[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions] Royal Mail Marks Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with Eight New Special Stamps
The set of eight stamps use photographs of Her Majesty The Queen, marking the 70th anniversary of her accession to the throne on 6 February 1952
The stamp issue celebrates The Queen’s dedication to service during her reign. Each stamp shows a different facet of her work from Trooping the Colour to visits across the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and the wider world
The Queen’s Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilees were also marked with special stamp issues
This is the first time a Platinum Jubilee has been celebrated in the UK and will be both of national and international significance
The stamps and a range of collectible products are available from today (4 February) here and by phone on +44 (0)3457 641 641
Royal Mail is celebrating Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with eight new stamps featuring a selection of images showing The Queen’s dedication to service during her 70-year reign.
Each stamp shows a different facet of her work, from Trooping the Colour to visits across the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and the wider world.
This is the first time a Platinum Jubilee has been celebrated in the UK and will be both of national and international significance.
Accession Day falls on 6 February. Celebrations are planned to take place throughout 2022, including a special extended Bank Holiday weekend, from 2 to 6 June. The weekend will feature celebratory activities throughout the UK and across the Commonwealth.
Simon Thompson, CEO, Royal Mail, said: “These stamps are a celebration of the second Elizabethan Age and a tribute to a remarkable lifetime of duty and public service. We are honoured to be releasing them to mark the occasion of the first Platinum Jubilee in the UK’s history, a momentous occasion.”
The stamps: [Click on each for a much larger version]
During a visit to the headquarters of MI5, London, February 2020
With His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh during a tour of the United States, Washington, October 1957
On a walkabout in Worcester, April 1980
During Trooping the Colour, London, June 1978
After touring the Provincial Museum of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada, May 2005
During the Silver Jubilee celebrations, Camberwell, June 1977
During a tour of the West Indies, in Victoria Park, St Vincent, February 1966
At the Order of the Garter ceremony in Windsor, June 1999
Two platinum “stamps” are being offered, one for the 1978 Trooping the Colour, the other with the 2020 MI5 visit. Each costs £150 (approximately US$203.46).
Dealers can be a convenient target: prices, attitudes, grading practices, stock, response times to phone calls, letters, emails, etc. – all can be critiqued, and often are. As a group, they are the opposite of the U.S. Congress, where everyone hates the institution, but the great majority like their Congress-person. (How else do we explain the incredibly high re-election rate?)
But stamp dealers? We all, I think, respect the dealer community and understand its value to the collector, but we can all come up with a story or two about dealer practices that are real head-shakers.
But is this fair? I’m certain that dealers can come up with an equal or greater number of stories about customers! And while I don’t doubt the veracity on either side of the dealer table, the stories apply to the minority of both classes.
Thus, my appeal is that we enjoy the stories but not let them taint our own relationships with dealers, singly or as a group. In my experience the great majority are good and competent people who are trying to do the right thing, while making an honest buck to support themselves and their families.
But enough of this. What I started to write about is the question of how you can help dealers to help you. And after a lot of years of experience, I want to pass along the lessons I have learned. It is all pretty straight-forward, and it is based in good communication, and the fact that each group has something that the other wants.
Yes, partly it is money being traded for material, but there is much more in the equation. Let me list a few of the wants/needs for each class from the other:
Customers: Stamps, Covers and other Philatelic Material to meet our needs, at reasonable prices, a willingness to negotiate, respect, a degree of cheerfulness (or maybe “positiveness” is a better term), information, a willingness to be reasonable, and last but certainly not least, recommendations as to where we might find material we want that the dealer does not carry.
Dealers: Money, respect, a degree of cheerfulness, information, a willingness to be reasonable, and last but certainly not least, recommendations to collectors of your acquaintance.
If you see a certain similarity between what the two groups want, that is entirely intentional. The basis of any relationship is mutual respect, a positive atmosphere in which to do business, willingness to share information, and helping each other to be successful.
