Goodnight Moon (US 2025)

Posted on January 13, 2025 by VSC

The USPS announced this issue on January 13^th. No date of issue was given:

First published in 1947, “Goodnight Moon” remains a favorite bedtime story for families everywhere. By celebrating everyday rituals rather than fantasy, this iconic picture book revolutionized children’s publishing. The pane of 16 stamps features eight images from the book, which was illustrated by Clement Hurd and written by Margaret Wise Brown. Derry Noyes, an art director for USPS, designed the stamps.

You can click any image on this page for a much-larger version. Additional information will appear below the line, with the most-recent at the top.

Updated June 11^th:
The Scott catalogue numbers for these stamps are:
6002 Goodnight Moon pane of 16, 2 each #6002a-6002h + label
a. (73¢) Young Rabbit in Bed
b. (73¢) Painting of the Three Bears
c. (73¢) Fireplace
d. (73¢) Painting of Cow Jumping Over the Moon
e. (73¢) Table, Lamp, Bowl, Comb and Brush
f. (73¢) Dollhouse, Bookshelf and Toys
g. (73¢) Rabbit in Rocking Chair
h. (73¢) Socks and Mittens on Drying Rack, Moon in Window
i. As #6002, imperforate
j. As #6002a, imperforate
k. As #6002b, imperforate
l. As #6002c, imperforate
m. As #6002d, imperforate
n. As #6002e, imperforate
o. As #6002f, imperforate
p. As #6002g, imperforate
q. As #6002h, imperforate

Updated April 3^rd:
[event advisory] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Goodnight Moon Stamps to be Unveiled at The Rabbit hOle

What: The U.S. Postal Service will unveil its Goodnight Moon stamps at The Rabbit hOle in North Kansas City, MO, on May 2 as part of an event leading up to Children’s Book Week (May 5-11). The Rabbit hOle is a new museum experience that celebrates and brings to life a century of American children’s literature, including Goodnight Moon, for visitors of all ages. This pane of Forever stamps honors the remarkable impact of Goodnight Moon by featuring scenes from the beloved best-selling picture book.

The first-day-of-issue event for the Goodnight Moon stamps is free and open to the public. News of the stamps is being shared with the hashtag #GoodnightMoonStamps.

Who: Thacher Hurd, children’s book creator and the son of Goodnight Moon illustrator Clement Hurd. He will be one of the special guests at the unveiling, sharing memories of his father and Goodnight Moon author Margaret Wise Brown, as well as reading the book aloud.

When: Friday, May 2, 2025, at 11 a.m. Central

Where:
The Rabbit hOle [link]
919 E. 14th Ave.
North Kansas City, MO 64116

RSVP: Attendees are encouraged to register at usps.com/goodnightmoonstamps.

Background: As favorite bedtime reading for more than 75 years, Goodnight Moon allows children to imagine themselves in the cozy bedroom of a young bunny, saying good night to everything they see. This quiet, lullaby-like book also encourages children to look around their own rooms and, together with their parents, improvise on the comforting ritual in any way they would like.

“In the great green room,” the beloved picture book begins, “There was a telephone / And a red balloon.” The lilting, hypnotic rhythm of the text by author Margaret Wise Brown (1910–1952) casts a tender spell over young listeners, reassuring them that all the familiar things of daily life will still be there in the morning. “Goodnight clocks / And goodnight socks,” the book continues. “Goodnight little house / And goodnight mouse.”

The illustrations created by Clement Hurd (1908–1988) alternate between panoramic views of the vibrantly colored bedroom and black-and-white close-ups of particular objects. At first brightly lit, the scene grows gradually darker, echoing slumber’s slow descent.

Published by Harper & Brothers in 1947, Goodnight Moon began its remarkable rise in popularity in the 1950s, in large part due to word of mouth among parents. Today, it is among the bestselling children’s books of all time.

Derry Noyes, an art director for USPS, designed the pane using Clement Hurd’s illustrations. As Forever stamps, the Goodnight Moon stamps will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.

