Typically Dutch: Football (Netherlands)

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[from a press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Typically Dutch – Football (“Voetbal”)

Date of issue: 15 August 2022
Appearance: sheet of six stamps in six identical designs
Item number: 420762
Design: Claire Bedon and Edwin van Praet (Total Design), Amsterdam

This issue is the fifth and last in this year’s Typically Dutch series. In 2022, the multi-annual series is dedicated to five sports in which the Dutch excel. The six identical postage stamps will be marked ‘Nederland 1’, the denomination for items weighing up to 20g destined for the Netherlands. The Typically Dutch – football issue was designed by graphic designer Clair Bedon and creative director Edwin van Praet from Total Design in Amsterdam. Earlier this year, stamps featuring ice skating (3 January), hockey (21 March), cycling (4 April) and sailing (9 May) were published as part of this series.

With over 1.2 million members, Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) is the largest sports association in the Netherlands. While the number of men’s footballers remains stable, women’s football has been on the rise for years, with over 160,000 members. Football in the Netherlands has a long history, with the founding of the first football club in 1879: the Haarlemsche Football Club (HFC). One of the founders, Pim Mulier, established the Royal Dutch Football Association (NVAB) ten years later. In 1895, athletics took its own course and in 1929, the football association received the designation ‘Royal’. This marked the birth of the name KNVB. In 1971, the Dutch Women’s Football Association (NDVB) merged into the KNVB.

The Dutch men’s team played its very first international match on 30 April 1905 in and against Belgium. Club-level women’s football in the Netherlands began in 1955. A year later, the Dutch women’s team played its first international match. When it comes to football, the Netherlands has one of the best teams in the world. Based on the situation in June 2022, FIFA (the world football association) positioned the women’s national team in fourth place in the FIFA rankings, and the men’s team in eighth place. The women became European champions in 2017 and vice-world champions in 2019. The men became European champions in 1988 and vice-world champions in 1974, 1978 and 2010. The basis for the Dutch school with the 4-3-3 formation was laid by Ernst Happel from Feyenoord and Rinus Michels from Ajax and the Dutch national team at the end of the 1960s. The most famous national coach in women’s football is Sarina Wiegman, who managed the Dutch women’s team from 2017 to 2021. The names of star players like Marco van Basten, Johan Cruyff, Lieke Martens and Vivian Miedema are known across the world. [PostNL issued a stamp for Cruyff in 2017, one year after his death.]

The stamps featured on the Typically Dutch – Football stamp sheet show an illustration of a footballer in action. With her eyes on the ball, the player moves their right leg backwards to prepare for a shot. In the background, you see a round shape intersected by a horizontal line, symbolising the centre circle of a football pitch. The bottom of each stamp has a white strip containing the sorting hook, the year 2022, the country (Netherlands) and the denomination (1). Both the ball and the heel of the left shoe run into this strip slightly. The same is happening with the footballer’s ponytail in the white strip at the top. The logo for the Typically Dutch series is printed above each stamp, with a folded Dutch banner on the left and right. The picture is repeated in enlarged form on the edge of the sheet. The dominant colour yellow continues on the two tabs on the right. The Typically Dutch logo appears once more on the top edge of the sheet, while the bottom edge features a short explanatory text.

According to graphic designer Claire Bedon, the sportsman on the stamp epitomises a professional footballer – someone who runs up and shoots the ball, perhaps taking a free kick or penalty shoot. ‘She radiates strength and is relaxed at the same time. Her strength can be seen in the upper legs and her relaxation is shown in her open hands and the balance she seeks by spreading her arms. It’s obvious that she knows exactly what she’s doing. She has already visualised the shot, and she is about to shoot and score.

This issue is the last in this year’s Typically Dutch series.