If I may put this into one thought, it is that my most successful relationships with dealers are ones that are not adversarial. We start from a base of trust, mutual respect, and an expectation for fair dealing on both sides.
All of this applies regardless of the means of contact, but let us focus in on the dealer at a bourse or exhibition. Since this is mostly for my fellow collectors, here are ten things I have tried to do to contribute to a good relationship.
When I approach a dealer, I know what I am after, and convey my wants clearly. In some cases that may be general, as in “20th century U.S. covers.” Or it may be specific, as in “1938 Presidential color varieties” and “Korean War postal history.” This tells the dealer where to direct my attention, and allows him or her to dig into stock for material not yet filed that may be of interest.
If I find some material of interest at good prices, I may well branch out into other areas of displayed stock without bothering the dealer; but depending upon how busy the dealer is, I might also ask for secondary interests.
If I find an item that seems puzzling, I will ask about it if the dealer is not swamped with customers: “I have not seen this marking before … Do you know what it means?” Most dealers are happy to have an opportunity to show off what they know. Likewise, if a dealer asks me why I am buying something that puzzles him, I am more than happy to explain why and the philatelic significance of the item. Sometimes this may seem like idle chatter, but it educates the dealer about your wants.
If the dealer says that there may be material in stock at home, or back in the store that may be of interest, I am happy to provide a card noted with my wants and my contact points. This often enough results in sales by mail or the Internet, and the opportunity to check out a dealer’s website.
Having selected material I want to purchase, I often ask the dealer what he or she needs for it. Yes, there is a marked price, and if it is a small purchase, it is understood that I am expected to pay it. But with larger purchases, dealers usually expect to be asked for a discount, but it cannot be demanded. There is no automatic discount, unless discounts according to purchase level are posted. But most dealers will come down a bit on price on larger purchases if asked. They want you as a long-term customer, and this is one way to help that to happen.
If a dealer goes to the trouble of finding additional material in my areas that I can use, I will often buy it if the price is reasonable, even if I don’t have an immediate need for the item. Why? Because I want to encourage the dealer to keep looking. The next item(s) s/he comes up with may be a long-sought want, and it has happened many times.
My checkbook is not bottomless. If I find something that I want but can’t afford all at once, I offer a payment schedule; usually a down-payment and the rest in 30 days, or in 30-day increments. If accepted I pay on time, or early if possible.
I keep the names of dealers from whom I have bought specific types of material, and if I expect to see them at another show or bourse (dealers in attendance are usually shown on the website of the sponsoring organization), I will write to them ahead of time and ask them to bring whatever from their stock that I am looking for at the time. Often enough, dealers who know my wants will do this without being asked, but it is still a courtesy for you to let them know you will be there.
In going through a dealer’s stock, if I find material that I know others are looking for, I will often ask if so-and-so has seen this. If not and they are at the show, I may borrow the item and go find the collector to show it to them. Or I may ask the dealer to put it aside, and suggest to the collector that they stop by and review it. If the collector is not at the show, taking a photo of the item and sending it to them by email may well turn into a sale. Not only do you help a friend, but you help the dealer. By the same token, I am not hesitant to ask a dealer who else on the floor carries the material I am looking for, and have gotten useful referrals.
However obvious it may be, politeness counts. There is usually only one dealer and often many customers. Waiting your turn is the right thing to do when the dealer is occupied making a sale or digging for material for another collector. My time is no more important than the dealer’s.
I’m certain that many readers of this column will have developed their own methods of dealing with dealers. If so, your thoughts on this column, and additional ideas would be welcome. Please post them here or write to me at PO Box 1125, Falls Church, VA 22041-0125, or by email at email, putting “VSC” in the subject line.
Directors-at-Large: 4 seats; candidates run individually
Michael Cortese, New Hampshire
Elizabeth Hisey, Florida
Matthew Kewriga, California
Evan Siegling, Ohio
APS-Chosen APRL Trustees: 2 seats, candidates run individually
John Barwis, Michigan
Charles Epting, New York
APRL Trustee (chosen by donors to the Library)
Rich Drews, Indiana
Update: As of March 28, none of the positions is contested. Nominations close March 31. You can see any updates to the slates of candidates here (although you must log in as an APS member to view this page), along with links to candidate statements. Voting closes on June 11, with results announced on June 14.