Updated March 20^th:
Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue:The Digital Color Postmark for this issue measures 2.54″ x 1.14″The Pictorial Postmark for this issue measures 2.66″ x 0.95 The “special” postmark, for use at post offices other than North Kansas City, measures 2.76″ x 1.14″

From the Postal Bulletin:
On May 2, 2025, in North Kansas City, MO, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Goodnight Moon stamps (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in eight designs, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 16 stamps (Item 486200). These stamps will go on sale nationwide May 2, 2025, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue. The Goodnight Moon commemorative pane of 20 stamps must not be split and the stamps must not be sold individually.

Goodnight Moon revolutionized children’s publishing when it debuted in 1947 and has since become favorite bedtime reading for millions of families around the world. The story allows children to imagine themselves in the cozy bedroom of a young bunny, saying goodnight to everything they see. This pane of 16 stamps features eight vibrantly colored details from the beloved picture book.

A reproduction of the book’s cover image fills the center of the pane and includes the names of the author, Margaret Wise Brown, and the illustrator, Clement Hurd. The back of the pane features a black-and-white rendering of the bedroom. The book‘s title appears above the scene, with its closing words, “Goodnight stars / Goodnight air / Goodnight noises everywhere.” Art director Derry Noyes designed the pane using existing art by Clement Hurd.

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 usps.com/shop. 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 – Goodnight Moon 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 September 2, 2025.
Technical Specifications:

Issue: Goodnight Moon Stamps
Item Number: 486200
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 16 (8 designs)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: May 2, 2025, North Kansas City, MO 64116
Art Director: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Designer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Existing Art: Clement Hurd
Modeler: Sandra Lane / Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Flexographic
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Gallus RCS
Stamps per Pane: 16
Print Quantity: 20,000,000
Paper Type: Phosphor, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, 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): 7.2400 x 7.1200 in. / 183.8960 x 180.8480 mm.
Press Sheets Size (w x h): 14.4800 x 21.3600 in. / 367.7920 x 542.5440 mm.
Plate Size: 96 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “B” followed by four (4) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Header: GOODNIGHT MOON • Selvage text • Plate number in four corners
Back: Verso Artwork from Goodnight Moon • © 2025 USPS • USPS logo • Two barcodes (486200) • Plate position diagram (6) • Promotional text

Updated March 6^th:
These stamps will be issued May 2 in North Kansas City, MO.

SpongeBob SquarePants (US 2025)

Posted on January 13, 2025 by VSC

The USPS announced this issue on January 13^th. No date of issue was given:

The blend of humor, wit, and absurdity in the Nickelodeon animated series “SpongeBob SquarePants” created by Stephen Hillenburg has made it one of the most beloved television shows of the 21st century. Each episode features the perpetually optimistic and generous main character SpongeBob SquarePants as he embarks on adventures in Bikini Bottom with a colorful cast of characters. These stamps will amuse and delight their recipients, whether your card or letter is addressed to a house across town — or a pineapple under the sea. Greg Breeding, an art director for USPS, designed the stamps, with artwork provided by Nickelodeon.

Here’s how the stamps pane will look:

You can click any image on this page for a much-larger version. Additional information will appear below the line, with the most-recent at the top.

Updated September 10^th:
The Scott catalogue numbers for this issue:
6025 Bikini Bottom characters Sandy Cheeks, Patrick Star, Plankton, Mr. Krabs, SpongeBob, Gary, and Squidward Tentacles
6026 SpongeBob face with mouth open
6027 SpongeBob face with mouth closed
6028 SpongeBob and Patrick

Updated July 2^nd:
[event information] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
SpongeBob SquarePants’ Iconic Characters To Be Featured on New Forever Stamps

What: The U.S. Postal Service will issue the SpongeBob SquarePants commemorative Forever stamps in New York City’s Times Square. The first-day-of-issue event is free and open to the public, and the stamps will be available to purchase. News of the Forever stamps is being shared with the hashtag #SpongeBobSquarePantsStamps.-

Who: Greg Breeding, an art director for USPS who designed the stamps using artwork provided by Nickelodeon, will be available for autographs.

