Canada lance sa campagne de 2022 et verse des subventions pour améliorer la vie des enfants au pays
Cent un organismes reçoivent 1,3 million de dollars en subventions alors que la Fondation lance sa campagne en magasin et son nouveau timbre pour répondre à des besoins grandissants au Canada

OTTAWA – À l’occasion du lancement de la campagne de financement de 2022 de la Fondation communautaire de Postes Canada, 101 organismes d’un bout à l’autre du pays ont été informés qu’ils recevraient bientôt une précieuse subvention qui les aidera à améliorer la vie d’enfants et de jeunes au Canada.

Soutien aux organismes communautaires et aux jeunes Autochtones
Totalisant 1,3 million de dollars, les subventions de cette année seront remises à des organismes communautaires de chaque province et territoire. La toute première subvention Signature pour la vérité et la réconciliation avec les Autochtones a été accordée au Northern Nishnawbe Education Council de Sioux Lookout, en Ontario. Les fonds l’aideront à créer des liens plus solides et à améliorer la compréhension entre les Autochtones et les non-Autochtones dans les collectivités du nord de l’Ontario.

Postes Canada est déterminée à favoriser la réconciliation avec les peuples autochtones, notamment en finançant des programmes communautaires qui aident les enfants et les jeunes Autochtones. La liste de tous les bénéficiaires d’une subvention de 2022 se trouve sur le site Web de la Fondation communautaire de Postes Canada.

Lancement de la campagne en magasin et d’un timbre spécial pour la collecte de fonds des subventions de 2022
Le nombre de demandes de subvention augmente chaque année. La Fondation amasse des fonds à l’aide de dons provenant de la clientèle des bureaux de poste, du programme de retenues à la source du personnel participant et de la vente d’un timbre thématique annuel. Le timbre de cette année, qui a été émis le 19 septembre pour amasser des fonds pour les subventions de 2022, est maintenant en vente. Les carnets de timbres sont vendus et les dons sont recueillis dans les bureaux de poste locaux. Les fonds sont versés à des organismes de la province ou du territoire où ils ont été recueillis.

Un total de 12,3 millions de dollars pour 1 100 initiatives depuis 2012
Créée en 2012, la Fondation communautaire de Postes Canada est un organisme de bienfaisance enregistré qui est exploité indépendamment de Postes Canada. Depuis ses débuts, elle a distribué plus de 12,3 millions de dollars en subventions à 1 100 initiatives pour enfants et jeunes à l’échelle du pays, notamment des programmes d’alphabétisation et de langue, de mentorat, d’éducation spécialisée et de santé, des services d’aide, des projets qui soutiennent les jeunes Autochtones, des programmes sur la diversité de genre et sexuelle, des projets artistiques et récréatifs et des initiatives contre l’intimidation. Chaque dollar amassé est versé à des organismes communautaires et à des œuvres de bienfaisance pour enfants partout au Canada.

À propos du timbre
Le timbre de la Fondation communautaire de Postes Canada de 2022 a été conçu par Joanna Todd de Chad Roberts Design. Les maisons dans les arbres ont quelque chose de magique. Elles stimulent l’imagination et fournissent un abri où l’on peut jouer à faire semblant et même rêver. Offrir aux enfants des espaces bien réels, virtuels ou figuratifs est essentiel. C’est justement pourquoi la Fondation communautaire de Postes Canada existe.

Le motif a été choisi par le personnel de vente au détail de Postes Canada. Le timbre est en vente dans les comptoirs postaux et en ligne à postescanada.ca/achat. Cliquez sur les liens suivants pour obtenir les images à haute résolution du timbre.

À propos de la Fondation
La Fondation communautaire de Postes Canada verse des subventions à des écoles, des œuvres de bienfaisance et des organismes du Canada dans le but d’améliorer le sort des enfants partout au pays. Elle soutient d’un océan à l’autre les petits projets sous-financés qui passent souvent inaperçus. Grâce à son approche communautaire, la Fondation contribue à ce que Postes Canada réalise sa raison d’être, soit celle d’être porteurs d’un Canada plus fort.

Pour faire un don à la Fondation communautaire de Postes Canada, achetez un carnet de timbres à votre bureau de poste ou visitez postescanada.ca/communautaire.

Kelbert Wins Youth Grand Exhibiting Championship

[press release]
AAPE Announces Youth Grand Champion of Champions for 2022

Amelia Kelbert was named Youth Grand Champion at the American Association of Philatelic Exhibitors (AAPE) Youth Champion of Champions competition at the Great American Stamp Show in Sacramento in August.