The upshot of the American Philatelic Society town hall meeting Tuesday, January 25, 2022, was: The APS is in very good shape. Executive director Scott English (in the inset window in the upper right of these screen shots) said the membership numbers are “moving exactly as I want them to.” That is, the trend is in the right direction. Note on the chart below, the “trend line” is below where the number of members has been since 2016. That is, the decline in membership has slowed and appears to be leveling off.
If there is a negative, English said that it has been hard to find tenants for the rental space in the American Philatelic Center (right). When the American Philatelic Research Library purchased the former match factory 20 years ago, it was with an eye toward renting office space to other organizations and businesses, to provide revenue. The pandemic and its effect on the economy have made that difficult in recent years. The APRL, as an educational institution, owns the property. The APS provides management services. English is executive director of both.
English admitted that when he became E.D. 6 years ago, he didn’t expect to stay this long. “You all have hooked me in.” However, the former congressional and gubernatorial aide did not indicate how much longer he plans to stay in the position.
About 110 people attended the virtual Town Hall, which was held using the Zoom conferencing system.
Aerophilately 2022 has been rescheduled, because Penn State rescheduled a football game for the previously-announced weekend.
The show will be held at the American Philatelic Center, the headquarters of the American Philatelic Society and American Philatelic Research Library. (The latter owns the building.) The new dates are November 4-6.
This World Series of Philately show is sponsored by the American Air Mail Society. APS has arranged for different national societies to hold their own shows at the Center, usually in October. Aerophilately 2022 had been scheduled for October 21-23.
However, scheduling is at the whim of the Penn State football program. For those who don’t know, hotel rooms in the Bellefonte-State College Pa. area are all but sold out on football weekends. On “away” weekends, rooms are plentiful and fairly cheap.
[press release] Great Rate for Great Show Great American Stamp Show Hotel Rate Is $150
The Sheraton Grand Sacramento, the official show hotel for Great American Stamp Show 2022, is now accepting reservations at the special show rate of $150. The link for online booking is on the American Philatelic Society website at stamps.org/great-american-stamp-show/travel .
The American First Day Cover Society is a co-host of the philatelic event, along with the APS and the American Topical Association. GASS is being held August 25-28 in the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center’s Halls C and D, on the J Street side of the building. The Sheraton Grand is the closest hotel to the stamp show, right across the street.
GASS will be the biggest stamp collecting show of the year, with top exhibits and dealers and meetings of nearly every major philatelic society. The U.S. Postal Service will issue its Pony Cars stamps at the show, with the California Auto Museum just a mile away. The USPS will also have a fully-stocked sales counter.
The Sheraton Grand itself is a combination of old and new. The front portion was originally a public market – a forerunner of today’s modern grocery store and mall. It was a three-story building where fresh produce, baked goods, clothing, and bulk feed were sold, with coffee shops and lunch counters.
Today, that area houses the hotel’s lobby, restaurants and meeting/banquet rooms, while a new 28-story tower houses 503 guest rooms and suites. All those registering with the GASS discount will receive free Wi-Fi in their rooms. Digital check-in, mobile key, room service, a 24-hour fitness center and valet parking are available to all guests.
The “senior” rates for most other hotels in the area start at about $100 more per night; even the nearby Quality Inn is $147. Parking near the convention center for those staying out of town for cheaper hotel rates will soon even the score, at $20+ a day. Staying in the show hotel is also much more convenient, since some meetings and events will be held there.
The AFDCS will hold its open Board of Directors at the Sheraton Grand and likely its President’s Banquet, a nightly hospitality suite and a free breakfast for its Life and Charter members. The Monday post-show tour organized by the AFDCS and ATA will depart from the hotel, too.
