Dungeons & Dragons (UK 2024)

Posted on July 16, 2024 by VSC

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Royal Mail Celebrates 50 Years Of Dungeons & Dragons

Issue date: 25 July
A stunning set of 14 stamps features monsters and characters from the World’s Greatest Roleplaying Game®
The stamps have been illustrated by British artist Wayne Reynolds, with 11 of the illustrations never-before-seen for the stamp issue
The stamps and a range of collectible products are available to pre-order at www.royalmail.com/dnd and by telephone on 03457 641641

Royal Mail has revealed striking images of 14 Special Stamps being issued to celebrate 50 years since the creation of the World’s Greatest Roleplaying Game, Dungeons & Dragons (D&D).

D&D is often cited as the first modern role-playing game, and it is currently estimated there are over 64 million fans worldwide. It is hugely popular in the UK.

All 14 stamps in the set have been illustrated by British artist Wayne Reynolds, with 11 images being specially commissioned for this set. Reynolds has previously produced illustrations for various D&D games, handbooks and guides for more than 20 years.

The main set of eight stunning stamps features a selection of iconic monsters from the game: Red Dragon, Owlbear, Vecna, Gelatinous Cube, Mind Flayer, Mimic, Displacer Beast and Beholder.

When an ultraviolet light is shone over the stamps in the main set, a special surprise will be revealed.

Four stamps show the D&D ampersand logo. The other four show a graphic that is relevant to the monster featured on the stamp – Red Dragon (dragon head), Vecna (skull), Mimic, and the Beholder. Each of these four fluorescent graphics was created for the 50th anniversary.

A further six stamps, presented in a miniature sheet, depict dynamic images of a party of adventuring heroes that might be played in the game, including: Tiefling Rogue, Human Bard, Halfling Cleric, Elf Fighter, Dwarf Paladin and Dragonborn Wizard.

David Gold, Director of External Affairs and Policy said: “For fifty years, Dungeons & Dragons has enabled millions of fans across the world to enjoy using their imaginations and immersing themselves in a magical world. We are delighted that this creative and exciting role-playing game is celebrated using Britain’s Wayne Reynolds’ unique illustrations.”

Dan Rawson, Global Play Lead, Dungeons & Dragons at Wizards of the Coast: said; “Building on Hasbro’s existing work with Royal Mail, we’re honoured to release this beautiful collection of stamps, officially approved by HM King Charles III, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the World’s Greatest Roleplaying Game. With stunning art from long-time Dungeons & Dragons artist Wayne Reynolds showcasing our adventuring heroes and fearsome creatures, we’re sure these items will be treasured by D&D fans and stamp collectors alike.”

Artist, Wayne Reynolds, said: “Being asked to design the Dungeons & Dragons stamps for Royal Mail was a massive honour for me. As a British artist it was a wonderful opportunity to be able to contribute artwork that I’d created as a long-running D&D fantasy artist to something I consider to be an iconic institution. I get the opportunity to see my artwork on stamp!”

First published in 1974, D&D was originally designed by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson in Wisconsin, USA. Introduced to the UK in 1975, it has since become the World’s Greatest Roleplaying Game.

The worlds, monsters and gameplay of D&D have influenced popular fantasy tropes in film, television, video games and beyond.

The stamps, and a range of collectible products, are available to pre-order at www.royalmail.com/dnd and by telephone on 03457 641 641. A Presentation Pack including all 14 stamps is priced at £24.40. The stamps go on general sale on 25 July.

From VSC: Royal Mail are offering a wide range of “philatelic products,” including the usual all-one-design sheets and half-sheets, framed stamps, postcards and a prestige booklet. No platinum ingots! None of the items is priced above £25 (about US$32.43).

Also available are a Dragons medal cover, £19.99Monsters medal cover, £19.99
Collector’s Sheet £20.45 first day covers for the stamps, £19.15
and the minisheet, £10.40
but also a “Prestige Cover,” £3.35.
The alternate postmark for the FDCs is Dragonsville, Durham. Also offered are the Red Dragon Ingot, £24.99 and the Beholder Ingot, also £24.99.