Amelia’s thematic exhibit, “The World of the Monarch Butterfly (Daneius Plexippus)” qualified for the competition by winning the Youth Grand Award at PIPEX 2022. She is 17 years old and lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Her exhibit also received the Most Improved Award and the Best Use of Worldwide Material award from the International Society of Worldwide Stamp Collectors. She did not attend the show.

The Reserve Grand Award was awarded to Adhyaatman Agarwala from Brooklyn, New York, age 15, for his postal history exhibit entitled, “Ecuadorian Slogan-Based Covers Related to the Ecuador-Peru Border Conflict of 1941.”

Eleven exhibits by youth ranging in age from 13 to 18 qualified and competed – each having won a Youth Grand Award at an APS World Series of Philately Show. The participants are eligible for 19 different awards donated by WESTPEX, Collectors Club of Chicago, Pinnacle Stamp Club, the American Topical Association, the International Society of Worldwide Stamp Collectors and individuals.

Canada-USSR Hockey Summit (Canada 2022)

We had some questions about this issue. Canada Post’s answers are at the bottom of the page. [click here]

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Stamp celebrates the shared experience millions of Canadians had watching Team Canada’s epic Summit Series victory 50 years ago
Special video also released with prominent Canadians sharing their Summit Series memories

Issue date: 21 September 2022

OTTAWA – Canada Post today marked the 50th anniversary of the 1972 Summit Series with a stamp that celebrates the experience that millions of Canadians shared in as they watched an unprecedented clash of hockey titans – and Team Canada’s dying-seconds victory in Game 8 – on television.

The stamp’s design, depicting a faceoff in the frame of a 1970s-style television, recalls Canada glued before its TV screens as our best professional hockey players went up against the Soviet Union’s national team for the first time. For nearly a month, Canadians rode an emotional roller coaster together, from confidence to sobering defeats.

Canada Post has also released a special video in which several prominent Canadians recall their experience and the impact it had on the country. They include:

  • Television journalist Lisa Laflamme
  • Retired television journalist Peter Mansbridge;
  • Sports broadcaster Pierre Houde;
  • Paralympian Rick Hansen;
  • Montreal Gazette editorial cartoonist Terry Mosher (a.k.a. Aislin),
  • Five-time women’s world hockey champion France Saint-Louis;
  • Scientist and broadcaster David Suzuki;
  • President and CEO of Historica Canada Anthony Wilson-Smith; and
  • Canada Post President and CEO Doug Ettinger.


On September 28, 1972, an estimated 13 to 15 million Canadians (out of 21 million) tuned in for that decisive game. They watched in their living rooms and panelled basement rec rooms. They watched in bars and Royal Canadian Legion Halls. They watched in factories and offices. They lined up shoulder to shoulder in front of televisions on sale in department stores. Schoolchildren watched on boxy TVs on stands wheeled into their gymnasium or classroom. Businesses closed to let employees watch.

With a mere 34 seconds left in the game, Paul Henderson scored the series-winning goal. He later said, “When I saw it go in, I just went bonkers.” So did the country.

Booklet Cover

About the stamp issue
The Summit Series stamp was designed by Jim Ryce, and illustrated by Gary Alphonso of Toronto. The illustration is inspired by a faceoff between Team Canada’s Phil Esposito (7) and a Soviet player in Game 3 at the Winnipeg Arena on September 6, 1972. The stamp issue is cancelled in Winnipeg. Printed by Lowe-Martin, the stamp issue includes a booklet of 10 Permanent™ domestic rate stamps and an Official First Day Cover. Stamps and collectibles are available at canadapost.ca and postal outlets across Canada.

[en Francais pour les médias d’information]
Le timbre sur la Série du siècle rappelle l’expérience des millions au pays qui ont regardé la victoire d’Équipe Canada il y a 50 ans
Une vidéo spéciale a également été publiée avec des personnalités canadiennes partageant leurs souvenirs de la Série du siècle</em

Jour d’emission: 21 Septembre

OTTAWA – Postes Canada a souligné aujourd’hui le 50e anniversaire de la Série du siècle de 1972 par un timbre rappelant l’expérience vécue par des millions de personnes au pays qui ont regardé à la télé un affrontement sans précédent de géants du hockey – et la victoire d’Équipe Canada dans les dernières secondes du huitième match.