In addition to co-hosting GASS, the AFDCS publishes an award-winning journal, a cachetmakers directory, handbooks and catalogues; promotes philatelic exhibiting and cachetmaking; and producing first day covers for select issues.
Membership in the AFDCS starts at $24 for Internet-only access or $35 with the printed magazine, a good asset for any first day cover collector.
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.
Updated January 21st:[See also the video at end of the French version of the press release]
[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions] Canada Post honours groundbreaking jazz singer Eleanor Collins Canada’s first lady of jazz hosted her own national show in the early days of television
VANCOUVER – Canada Post today unveiled a special stamp to honour acclaimed Canadian jazz singer Eleanor Collins. The Edmonton-born artist began performing in concert venues and on radio in the 1940s and broke new ground in her genre by becoming a star in television’s early days.
Collins grew up singing gospel music with her family before winning a talent contest that launched her career. In the 1940s, she was featured on CBC Radio with the gospel group Swing Low Quartet and, later, with Ray Norris in the jazz series Serenade in Rhythm. In the early 1950s, Collins appeared with other top musicians, such as Chris Gage, Phil Nimmons, Lance Harrison, Doug Parker, Fraser MacPherson, Don Thompson and Dave Robbins. Collins’ moving performances earned her the informal title of Canada’s first lady of jazz.
In 1955, the elegant Collins became Canada’s first female jazz artist to host a national television series, The Eleanor Show. She hosted another series, Eleanor, in 1964. Collins appeared on numerous other television and radio shows through the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, and made her last concert appearance in Vancouver when she was in her mid-90s. At 102 years old, Collins has received several lifetime achievement awards and in 2014 became a Member of the Order of Canada.
“I am grateful to be alive in this new age, for the quality of life I have somehow been able to maintain, for the lovely acknowledgements of my life and work, and for everyone who has been a part of my journey,” Collins says. “It has all been a real blessing.”
About the stamp issue
The Eleanor Collins stamp features an illustration by David Belliveau based on photographs by Franz Lindner, from the CBC Still Photo Collection. Printed by Lowe-Martin, the stamp issue includes a booklet of 6 Permanent™ domestic rate stamps and an Official First Day Cover.
[en Francais pour les médias d’information] Postes Canada rend hommage à la chanteuse de jazz légendaire Eleanor Collins La première dame du jazz du Canada a animé sa propre émission de variétés nationale lors des débuts de la télévision
VANCOUVER – Postes Canada a dévoilé aujourd’hui un timbre spécial en l’honneur d’Eleanor Collins, chanteuse de jazz canadienne de grande renommée. Née à Edmonton, elle se produit dans des salles de concert et à la radio dans les années 1940 et fait figure de pionnière du genre en devenant une vedette du petit écran aux débuts de la télévision.
Eleanor Collins grandit en chantant du gospel avec sa famille avant de gagner un concours de talents, une victoire qui lance sa carrière musicale. Dans les années 1940, elle chante à la radio de la CBC avec le groupe gospel Swing Low Quartet et, plus tard, avec Ray Norris à l’émission de jazzSerenade in Rhythm. Au début des années 1950, elle se produit avec d’autres grands musiciens de l’époque, dont Chris Gage, Phil Nimmons, Lance Harrison, Doug Parker, Fraser MacPherson, Don Thompson et Dave Robbins. Ses performances envoûtantes lui valent le titre non officiel de première dame du jazz du Canada.
En 1955, l’élégante Eleanor Collins est la première artiste féminine jazz canadienne à animer une émission de variétés nationale, The Eleanor Show. En 1964, elle anime une autre série télévisée intitulée Eleanor. Dans les années 1950, 1960 et 1970, elle participe aussi à de nombreuses productions télévisées et radiophoniques. Elle donne son dernier concert à Vancouver, alors qu’elle est âgée de plus de 90 ans. Aujourd’hui âgée de 102 ans, Eleanor Collins reçoit plusieurs prix et distinctions pour l’ensemble de ses réalisations, y compris une nomination à titre de membre de l’Ordre du Canada en 2014.