When: Friday, Aug. 1, from 8-10 a.m. EDT-

Where:
Father Duffy Square
Times Square
7th Avenue and West 47th Street
New York, NY 10036

Background: The beloved Nickelodeon animated series “SpongeBob SquarePants,” created by Stephen Hillenburg, has left an enduring mark on generations of viewers. Its unique blend of humor, memorable characters and universal themes has made it popular with audiences of all ages.

The four stamps in this collection highlight beloved characters from the show. Two bright yellow stamps feature close-ups of SpongeBob’s face wearing goofy smiles. A third stamp showcases a host of Bikini Bottom characters including Sandy Cheeks, Patrick Star, Plankton, Mr. Krabs, SpongeBob, Gary and Squidward Tentacles. The fourth stamp shows SpongeBob and Patrick frolicking on the sandy ocean floor.

The SpongeBob SquarePants stamps are being issued as Forever stamps and will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail one-ounce rate.-

Updated June 30^th:
On August 1, 2025, in New York. NY, the United States Postal Service® will issue the SpongeBob SquarePants stamps (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate), in four designs, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 16 stamps (Item 487200). These stamps will go on sale nationwide August 1, 2025, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue. The SpongeBob SquarePants commemorative pane of 16 stamps must not be split and the stamps must not be sold individually.

This new stamp issuance celebrates the animated series SpongeBob SquarePants, one of the most beloved television shows of the 21st century. Two bright yellow stamps feature closeups of SpongeBob’s face. A third stamp showcases a host of Bikini Bottom characters including (left to right): Sandy Cheeks, Patrick Star, Plankton, Mr. Krabs, SpongeBob, Gary, and Squidward Tentacles. The fourth stamp shows SpongeBob and Patrick frolicking on the sandy ocean floor. The selvage design is in blue with a Tiki-style flower pattern; the title of the issuance “SpongeBob SquarePants” is at the top. Art director Greg Breeding designed the stamps using artwork provided by Nickelodeon.

Automatic distribution.

FDOI – SpongeBob SquarePants Stamps
USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Suite 300
Kansas City, MO 64144-9900

Technical Specifications:

Issue: SpongeBob SquarePants Stamps
Item Number: 487200
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 16 (4 designs)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: August 1, 2025, New York. NY 10199
Art Director: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville VA
Designer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville VA
Existing Art: Nickelodeon
Modeler: Sandra Lane / Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset / Screen
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Gallus RCS
Stamps per Pane: 16
Print Quantity: 36,000,000
Paper Type: Phosphor, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Stamp Orientation: Square
Image Area 1 (w x h): 1.0850 x 1.0850 in. / 27.5590x 27.5590 mm.
Stamp Size 1 (w x h): 1.2250 x 1.2250 in. / 31.1150 x 31.1150 mm.
Image Area 2 (w x h): 1.2330 x 1.2330 in. / 31.3180 x 31.3180 mm.
Stamp Size 2 (w x h): 1.3735 x 1.3735 in. / 34.8870 x 34.8870 mm.
Full Pane Size (w x h): 6.8800 x 8.2300 in. / 174.7520 x 209.0420 mm.
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Plate Size: 64 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “B” followed by four (4) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Header: SpongeBob SQUAREPANTS • Plate number in bottom two corners
Back: © 2025 USPS • USPS logo • Two barcodes (487200) • Plate position diagram (4) • Promotional text • © 2025 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved. Nickelodeon, SpongeBob SquarePants and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc. SpongeBob SquarePants created by Stephen Hillenburg. • Nickelodeon’s trademarked logo.

Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue:The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.56″ x 1.18″The Pictorial Postmark measures 2.47″ x 1.09″The Special Postmark measures 2.64″ x 0.92″

Updated June 11^th:
According to Foster Miller, these stamps will be issued Friday, August 1, with a ceremony projected on a giant video screen in New York City’s Times Square.

Hotchner: Collecting To Sell

Posted on January 12, 2025 by VSC

By John M. Hotchner

I received a letter that threw me for a bit of a loop. I’m going to quote it below, edited a bit to eliminate repetition, and then make a few comments. Yours would be welcome, too.