Le motif du timbre, qui illustre une mise au jeu dans le cadre d’un téléviseur des années?70, rappelle comment tout le Canada avait les yeux rivés sur l’écran alors que nos meilleurs hockeyeurs professionnels affrontaient pour la première fois l’équipe nationale de l’Union soviétique. Pendant près d’un mois, la population est passée par toute la gamme des émotions, de la confiance arrogante à la tristesse des défaites.

Postes Canada a également publié une vidéo spéciale dans laquelle plusieurs personnalités canadiennes se souviennent de leur expérience et de l’incidence de cet événement sur le pays. Les voici :

  • Lisa LaFlamme, téléjournaliste
  • Peter Mansbridge, téléjournaliste à la retraite
  • Pierre Houde, commentateur sportif
  • Rick Hansen, athlète paralympique
  • Terry Mosher (alias Aislin), caricaturiste, Montreal Gazette
  • France Saint-Louis, cinq fois championne du monde de hockey féminin
  • David Suzuki, scientifique, animateur de télévision
  • Anthony Wilson-Smith, président et chef de la direction d’Historica Canada
  • Doug Ettinger, président-directeur général de Postes Canada


Le 28 septembre 1972, entre 13 et 15 millions de personnes (sur 21 millions) se sont réunies dans leur salon ou leur sous-sol pour regarder la partie décisive. Elles l’ont aussi regardée dans les bars, les salles de la Légion royale canadienne, les usines et les bureaux. Elles se sont entassées devant les téléviseurs en vente dans les grands magasins. Les élèves l’ont regardé sur des téléviseurs installés au gymnase ou dans la salle de classe. Les commerces ont fermé pour permettre au personnel de voir la partie.

À seulement 34 secondes de la fin de la rencontre, Paul Henderson a marqué le but qui a donné la victoire au Canada. Plus tard, il a dit : « Quand j’ai vu la rondelle toucher le fond du filet, j’ai eu un choc. » Le Canada aussi.

Booklet Cover

À propos du timbre
Le timbre de la Série du siècle a été conçu par Jim Ryce et illustré par Gary Alphonso de Toronto. L’illustration s’inspire d’un affrontement entre Phil Esposito (7) d’Équipe Canada et un joueur de l’équipe soviétique lors du troisième match à l’aréna de Winnipeg, le 6 septembre 1972. Imprimée par Lowe Martin, l’émission comprend un carnet de 10 timbres PermanentsMC au tarif du régime intérieur et un pli Premier Jour officiel oblitéré à Winnipeg. Les timbres et les articles de collection sont en vente sur postescanada.ca et dans les comptoirs postaux partout au pays.

Canada Post answers questions from The Virtual Stamp Club community

Q: Why is the emphasis in the stamp design and the Official First Day Cover on television, not the hockey games?

A: We issued the Summit Series stamp issue to celebrate the shared experience of millions of Canadians who watched Team Canada’s Summit Series victory 50 years ago. When we mark a major milestone through our national stamp program, we try to identify and amplify a specific piece of the story.

For the 1972 Summit Series we decided to focus on what was happening back in Canada instead of focusing on the actual hockey. The stamp features a television set with an accurate illustration on the screen.

Q: Why is Phil Esposito’s jersey number 7 clearly shown, but the Soviet player is not identified?

A: The focus on Esposito was an artistic decision, as the stamp was presented from the perspective of the Canadian viewer and focuses on the Canadian experience.

Q: Is the Soviet player Vladimir Petrov?

A: The stamp illustration was inspired by game play between Phil Esposito (7) and Viktor Kuzkin (19), Game 3, Winnipeg Arena, September 6, 1972.

AFDCS Honors 3 For Service

[Press Release]
AFDCS Gives Top Honors to Three: Litvak, Thompson, Fall

The American First Day Cover Society has given its top honors to three of its long-time leaders, Michael Litvak of California, Mark Thompson of Tennessee and Tris Fall of Pennsylvania.

Litvak, who recently stepped down for health reasons after more than 31 years as Executive Vice President, was named an Honorary Life Member, the first person to receive the society’s highest award in 13 years. In addition to serving in that post, Litvak had also chaired the AFDCS Fundraising Auctions, helping bring them to a new level of funding for the organization, and is a founding member of one of the most active chapters, the Claude C. Ries Chapter #48 in Southern California. Until recently, the former public schoolteacher was Ries Chapter President. [Photo: Litvak at Americover 2017]

Litvak also served on the AFDCS Board of Directors for many years, was president of the American Ceremony Program Society (another AFDCS chapter), and has written dozens of articles for the AFDCS journal, First Days.