« C’est une véritable bénédiction de toujours être capable de profiter de la vie, d’être témoin de la belle reconnaissance accordée à mon œuvre, d’avoir pu compter sur des gens qui m’ont accompagnée », affirme Eleanor Collins en évoquant sa longue vie.
À propos du timbre
Le timbre sur Eleanor Collins présente une illustration de David Belliveau inspirée de photos prises par Franz Lindner tirées de la collection de photographies de la CBC. Imprimée par Lowe-Martin, l’émission comprend un carnet de six timbres PermanentsMC au tarif du régime intérieur et un pli Premier Jour officiel.e vThe Canada Post tribute video:
Updated January 17th:[See also video at end of this entry] [press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions] Canada Post to recognize groundbreaking jazz singer Eleanor Collins with new stamp
On the CBC in the 1960s
OTTAWA – Canada Post invites you to an online unveiling of a special stamp in honour of acclaimed Canadian jazz singer Eleanor Collins, Friday, January 21, at 10 am, Pacific Time
(1 pm ET).
The event will pay tribute to Ms. Collins’ life and career as an artist, musician and mentor with testimonials from people she influenced, as well as some she worked and performed with. Ms. Collins will also make an address.
An in-person event was planned, but due to recent changes in health and safety protocols, the tribute will take place online.
WHEN: Friday, January 21, at 10 am, Pacific Time (1 pm ET)
WHERE: Bookmark the webcast page and set a reminder (click here)
SPECIAL GUESTS:
c. 2014
Eleanor Collins
The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Public Services and Procurement
The Honourable Hedy Fry, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Centre
Suromitra Sanatani, Chair of the Board of Directors of Canada Post
Featured in the tribute video:
Nalda Callender Executive Director, National Congress of Black Women Foundation
Christine Hagemoen, Historical writer and former CBC Vancouver media librarian
Sylvie Hamilton, Filmmaker, writer, Inglis professor, University of King’s College, Halifax
Sharman King, Musician who performed with Ms. Collins
Alan Matheson, Musician and music educator
Marcus Mosely, Performer and founding member of The Sojourners
Paolo Pietropaolo, CBC music journalist
Colin Preston, Former CBC Vancouver archivist
Wendy Solloway, Bassist who performed with Ms. Collins
[en Francais pour les médias d’information] Postes Canada rendra hommage à la chanteuse de jazz légendaire Eleanor Collins avec un nouveau timbre
OTTAWA – Postes Canada vous invite au dévoilement en ligne d’un timbre émis tout spécialement en l’honneur de la chanteuse de jazz canadienne de grande renommée,
CBC, 1960s
Eleanor Collins, le vendredi 21 janvier à 13 h (HE).
À l’occasion de cet événement, nous rendrons hommage à la vie et à la carrière d’artiste, de musicienne et de mentor de Mme Collins à l’aide de témoignages de personnes qu’elle a influencées ou avec lesquelles elle a travaillé et s’est produite. Mme Collins prononcera également quelques mots.
L’événement devait se tenir en personne, mais en raison des changements apportés récemment aux mesures de sécurité liées à la COVID-19, il se déroulera en ligne.
QUAND: Le vendredi 21 janvier à 13 h (HE)
OÙ: Ajouter la page de la webémission aux signets et activer un rappel (cliquer ici)
INVITÉS SPÉCIAUX:
c. 2014
Eleanor Collins
L’honorable Filomena Tassi, Ministre des Services publics et de l’Approvisionnement
L’honorable Hedy Fry, Députée à la Chambre des communes, Vancouver-Centre
Suromitra Sanatani, Présidente du Conseil d’administration, Postes Canada
Participants à l’hommage vidéo:
Nalda Callender, Directrice générale, Fondation du Congrès national des femmes noires
Christine Hagemoen, Auteure historique et ancienne bibliothécaire des médias à CBC Vancouver
[press release] Nominations Open for FDC Writing Award For Works Published In 2021
Nominations will be accepted through May 30 for the Philip H. Ward Award for Excellence in First Day Cover Literature, presented annually by the American First Day Cover Society. All works published in 2021 are eligible.