AFDCS Announces Americover 2024 Postmarks

Posted on July 12, 2024 by VSC

These are subject to approval by the US Postal Service and will be available at Great American Stamp Show 2024. The first two may be used on first day covers for Pinback Buttons and Autumn Colors, respectively.

Americover was the independent show and FDC celebration of the American First Day Cover Society from 1993 through 2019. It was slated to become part of Great American Stamp Show in 2020, but that was pushed back by a year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Updated July 16^th:
Due to concerns about copyrights, the Sunday postmark has been revised:

AFDCS Declares National Cachetmakers Day

Posted on July 11, 2024 by VSC

[press release]

AFDCS Declares National Cachetmakers Day
Saturday August 17, 2024 to Coincide with GASS Cachetmakers Bourse

American First Day Cover Society president Lloyd A. de Vries has issued a Presidential Proclamation, designating Saturday, August 17, as National Cachetmakers Day. It coincides with the cachetmakers bourse at Great American Stamp Show 2024 in Hartford, Conn., and a special postmark will be available at the show. [shown on right]

“Every day is ‘national something day’ — usually several somethings —and apparently anyone can proclaim such a designation,” explains de Vries. “I am the AFDCS president, so that makes this a Presidential Proclamation.”

First day covers are like a birth certificate for a stamp, with the postmark for the first day that the stamp or postal stationery was available for sale. In many countries, the postal agency produces these “FDCs” but in the U.S., collectors are encouraged to do so themselves.

Cachets are the designs on the envelopes or cards used for first day covers. The cachets add to the theme or subject of the stamp or postal issue, either with clever artwork, interesting information or in some cases, neither. Cachets started appearing on envelopes as advertising around the time of the U.S. Civil War, and the first intended specifically for first day covers was created in 1923.

“We’re having fun,” says de Vries, a cachetmaker himself. “I’m sure not doing it for the money.”

The AFDCS is the largest not-for-profit first day cover society in the world, with members in more than a dozen countries. It publishes an award-winning journal, First Days, six times a year, as well as handbooks, catalogues and You-Tube videos; holds fundraising auctions; is a co-sponsor of the annual Great American Stamp Show, conducts an annual cachetmaking contest; and encourages philatelic exhibiting and writing about FDCs.

For more information about the AFDCS, visit www.afdcs.org, e-mail afdcs@afdcs.org or write the AFDCS at Post Office Box 27, Greer, SC 29652-0027.

afdcs_cmkr_proclamation

Thank You Healthcare Community (US 2024)

Posted on July 9, 2024 by VSC

Note further down that the date of issue was changed from October 1 to 3 and anyone who had registered to attend the event must re-register.

Announced July 9^th:

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
USPS Announces Thank You Healthcare Community Stamp
Stamp to Be Issued in Conjunction with U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services

WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Postal Service today announced it will pay tribute to the health care community with a new commemorative Forever stamp.

In conjunction with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, USPS will recognize health care workers, who dedicate their lives to protect our health, safety and well-being, often at great personal risk.
The artwork consists of health-related icons spelling out the stacked words “thank you” against a pristine white background. Running across the lower right edge of the stamp are the words “Healthcare” in gray and “Community” in surgical green.

Bryan Duefrene was the art director and stamp designer.

The Thank You Healthcare Community stamp will be issued in panes of 20. As a Forever stamp, it will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1 ounce price.

The official release date and stamp dedication ceremony location will be announced later.

News of the stamp is being shared with the hashtag #ThankYouHealthcareStamp.

New information will appear below the line, with latest at the top.

Updated November 5^th:
The Scott catalogue number for this issue is 5947.