Technical Details:
Postage stamp dimensions: 30 x 40 mm:
Sheet size: 170 x 122 mm
Paper: normal with phosphor print
Gum: gummed
Printing technique: offset
Printing colours: cyan, magenta, yellow, black and orange
Print run: 75,000 sheets
Appearance: sheet of 6 stamps in 6 identical designs
Design: Edwin van Praet and Claire Bedon, Total Design, Amsterdam
Printing company: Cartor Security Printers, Meaucé-La Loupe, France
Item number: 420762

Available on the PostNL webshop.

Transformers (UK 2022)

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[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Royal Mail Issue Transformers Special Stamps That Are ‘More Than Meets The Eye’

  • Eight stamps in the main set are produced in pairs, featuring original illustrations of an Autobot and Decepticon locked in a battle, in retro Generation One style from the 1980s
  • Featured on the stamps are: Optimus Prime; Megatron; Bumblebee; Starscream; Grimlock; Shockwave; Arcee; and Soundwave
  • The exclusive illustrations were created for Royal Mail by three established British comic artists: Andrew Wildman (pencils); Stephen Baskerville (inks); and John-Paul Bove (colours) who have all contributed to The Transformers comic series
  • Each of the main eight stamps are printed with UV ink which reveal hidden details about the characters when shone under UV light
  • In addition, each of the eight stamps have a unique Augmented Reality animation which, when scanned on the Royal Mail App, brings the stamp to life and includes a clip from the original animated Transformers TV series
  • A further five stamps, presented in a miniature sheet, feature the Dinobots; Grimlock; Snarl; Slug; Sludge; and Swoop
  • The stamps are available to pre-order now at www.royalmail.com/transformers and by phone on 03457 641 641
  • The stamps go on general sale on 1 September, with the Presentation Pack, containing all 13 stamps, priced at £17.50

Royal Mail has announced the launch of a set of 13 Special Stamps being issued to celebrate the British contribution to the globally successful, Transformers, animated franchise.

The main set of eight stamp designs, are produced in pairs and feature original illustrations of an Autobot and Decepticon locked in a battle, in retro Generation One style from the 1980s.

Featured on the stamps are: Optimus Prime; Megatron; Bumblebee; Starscream; Grimlock; Shockwave; Arcee; and Soundwave.

The images were created exclusively for Royal Mail by three established, British comic artists: Andrew Wildman (pencils); Stephen Baskerville (inks); and John-Paul Bove (colours) – who have all contributed to The Transformers comic series.

The main eight stamps are printed with a hidden ink which reveals each of the character’s faction logos and names in the Cybertronian alphabet when shone under UV light.

In addition, fans who download the Royal Mail App, can scan the stamp, and watch a unique Augmented Reality animation including a clip from the original animated Transformers TV series.

A further five stamps, presented in a miniature sheet, feature the Dinobots; Grimlock; Snarl; Slug; Sludge; and Swoop.Matt Parkes, Director of Stamps and Collectibles, Royal Mail, said: ‘Since The Transformers burst onto the scene in 1984, British writers and artists have made a substantial contribution to the ongoing story of the popular warring mechanoids; to this day many continue to do so and have inspired new artists to do the same. We are delighted to be able to celebrate their work with this stunning set of stamps – which calls back not only to the early comics but also – by using the Royal Mail App to trigger hidden content – the original cartoon series as well!.”

The Transformers:
The Transformers – alien robots who can change into vehicles, machinery and weapons – first appeared in toy shops and on TV screens in 1984. Nearly 40 years on, thanks to the addition of comic books, computer games and movies, the likes of Optimus Prime and Megatron have become pop-culture titans.

The story of the heroic Autobots and the evil Decepticons has been told in many different ways, but the core premise is usually the same: a deadly civil war engulfs the distant metal planet of Cybertron and eventually spreads to Earth. Key to the warring mechanoids’ success in the UK and Ireland was Marvel UK’s The Transformers comic, which told an epic seven-year story across 332 issues.