All articles published in First Days, the AFDCS journal, are automatically considered. Others may be submitted to the Ward Award Committee chair, Mark Goodson, 315 East Dewey Street, Ellettsville, IN 47429-1901, bgdsn@comcast.net, either as clippings or .pdf scans of the articles as published.
The is presented each year at Americover, the annual convention of the AFDCS, which will be held August 25-28, as part of Great American Stamp Show 2022 in Sacramento, Calif. A complete list of past winners can be found at www.afdcs.org/ward.html
Past works honored by the AFDCS reflect a wide variety of sources: The winners in both 2020 and 2019 —“The Fight for the Women’s Right to Vote” by Kris McIntosh and “Which Items Franked with 1913 Parcel Post Stamps Are Authentic U.S. First Day Covers?” by Ken Lawrence, respectively — were originally published in American Philatelist. The 2018 award was bestowed for a bibliographic series by David Zubatsky in First Days. The 2015 citation went to a book, Dorothy Knapp: Philately and Family, by Douglas Weisz.
The award is named in honor of Philip H. Ward (1890-1963 (shown at right), the distinguished Philadelphia stamp collector, dealer and journalist who was a pioneer in the field of first day covers. The award was instituted by the AFDCS in 1964.
The American First Day Cover Society is a not-for-profit educational organization, established in 1955. In addition to First Days, the AFDCS also publishes handbooks and catalogues, and promotes the collecting of both modern and “classic” issues and cachets, as well as the exhibiting of FDCs.
For more information about the AFDCS, visit www.afdcs.org, e-mail afdcs@afdcs.org or write the AFDCS at Post Office Box 246, Colonial Beach, VA 22443-0246.
[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions] Royal Mail to Honour Rock Legends, The Rolling Stones, with a Set of 12 Special Stamps
Issue Date: 20 January
Royal Mail reveals images of 12 stamps being issued as a tribute to one of the most enduring rock groups of all time – The Rolling Stones
Eight of the stamps will feature images of some of their legendary performances over the years:
Hyde Park, London, UK, July 1969
East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, August 2019
Rotterdam, Netherlands, August 1995
Tokyo, Japan, March 1995
New York City, USA, July 1972
Oslo, Norway, May 2014
Knebworth, Hertfordshire, UK, August 1976
Düsseldorf, Germany, October 2017
A further four stamps, presented in a Miniature Sheet, feature two shots of the band together and two of their vintage worldwide tour posters
Royal Mail collaborated closely with the band members and their management team on the stamp issue
The Rolling Stones become only the fourth music group to feature in a dedicated stamp issue – following on from The Beatles in 2007, Pink Floyd in 2016 and Queen in 2020
The stamps and a range of collectible products are available for pre-order now at www.royalmail.com/rollingstones and by phone on +44 (0)3457 641 641
The stamps go on general sale from 20 January 2022
Royal Mail has revealed 12 new special stamps to honour 60 years of the legendary rock group, The Rolling Stones. The main set of eight stamps features images of the band performing at venues all around the world at various points during their illustrious career:
Hyde Park, London, UK, July 1969
East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, August 2019
Rotterdam, Netherlands, August 1995
Tokyo, Japan, March 1995
New York City, USA, July 1972
Oslo, Norway, May 2014
Knebworth, Hertfordshire, UK, August 1976
Düsseldorf, Germany, October 2017
An additional four stamps, presented in a Miniature Sheet, feature two shots of the band together and of two of the many posters which have promoted their worldwide tours over the years.
Since the late 1960s, people have called The Rolling Stones “The Greatest Rock and Roll Band in the World”. The phrase began as a hyped-up onstage introduction but stuck, despite the Stones’ occasional protestations to the contrary.