Thompson and Fall received the Distinguished Service Award for their meritorious service to the AFDCS. Thompson is currently AFDCS Treasurer and has been the advertising manager for First Days for the past nine years. The treasurer position is normally an auditor, but in the dark days following the sudden death of executive director Douglas Kelsey, Thompson was instrumental in reconstructing and restructuring the society’s financial records and accounts.

As advertising manager, he cleared up and collected thousands of dollars in past-due accounts, to the point where, today, no advertisers are in arrears beyond the current cycle. His exhibit “Women of the Black Heritage Series” has won gold medals and proven to be a crowd-favorite with nine most-popular awards at national shows. [Photo: Thompson mounting his exhibit at the Great American Stamp Show/Americover in 2022]

Tristram R. Fall III is an attorney in Philadelphia. “Tris” was advising the AFDCS on legal matters regarding intellectual property — one of his specialties — even before he became General Counsel in 2014. He writes or examines all contracts involving the AFDCS. In addition, when necessary, he acts as parliamentarian for AFDCS meetings and is a member of the Bylaws Committee. His wide-ranging collecting interests include the U.S. Bicentennial, aviation, and space.

“Being the attorney for a stamp society isn’t a flashy post, but oh so necessary in this litigious age,” said AFDCS president Lloyd. A. de Vries. “Tris has helped keep us out of trouble.” [Photo: Fall at Americover 2015]

DSA recipients are chosen by a vote of past DSA recipients. Honorary Life Memberships are recommended by the Honors and Awards Committee (currently chaired by James Tatum, Jr.) and confirmed by the Board of Directors.

The AFDCS publishes an award-winning bimonthly journal, First Days, handbooks, catalogues, and directories, produces video presentations on Zoom and makes them available on its YouTube Channel, and advocates for first day cover collecting and exhibiting. The AFDCS also is a co-host of the Great American Stamp Show, which next will be held August 10-13, 2023, in Cleveland, Ohio.

Memberships start at $24 a year (without printed copies of First Days). 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.

Canadian Stamps on the Passing of Queen Elizabeth?

In a response to an inquiry from The Virtual Stamp Club, Canada Post hints that stamps honoring Elizabeth are likely. Here is the reply received Wednesday evening from Lisa Liu:

“Canada Post has been honoured to commemorate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s remarkable life and connection to Canada through our national stamp program.

“Since 1935, when young Princess Elizabeth was first featured on a stamp, Canada Post has featured Queen Elizabeth II on more than 70 Canadian stamps. Over the years, stamps have been issued to commemorate milestones, historical events, and Royal Tours to Canada.

“The first time Queen Elizabeth II appeared as Queen on a Canadian stamp was in May 1953, more than a year after She ascended the throne on February 6, 1952. Throughout her unprecedented reign, stamps were issued to celebrate her Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilee, as well as a special stamp in 2015 when she became Canada’s longest-reigning sovereign, surpassing her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria.

“To celebrate Her Majesty’s 70-year reign, Canada Post issued the Platinum Jubilee stamp in February 2022. This stamp is the final one to bear an image of Queen Elizabeth II issued by Canada Post and remains available for sale at post offices and online. It features The Queen’s profile based on a sculpture created by Arnold Machin, O.B.E., R.A. While the image has been used consistently in British and other Commonwealth stamps since 1967, the Platinum Jubilee stamp marks the first time the Machin profile was used on a Canadian stamp.

“Any future stamp issues related to the change in Sovereign will be reviewed by the Canada Post Stamp Advisory Committee and production will follow our detailed process. This process will take time, but plans are already underway. We look forward to sharing details in the future.

“For more details on the Platinum Jubilee stamp and other commemorative stamps featuring Queen Elizabeth II, you can visit this site [Canada Post Magazine].”

Emphasis added.

VSC has the press release and large images of the stamp and products here.

First Nations Honor Queen Elizabeth II

Not surprisingly, all three are Inter-Governmental Philatelic Corporation clients. Surprisingly, it took six days for these stamps to be announced. However, note that Tuvalu, Papua New Guinea and Grenada are all members of the British Commonwealth. Here’s the press release:

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Elizabeth II: The British Queen Dies At 96
Nations Around the World Honor the Memory of Queen Elizabeth II on Postage Stamps

New York, September 14th, 2022 | IGPC is pleased to release the recently approved stamp images honoring Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Visuals of the official postage stamps In Memoriam of the Queen from the nations of Grenada, Papua New Guinea and Tuvalu are attached. We anticipate the release of additional Nations, which will be shared soon.