As well as launching the careers of British writers and artists, such as Simon Furman, Geoff Senior and Andrew Wildman, ‘TFUK’ inspired fans to follow in their footsteps – with James Roberts, Nick Roche and Jack Lawrence continuing to expand the mythos, establish the definitive origin of the Transformers and reinvent the Robots in Disguise for the 21st century with characters and concepts that endure to this day.

The stamps are available to pre-order now at www.royalmail.com/transformers and by phone on 03457 641 641. The stamps go on general sale on 1 September, with the Presentation Pack, containing all 13 stamps, priced at £17.50.

The Royal Mail first day covers:The first-day postmarks:

FIP Okays Boston 2026

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[press release]
FIP Patronage Approved for Boston 2026

Boston 2026 World Expo has been granted FIP Patronage by the Federation Internationale de Philatélie (FIP).

The request for such FIP classification was initiated by Boston 2026 leadership and presented to delegates at its 76th Congress Commissions’ Conference Meeting and Meeting of the Associate Members taking place in Jakarta, Indonesia August 4-9. It was approved without objection and continues the tradition of such recognition by once-a-decade U.S. international exhibitions of years past.

An FIP consultant to Boston 2026 will be appointed to work with exhibition management, followed by formal contract negotiation and signing by both organizations in the upcoming year. This collaboration helps ensure a successful event for all involved.

Boston 2026 World Expo takes place May 23-30, 2026, at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. Full show details may be found at boston2026.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Sign up to be added to the Boston 2026 email list and receive updates when available.

U.S. Rate Hike Likely In January 2023

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Blaming inflation, U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy said another postal rate increase is likely in January.

“Inflation has hit the nation hard, and the Postal Service has not avoided its impact,” DeJoy told the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors, according to a transcript provided by the agency. “We expect inflation to exceed our expectations by well over a billion dollars against our planned 2022 budget.

“Because of this, my recommendation to the governors will be to remain on course to raise prices again in January.”

The PMG also said the USPS is ready for the November elections and transporting ballots.

“Americans should be confident that the United States Postal Service is well prepared and will provide extraordinary services in these coming November elections,” DeJoy said.

USPS Requests Holiday Package Hikes (2022)

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[edited press release: only retail price changes are included here]
U.S. Postal Service Announces Proposed Temporary Rate Adjustments for 2022 Peak Holiday Season

WASHINGTON — The United States Postal Service has filed notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) regarding a temporary price adjustment for key package products for the 2022 peak holiday season. This temporary rate adjustment is similar to ones in past years that help cover extra handling costs to ensure a successful peak season.

The planned peak-season pricing, which was approved by the Governors of the Postal Service on Aug. 9, would affect prices on the following commercial and retail domestic competitive parcels: Priority Mail Express (PME), Priority Mail (PM), First-Class Package Service (FCPS), Parcel Select and USPS Retail Ground. International products would be unaffected. Pending favorable review by the PRC, the temporary rates would go into effect at 12 a.m. Central on Oct. 2, and remain in place until 12 a.m. Central Jan. 22, 2023.

This seasonal adjustment will bring prices for the Postal Service’s commercial and retail customers in line with competitive practices. No structural changes are planned as part of this limited pricing initiative.

Delivering for America, the Postal Service’s 10-year plan for achieving financial sustainability and service excellence, calls for appropriate pricing initiatives. The Postal Service has some of the lowest postage rates in the industrialized world and continues to offer great values in shipping. These temporary rates will keep USPS competitive while providing the agency with the revenue to cover extra costs in anticipation of peak-season volume.

The planned [retail] price changes include:

Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express:

  • $0.95 increase for PM and PME Flat Rate Boxes and Envelopes.
  • $0.30 increase for Zones 1-4, 0-10 lbs.
  • $1.00 increase for Zones 5-9, 0-10 lbs.
  • $0.95 increase for Zones 1-4, 11-25 lbs.
  • $3.20 increase for Zones 5-9, 11-25 lbs.
  • $3.25 increase for Zones 1-4, 26-70 lbs.
  • $6.45 increase for Zones 5-9, 26-70 lbs.