Updated September 5^th:
Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue:The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.23″ x 1.51″ The Pictorial Postmark measures 2.75″ X 1.06″

Updated August 22^nd:
On October 1, 2024, in Washington, DC, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Thank You, Healthcare Community stamp (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate), in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 485800). This stamp will go on sale nationwide October 1, 2024, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

With this stamp, sold in a pane of 20, the Postal Service™ pays tribute to the healthcare community, whose members, sometimes at great personal risk, dedicate their lives to our health, safety, and well-being. The artwork consists of health-related icons spelling out the stacked words “Thank you” against a pristine white background. Running across the lower right edge of the stamp are the words “Healthcare” in gray and “Community” in surgical green. Bryan Duefrene was the art director and stamp designer.

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 – Thank You, Healthcare Community Stamp
USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Suite 300
Kansas City, MO 64144-9900

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark up to a quantity of 50. There is a 5-cent charge for each additional postmark over 50. All orders must be postmarked by February 1, 2025.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Thank You, Healthcare Community Stamp
Item Number: 485800
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: October 1, 2024, Washington, DC 20066
Art Director: Bryan Duefrene, Washington, DC
Designer: Bryan Duefrene, Washington, DC
Modeler: Sandra Lane / Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 20,000,000
Paper Type: Phosphor, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, PMS Cool Gray 8C, PMS 2413C
Stamp Orientation: Horizontal
Image Area (w x h): 1.4200 x 0.8400 in. / 36.0680 x 21.3360 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 1.5600 x 0.9800 in. / 39.6240 x 24.8920 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 7.2400 x 6.5000 in. / 183.8960 x 165.1000 mm
Press Sheets Size (w x h): 21.7200 x 19.7500 in. / 551.6880 x 501.6500 mm
Plate Size: 180 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “B” followed by six (6) single digits in bottom two corners
Marginal Markings:
Front: Header: Thank You, Healthcare Community • Plate number in bottom two corners
Back: © 2024 USPS • USPS Logo • Two barcodes (485800) • Plate position diagram (9) • Promotional text

Updated August 19^th:
The stamp will be issued Tuesday, October 1, with a ceremony in Washington attended by the Postmaster General and the Secretary of HHS:

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Healthcare Community Recognized on New Forever Stamp

What: Together with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Postal Service will pay tribute to the healthcare community with a new commemorative Forever stamp.

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

Who:
• Louis DeJoy, postmaster general and chief executive officer of the U.S. Postal Service
• Xavier Becerra, secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-

When: Tuesday, Oct. 3, at 2:30 p.m. EDT. Change in date “due to a scheduling conflict.”

Where:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [right]
Hubert H. Humphrey Building
200 Independence Ave. SW
Washington, DC 20201

RSVP: Anyone who previously registered for the event will need to re-register at usps.com/thankyouhealthcarecommunitystamp by 5:00 p.m. on Oct. 2. Each person must register individually.

Background: The healthcare community encompasses physicians, surgeons, dentists, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, lab technicians, orderlies, home health aides, hospital custodians and emergency medical workers, among others. It also includes public health professionals such as epidemiologists, microbiologists and data analysts. USPS will recognize the healthcare community, as these individuals dedicate their lives to protect our health, safety and well-being, often at great personal risk.

The stamp artwork consists of health-related icons spelling out the stacked words “thank you” against a pristine white background. Running across the lower right edge of the stamp are the words “Healthcare” in gray and “Community” in surgical green.

Bryan Duefrene was the art director and stamp designer.

The Thank You Healthcare Community stamp will be issued in panes of 20. As a Forever stamp, it will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1 ounce price.

Updated July 16^th:
The new issue of Philatelic, the Postal Service’s philatelic catalogue, has a poster that puts this stamp in the fourth quarter of this year.

Scott U.S. Catalogue Update (July 2024)