In 2005, the Rolling Stones were awarded the accolade of greatest touring band of all time at the World Music Awards. They have sold an estimated 250m records and in the UK have eight no.1 singles and 13 no.1 albums. Their countless awards include four Grammys, three MTV Music Awards and nine NME Awards. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989.
Since they began as a group, their singles and albums have produced a string of evergreen rock classics, powered by some of the greatest guitar riffs ever written.
Celebrating their 60th anniversary in 2022, the Rolling Stones become only the fourth music group to have a dedicated Royal Mail stamp issue – following on from The Beatles in 2007, Pink Floyd in 2016 and Queen in 2020.
The gradual shift from young upstarts to elder statesmen of rock has done nothing to dent The Rolling Stones’ image as the definition of a certain kind of cool – and of rock and roll itself.
David Gold, Director of Public Affairs & Policy, Royal Mail, said: “Few bands in the history of rock have managed to carve out a career as rich and expansive as that of the Rolling Stones. They have created some of modern music’s most iconic and inspirational albums, with ground-breaking live performances to match.”
The collaboration was brought together and facilitated by Bravado, Universal Music Group’s leading brand management and lifestyle division.
According to the Reuters news service, “the Stones’ oeuvre, rooted in American blues and rhythm and blues, has yielded hits like “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” and “Sympathy for the Devil” from their peak 1960s and 70s era but also curios like the reggae-infused track “Send It To Me”, apparently about a lonely man looking for a mail-order bride.”
The site AllMusic says “the Rolling Stones pioneered the gritty, heavier-driven sound that came to define hard rock.”
The original personnel were Mick Jagger (vocals), Brian Jones (multiple instruments), Keith Richards (guitar), Bill Wyman (bass), and Charlie Watts (drums). Only Jagger and Richards are still with the band. Jones died in 1969, Wyman left as a regular in 1993, and Watts died in 2021.
Announced by the USPS on January 11th:Filled with passion, rhythm and stories of life, love and loss, mariachi music is an integral element of Mexican American culture that has become deeply rooted in the United States and has fans around the world. Each of the five vibrant stamps in this pane of 20 features a musician dressed in a traje de charro, the traditional outfit of mariachi performers, playing one of five iconic mariachi instruments: guitar, guitarrón, vihuela, violin and trumpet. Rafael López designed the stamps and created the art. Derry Noyes was the art director.
Additional information will be posted below the line, with the most recent info near the top.
Updated September 8th — Scott Catalogue Numbers:
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
Updated July 17th:
The Associated Press distributed a nice feature on these stamps, not the usual press release regurgitation. Read it here.
Updated June 2nd:
On July 15, 2022, in Albuquerque, NM, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Mariachi stamps (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in five designs, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 482300). These stamps will go on sale nationwide July 15, 2022, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue. The Mariachi pane of 20 stamps may not be split and the stamps may not be sold individually.
Mariachi stamps celebrate the unique traditional music of Mexico that has become deeply rooted in the United States. Each of the five new stamps in this pane of 20 features a musician, dressed in traje de charro, the traditional outfit of mariachi performers, playing one of five iconic mariachi instruments: guitar, guitarrón, vihuela, violin, and trumpet. The geometric shapes in the background of each stamp are a nod to Mexican villages, where mariachi music originated. Rafael López designed the stamps and created the art. Derry Noyes served as art director for the project.
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 – Mariachi 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 November 15, 2022.
Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue: It measures 2.89″ x 1.49″ It measures 2.65″ x 1.24″
Updated April 21st:
These stamps will be issued July 15th in Albuquerque, NM. Added: As Lefty Dundee indicates in the comments, that is the date for the Mariachi Spectacular de Albuquerque Showcase Competition Concert in Albuquerque.
This is the first time a Platinum Jubilee has been celebrated in the UK and will be both of national and international significance.
During a visit to the headquarters of MI5, London, February 2020
After touring the Provincial Museum of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada, May 2005
During a tour of the West Indies, in Victoria Park, St Vincent, February 1966
This World Series of Philately show is sponsored by the 