First-Class Package Service, Parcel Select Ground, and USPS Retail Ground:

  • $0.30 increase for Zones 1-4, 0-10 lbs.
  • $0.60 increase for Zones 5-9, 0-10 lbs.
  • $0.95 increase for Zones 1-4, 11-25 lbs.
  • $2.70 increase for Zones 5-9, 11-25 lbs.
  • $3.25 increase for Zones 1-4, 26-70 lbs.
  • $5.85 increase for Zones 5-9, 26-70 lbs.

A full list of commercial and retail pricing can be found on the Postal Service’s Postal Explorer website at https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/Notice123.htm

The PRC will review the proposed prices before they are scheduled to take effect Oct. 2. Complete USPS price filings, with prices for all products, can be found on the PRC website’s Daily Listings section at prc.gov/dockets/daily. Price change tables are also available on the Postal Service’s Postal Explorer website at pe.usps.com/PriceChange/Index.

The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

Scott Changes Catalogue Numbers for Mighty Mississippi

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The original listing left out the no-die-cut pane of 10 (now 5698k)

5698 Mighty Mississippi pane of 10
a. (58¢) Minnesota
b. (58¢) Wisconsin
c. (58¢) Iowa
d. (58¢) Illinois
e. (58¢) Missouri
f. (58¢) Kentucky
g. (58¢) Arkansas
h. (58¢) Tennessee
i. (58¢) Louisiana
j. (58¢) Mississippi
k. As #5698, imperforate
l. As #5698a, imperforate
m. As #5698b, imperforate
n. As #5698c, imperforate
o. As #5698d, imperforate
p. As #5698e, imperforate
q. As #5698f, imperforate
r. As #5698g, imperforate
s. As #5698h, imperforate
t. As #5698i, imperforate
u. As #5698j, imperforate

AFDCS Offers FDC Teacher Aids

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[press release]
Using First Day Covers In Education:
AFDCS Makes Free Teaching Aids Available

First day covers are the perfect philatelic medium for education, because the cachets allow more information about the events and people on the stamps. Now, teachers and other educators can download from the American First Day Cover Society website eight booklets, each consisting of 12 to 19 lessons, using FDCs.

They were developed by AFDCS director Kris McIntosh, a retired high school social studies teacher with nearly 40 years of experience in education. The lessons cover American and Texas history from the colonization of North America through the Gilded Age and the Great Depression and into Barack Obama’s presidency. The e-books McIntosh has prepared include illustrations of FDCs, discussion, quizzes and reviews.

“First day covers are primary sources that can add diversity in a teacher’s tool kit,” writes McIntosh.

They can be downloaded at www.afdcs.org/FDClessons.html Membership in the AFDCS is not required to use the lesson plans, but each issue of the society’s bi-monthly journal First Days includes more stories and information about first day covers, both current and historical. The AFDCS also publishes 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 Great American Stamp Show, which next will be held August 25-28, 2022, in Sacramento, Calif.

Memberships start at $24 a year (without printed copies of First Days). Junior members (ages 17 and under) are $20 and do include the printed journal.

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.

Boston 2026 Leadership Restructured

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[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Boston 2026 Leadership Restructuring

The Organizing Committee of Boston 2026 World Stamp Show, Inc. announces the restructuring of its leadership. Due to health concerns, Nancy Clark [right] will become President Emerita. In 2013, she conceived the idea of hosting a World Stamp Show in Boston and has been the first woman to lead a world philatelic exhibition. Nancy will remain involved in the organization and continue to contribute as a trusted advisor.

Yamil H. Kouri Jr. [left] will become President. He previously held the position of Corporate Director. Mark Schwartz will assume Yamil’s role as Corporate Director.

Boston 2026 World Expo takes place May 23-30, 2026, at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. Full show details may be found at boston2026.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Sign up to be added to the Boston 2026 email list and receive updates when available.

More detailed Canadian Stamp Program Here?

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