Posted on July 2, 2024 by VSC

5854 Photographs by Ansel Adams pane of 16
a. (68¢) Half Dome, Merced River, Winter, Yosemite National Park, California, 1938
b. (68¢) Oak Tree, Sunset City, Sierra Foothills, California, 1962
c. (68¢) Thundercloud, Ellery Lake, High Sierra, Sierra Nevada, California, 1934
d. (68¢) Denali and Wonder Lake, Denali National Park, Alaska, 1947
e. (68¢) The Golden Gate and Bridge from Baker Beach, San Francisco, California,1953
f. (68¢) Road and Fog, Del Monte Forest, Pebble Beach, California, 1964
g. (68¢) Rock and Grass, Moraine Lake, Sequoia National Park, California, 1936
h. (68¢) Leaves, Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, c. 1942
i. (68¢) Monument Valley, Arizona, 1958
j. (68¢) Tetons and Snake River, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, 1942
k. (68¢) Jeffrey Pine, Sentinel Dome, Yosemite National Park, California, 1940
l. (68¢) Mirror Lake, Mount Watkins, Spring, Yosemite National Park, California, 1935
m. (68¢) Maroon Bells, near Aspen, Colorado, 1951
n. (68¢) Aspens, Dawn, Autumn, Dolores River Canyon, Colorado, 1937
o. (68¢) Road After Rain, Northern California, 1960
p. (68¢) Dunes, Oceano, California, 1963
q. As #5854, imperforate
r. As #5854a, imperforate
s. As #5854b, imperforate
t. As #5854c, imperforate
u. As #5854d, imperforate
v. As #5854e, imperforate
w. As #5854f, imperforate
x. As #5854g, imperforate
y. As #5854h, imperforate
z. As #5854i, imperforate
aa. As #5854j, imperforate
ab. As #5854k, imperforate
ac. As #5854l, imperforate
ad. As #5854m, imperforate
ae. As #5854n, imperforate
af. As #5854o, imperforate
ag. As #5854p, imperforate

Aerobatic Team’s 60th Anniversary (UK 2024)

Posted on June 30, 2024 by VSC

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Royal Mail Celebrates 60th Display Season of the Red Arrows with Special Stamps

A set of 12 Special Stamps mark the history of the RAF aerobatic team, the Red Arrows, as they embark on their milestone Diamond 60th display season
Captivating photographs capture some of the Red Arrows’ breath-taking manoeuvres and iconic formations
The stamps and a range of collectible products are available from today (20 June) at www.royalmail.com/redarrows and by telephone on 03457 641641

Royal Mail has revealed 12 stamp images being issued to mark the 60th display season of the Red Arrows, one of the world’s premier national aerobatic teams.

Each stamp in the main set of eight tells a story of precision, skill and sheer daring as the Red Arrows paint the sky with their trademark red, white and blue trails.

An additional sheet of four stamps showcases the Red Arrows’ performances on the world stage, including iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Pyramids in Egypt and Niagara Falls.

For six decades, the Red Arrows – the Royal Air Force (RAF) Aerobatic Team – have thrilled and entertained millions of people around the world with their dynamic displays and colourful close-formation flypasts.

Officially established in 1964 and with their first public display taking place seven months later, the Red Arrows and their red-painted Gnat jet trainers soon became the showpiece of the RAF – and one of Britain’s most important international ambassadors. {Shown at right, the “stamp souvenir” or unaddressed first day cover, £16.25.]

Now in their 60th season and flying BAE Systems Hawks in displays since 1980, the Red Arrows continue to demonstrate their awe-inspiring teamwork and excellence around the globe. {Shown at left, the minisheet FDC, £9.90]

David Gold, Director of External Affairs and Policy said: “During important national celebrations such as His Majesty’s Coronation, and representing the UK globally, the Red Arrows have entertained us with spectacular displays of aeronautical excellence. We are proud to mark their 60th season with these striking new stamps.”

Squadron Leader Jon Bond, Team Leader of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team for 2024 and flying as Red 1, said: “This milestone season underscores the excellence, dedication and pride of all those who have worked for, supported or just simply watched a show by the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team across the last 60 seasons. [Shown on the right, the medal cover, £19.99.]

“As well celebrating this heritage, these new stamps – many of which feature brilliant images taken by skilled RAF personnel – will hopefully inspire many more people using the wonder of aviation, just like each of our colourful, dynamic displays.”