On 8th September 2022, Her Majesty the Queen, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch and a symbol of stability died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. The Queen’s death comes seven months after she marked the 70th anniversary of her accession to the throne, a milestone achievement in her remarkable life.

At the very young age of 25, Queen Elizabeth II ruled seven Independent Commonwealth Nations making her the World’s longest reigning monarch since her coronation in 1953. Throughout her many decades on the Royal Throne, the Queen has witnessed major political change and engaged some of the most influential World Leaders, including thirteen United States Presidents.

Nations around the world have traditionally honored and paid tribute to the Queen throughout her beautiful life. Now Government Postal Authorities represented by IGPC mourn the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and honor her life and legacy with new official postage stamps. Of the first nations around the world to honor the Queen after hearing the sad news of her passing are the Caribbean Island Nations of Antigua & Barbuda, Grenada, St. Kitts, Nevis, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, the Pacific Island Nations of The Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, Papua New Guinea, the Central American Nation of Guyana and the African Nation of The Gambia.

Stamp collectors and enthusiasts will be sure to add these significant stamps to their collection and are able to purchase these stamp sheets from the local Post Offices of the issuing government or from their local stamp dealer. Additionally, stamps are available directly from the IGPC website at www.igpc.com.

Royal Mail Guidance after the Queen’s Death

Royal Mail issue guidance on stamps and postboxes

Following the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II, Royal Mail has confirmed that stamps bearing the image of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II remain valid for use.

These include Definitive stamps – regular ‘everyday’ stamps – and Special Stamps. As previously announced, following the introduction of barcodes to everyday stamps, these stamps remain valid until the end of January 2023.

All Special Stamps that have already been announced will be issued, although the launch dates of some may change.

In line with past practice, following the death of a monarch all existing post boxes will remain unchanged. Post boxes already in production or being prepared for installation, will also retain the insignia of Queen Elizabeth II.

A gallery of GB stamps on which The Queen featured is available on the RM website: A life in stamps.

No further announcements on stamps will be made before the funeral, and then only at the appropriate time, after consultation with Buckingham Palace.

U.S. Scott Catalogue Update (September 2022)

5703 (60¢) Mariachi – Guitarist and Moon
a. Imperforate
5704 (60¢) Mariachi – Guitarist and Sun
a. Imperforate
5705 (60¢) Mariachi – Violinist and Sun
a. Imperforate
5706 (60¢) Mariachi – Bass Guitarist and Sun
a. Imperforate
5707 (60¢) Mariachi – Trumpet Player and Sun
a. Imperforate
b. Horiz. strip of 5, #5703-5707
c. Imperforate horiz. strip of 5, #5703a-5707a

5708 (60¢) Pete Seeger
a. Imperforate

5709 (60¢) Buzz Lightyear – Head in Profile
a. Imperforate
5710 (60¢) Buzz Lightyear – Standing With Legs Visible
a. Imperforate
5711 (60¢) Buzz Lightyear – Running
a. Imperforate
5712 (60¢) Buzz Lightyear – Standing, Feet Not Visible
a. Imperforate
b. Vert. or horiz. strip of 4, #5709-5712
c. Imperforate vert. or horiz. strip of 4, #5709a-5712a

5713 National Marine Sanctuaries pane of 16
a. (60¢) Balloon fish
b. (60¢) Red-footed boobies
c. (60¢) Humpback whale
d. (60¢) Sea stacks
e. (60¢) Mallows Bay-Potomac River Marine Sanctuary at sunset
f. (60¢) Farallon Islands
g. (60¢) Elkhorn coral
h. (60¢) Hawaiian monk seal
i. (60¢) Queen angelfish
j. (60¢) Sea otter
k. (60¢) Young rockfish exploring reef
l. (60¢) Atlantic sea nettle
m. (60¢) Sea lions
n. (60¢) Sand tiger shark
o. (60¢) Corals and fish, Rose Atoll
p. (60¢) Ice on shoreline of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
q. As #5713, imperforate
r. As #5713a, imperforate
s. As #5713b, imperforate
t. As #5713c, imperforate
u. As #5713d, imperforate
v. As #5713e, imperforate
w. As #5713f, imperforate
x. As #5713g, imperforate
y. As #5713h, imperforate
z. As #5713i, imperforate
aa. As #5713j, imperforate
ab. As #5713k, imperforate
ac. As #5713l, imperforate
ad. As #5713m, imperforate
ae. As #5713n, imperforate
af. As #5713o, imperforate
ag. As #5713p, imperforate