The stamps, and a range of collectible products, are available now at www.royalmail.com/redarrows and by telephone on 03457 641 641. A Presentation Pack including all 12 stamps is priced at £22.00.
Above, the Buckingham Palace Gold Proof Coin Cover, £2,995.00 (US$3,787). A silver version is available at £98.50. Other “philatelic products” include postcards, a presentation pack, various panes of stamps, a prestige booklet, framed stamps and more.

Amos Media Part of New Collectibles Show

Posted on June 28, 2024 by VSC

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Amos Media and Shepherd Expos Management Launch Tampa, Florida Show
Philatelic section will be part of the first Great American Coin and Collectibles Show, September 11-14, 2024

For the first time in the 148-year history of what today is Amos Media, publisher of Linn’s Stamps News (www.Linns.com), Coin World, and the Scott stamp catalogues, the company is directly involved in the creation of a show for collectors and dealers. In partnership with Shepherd Expos Management, the inaugural Great American Coin and Collectibles Show (www.GACC.show) will be held in Florida at the acclaimed Tampa Convention Center [right], September 11-14, 2024.

When word about the new show began to spread, a number of stamp dealers made inquiries about the availability of booth space, according to show planner Larry Shepherd. The Tampa show will include a philatelic section specifically for collectors and dealers of stamps, covers, and other philatelic items.

“For more than a year, we have been working on hosting a collectibles show. After watching the success Larry had with turning around the Central States Numismatic Society show we were convinced that a fresh, innovative approach would be welcomed,” said Amos Media Chairman Rick Amos [left].

“Coin and stamp shows have not changed much in 50 years, and we need to bring the concept into the 21st century. The ability to sell and buy online is a significant part of today’s marketplace, but we believe it is still vitally important to be able to see coins, bank notes, and stamps in person and to conduct transactions face-to-face, as well as offer in-person educational opportunities,” explained Amos.

“When Larry [right] became available, we were excited to partner with a proven professional who knows how to plan and deliver a successful show. He developed ways to make shows more relevant with new innovations for a new generation of collectors and dealers. Larry has a proven track record of professional show management success,” stated Amos.

Initial plans include a large bourse space that can accommodate nearly 600 dealers’ tables with between 30 and 50 tables in the philatelic section. There will also be a separate collectors’ annex with another 60 to 70 tables offering coins and other collectibles. A dealer-to-dealer trading day will be available for all table holders on September 10, the day before the show opens to the public.

Also, although the show ends on Saturday, September 14, the guarded security room will be open through, Monday, September 16, for the convenience of dealers and visitors who want to store their valuables while exploring the many Florida attractions and activities.

Significant discounts at seven Hilton and Marriott hotel properties near the convention center are available with rates starting as low as $159 per night.

“We encourage dealers and collectors to book their accommodations as early as possible to take advantage of the special rates while they are available,” said Shepherd.

Information about the hotels and the special rates can be found at www.GACC.show/hotels.

For additional information about the Great American Coin and Collectibles Show and to obtain a dealer application, visit www.GACC.show, or contact Larry Shepherd at 719-464-8801 or email at ShepherdExpos@gmail.com.

AFDCS Counting Down to Member 30,000

Posted on June 28, 2024 by VSC

[press release]
AFDCS Counting Down to Member Milestone
Awarding 30,000 Pennies to Lucky New Member And Proposer

The American First Day Cover Society will give a lucky new member and whoever proposes that member each a $300 credit — the equivalent of 30,000 pennies — to welcome member #30,000.

The winners can spend their prizes on the AFDCS.org website, buying FDCs, catalogues and handbooks; joining, renewing or upgrading their memberships; paying for successful AFDCS auction bids; and more. The complete rules are on our website. (No, you cannot join, quit, and join again to try to hit #30,000! And your dog is not eligible.)

The AFDCS today does not have 30,000 members: It is closer to 1,200. Some numbers may have been skipped; some people may have received more than one number over the years; and, of course, some former members no longer collect.

Member #1 was Richard S. Bohn, who was one of the philatelic leaders who came up with the idea of a national society for first day cover collectors. Unfortunately, he passed away within a year after the founding in 1955. The earliest still active membership number is 10, Gerald Strauss [left], the first editor of First Days.

The AFDCS is the largest not-for-profit first day cover society in the world, with members in more than a dozen countries. It publishes an award-winning journal, First Days, six times a year, as well as handbooks, catalogues and You-Tube videos; holds fundraising auctions; is a co-sponsor of the annual Great American Stamp Show, conducts an annual cachetmaking contest; and encourages philatelic exhibiting and writing about FDCs.

For more information about the AFDCS, visit www.afdcs.org, e-mail afdcs@afdcs.org or write the AFDCS at Post Office Box 27, Greer, SC 29652-0027.

USPS Adds Cheng To Advisory Panel

Posted on June 26, 2024 by VSC

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
New Member Appointed to Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service today announced the appointment of Alicia Cheng, a graphic designer and educator, to the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC). Members are appointed to the committee by the postmaster general to provide expertise in business, history, science, technology, art, education, sports and other areas of public interest. Working together, they make recommendations for future stamp subjects.

Cheng is currently head of design at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, where she leads the team responsible for designing exhibitions, permanent galleries and communications materials.

Before that, Cheng was a co-design director at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum and later went on to become a founding partner of MGMT. design, a collaborative female-owned graphic design studio focusing on exhibition design, museum publications, print, branding and data visualization.

She currently serves as an external critic for the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program at the Rhode Island School of Design, and has taught at Yale University, Maryland Institute College of Art, Barnard College and the Cooper Union School of Art.

A keen student of the early development of communication and distribution systems, Cheng has contributed articles on Victorian photography and public service announcements to The Atlantic magazine and an article on the history of the printed ballot for The New Yorker. In 2020, she published the book “This Is What Democracy Looked Like: A Visual History of the Printed Ballot,” with an accompanying exhibition at the Cooper Union.

She is a member of the Board of Visitors for the Temple University Rome Program and was a past board member of AIGA/NY and the Fine Arts Federation, a design advocacy consortium in New York City.

Cheng attended Barnard College in New York City and received an MFA in graphic design from Yale University with a focus on information design and dance notation systems. She was born in Ann Arbor, MI, and resides in Brooklyn NY with her husband and daughter.

Submitting Stamp Suggestions
Due to the time required for research and approval in the stamp selection process, ideas for stamp subjects should be received at least three years prior to the proposed issuance. Each submission should include pertinent historical information and important dates associated with the subject. Proposals must be in writing and submitted by U.S. Mail. No in-person appeals, phone calls or emails are accepted. Mail your suggestion (one topic per letter) to the address below:

Stamp Development
Attn: Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee
475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 3300
Washington, DC 20260-3501

Alex Trebek (U.S. 2024)

Posted on June 21, 2024 by VSC

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
CLUE: This Naturalized U.S. Citizen Is Now Honored With a Forever Stamp
CORRECT RESPONSE: Who Is Alex Trebek?

WASHINGTON — On the June 21 episode of “Jeopardy!”, host Ken Jennings announced that the U.S. Postal Service will issue a Forever stamp honoring beloved former host Alex Trebek concurrent with the show’s 60th Diamond Celebration that was launched earlier this year to celebrate the remarkable legacy of America’s Favorite Quiz Show. Presales for this special stamp begin today, June 21, at usps.com.

The first-day-of-issue event for the Alex Trebek stamp is free and open to the public. Details about the event are below. News of the stamp is being shared with the hashtag #AlexTrebekStamp.

Who:
• Michael Elston, Secretary of the Board of Governors of the U.S. Postal Service
• Ken Jennings, “Jeopardy!” host
• Jean Trebek, wife of Alex Trebek

When: Monday, July 22, 2024, at 4 p.m. Pacific time

Where: John Calley Park
Sony Pictures Studios
10371 Culver Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232

RSVP: In order to enter the Sony Studios lot, attendees must register at:usps.com/alextrebekstamp

Background: This stamp commemorates Alex Trebek (1940–2020), the longtime host of the television quiz show “Jeopardy!” who became a respected and beloved presence in millions of homes.

The grid of 20 identical stamps resembles the array of video monitors that form the “Jeopardy!” game board.

On the stamp is written the prompt, “THIS NATURALIZED U.S. CITIZEN HOSTED THE QUIZ SHOW ‘Jeopardy!’ FOR 37 SEASONS” and underneath, upside down, is the correct response: “Who is Alex Trebek?”

On the stamp pane, relevant category headers appear at the top of each column of stamps, and to the left is a photograph of Trebek with a portion of the “Jeopardy!” set behind him.

Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, designed the stamps using photography provided by Sony Pictures Entertainment and hand lettering by Marti Davila.

The Alex Trebek stamp will be issued in panes of 20. As Forever stamps, they will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail one-ounce price.

About Sony Pictures Television:
Sony Pictures Television (SPT) is one of the television industry’s leading content providers, producing, distributing and carrying programming worldwide in every genre and for every platform. In addition to managing one of the industry’s largest libraries of award-winning feature films, television shows and formats, SPT is home to a thriving global content business, operating a robust portfolio of wholly owned and joint-venture production companies across the United States, Europe, Latin America and Asia Pacific, as well as linear and digital channels around the world. SPT is a Sony Pictures Entertainment Co., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Group Corp.

About Jeopardy! :
Jeopardy!, America’s Favorite Quiz Show™, is in its 40th season in syndication. With a weekly audience of more than 20 million viewers, Jeopardy! is the top-rated quiz show on television. The show has won a total of 44 Emmy® Awards, holds the Guinness World Records® title for the most Emmy® Awards won by a TV game show, and received a Peabody Award for “celebrating and rewarding knowledge.” It originally debuted on March 30, 1964. Jeopardy! is produced by Sony Pictures Television, a Sony Pictures Entertainment Co.; it is distributed domestically by CBS Media Ventures

On July 22, 2024, in Culver City, CA, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Alex Trebek stamp (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate), in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 485300). This stamp will go on sale nationwide July 22, 2024, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue. The Alex Trebek commemorative pane of 20 stamps must not be split and the stamps must not be sold individually.

This stamp commemorates Alex Trebek (1940–2020) who, as longtime host of the challenging television quiz show Jeopardy!, became a respected and beloved presence in millions of homes. The grid of 20 identical stamps resembles the array of video monitors that form the Jeopardy! playing board. On the stamp is written the prompt, “This naturalized U.S. citizen hosted the quiz show ‘Jeopardy!’ for 37 seasons” and underneath, upside down, is the correct response: “Who is Alex Trebek?” Above the stamps are category headers at the top of each column, and to the left is a photograph of Trebek with a portion of the Jeopardy! set behind him. Antonio Alcalá was the art director and designer for this stamp project, using photography provided by Sony Pictures Entertainment and hand lettering by Marti Davila.

Automatic distribution.

FDOI – Alex Trebek Stamp
USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Suite 300
Kansas City, MO 64144-9900

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Alex Trebek Stamp
Item Number: 485300
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: July 22, 2024, Culver City, CA 90230
Art Director: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Designer: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Existing Photos: Sony Pictures Entertainment
Modeler: Sandra Lane / Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 30,000,000
Paper Type: Phosphor, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Pantone 2736C, Pantone Cool Gray 9C, and Black
Stamp Orientation: Horizontal
Image Area (w x h): 1.4200 x 1.0850 in. / 36.0680 x
27.5590 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 1.5600 x 1.2250 in. / 39.6240 x
31.1150 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 9.5000 x 7.5000 in. / 241.3000 x
190.5000 mm
Press Sheets Size (w x h): 19.5000 x 23.0000 in. / 495.3000 x
584.2000 mm
Plate Size: 120 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “B” followed by three (3) single digits in bottom two corners
Marginal Markings:
Front: Header: Alex Trebek • Jeopardy! host and television personality 1940–2020 • Plate number in bottom two corners
Back: © 2024 Jeopardy Productions, Inc. All rights reserved • © 2024 USPS • USPS Logo • Two barcodes (485300) • Plate position diagram (6) • Promotional text