“I’m not a dealer per se. I am for all practical purposes an accumulator. I buy what I can, U.S. issues only. My holdings gathered over the last 65 years are extensive. I have no need or desire or intention to sell anything. What I’m doing in increasing my holdings is easy-going and enjoyable.

“When I make a purchase, I weed out everything used that is not of collector grade: anything torn, creased, stained, or with short perfs I simply discard. I do so because no one will buy things in those categories. Thus, out it goes.

“For mint singles, blocks, etc., I do likewise except that I use the pitch-outs for postage. Mostly with stuff like that I run into thins or disturbed gum as a disqualifier. As to centering, if it is only Fine – it goes into my scrap postage box.

“What upsets me most up here in the Midwest is that when one talks with a dealer about having them make an offer – they automatically tell you, ‘I’ve got all of that; not interested in buying any more, etc., etc.’ One cannot help but wonder how dealers stay in business without upgrading or expanding their own inventory.

“I bring this to your attention because of my experience at the American Philatelic Society stamp show in Milwaukee a few years ago. I approached the booth of a major national stamp retailer who does a lot of advertising, and talked to the owner. I asked him if he would be interested in buying my duplicates from the 1922 definitive issue.

“He told me, flat out, ‘No’…. Claimed they have all this stuff and would not be buying any more of it for the foreseeable future. Suggested I go and chat with another dealer present. I did and I purchased over $1000 worth of items for my personal holdings.

“Bottom line is when I returned home I ordered, from the national firm, a Scott #560 (8¢ Perf. 11×11, 1922) plate block, Mint, Never Hinged, in Very Fine to Extra Fine condition. [editor’s note: The plate block shown is just for illustration purposes.] I got an immediate reply saying that they have been unable to keep this in inventory for the past ten years. Just in case the reply was wrong, I tried again this past February. Same result, except that as a courtesy, they noted they had recently acquired some plate blocks of the 1922 issue, but they were only in Fine condition, and would I be interested? I would not.

“The point I make is this: Dealers and stamp company owners are for the most part totally unaware of what is actually happening with their own inventory; thus trying to deal with these people is a real – in your face – put down.

“However, if one works with their own holdings, we have a lot better idea of areas of weakness, and heavy duplication. Ignorance is expensive.

“Over the years I’ve read many offers to buy. One buyer from the Chicago area even sent a representative up for a look-see about 10 years ago. He was definitely interested, but not in paying a fair price. He wanted to steal my holdings at 9% of catalogue value. He had the grace to look insulted when I rejected his offer.

“Thus, I have decided to continue my efforts of accumulating, and at my demise, deed over to my son all of my philatelic holdings. What I’ve set aside for him will be used to augment his business as a dealer when he retires. For now, he is a collector of mint singles, but then he will also have a large holding of high-grade plate blocks. By doing this, we will just bypass all the con artists.

“I don’t know for certain if I am doing right by pushing the dealer issue down the road one generation – but it sure feels right to me and to my son. I have found that the hobby is a great way to stay in touch as a family.”

My comments (addressed to readers, not the letter writer as we have had subsequent correspondence): While disclaiming any intention of selling anything, our letter writer has made movements in that direction, and did not like the responses he got, so walked away from the deal. In another effort in that direction, he was rebuffed by a dealership where one hand seems not to know what the other hand is doing, and that experience ticked him off. I can sympathize. My reading is that he came to the no-sell decision after the experiences he describes.

While he indicates that he has 1922 material to sell, that is the earliest he mentions, and two things occur to me. First, while there is some good material in that era, stamps and even plate blocks in premium condition starting in the late 1920s are not difficult to find; and not difficult for dealers to purchase in bulk at favorable prices. Secondly, it is possible that the dealer(s) assumed that the bulk of the material offered was from the later era and truly did not fit in with their needs.

It is also possible that the dealer was put off by the manner of approach or another factor, and chose not to do business with the letter-writer.

Stockpiling material from the era where good quality is available in quantity (say much of the material from the late 1920s to modern times) is not a good investment strategy. Yes, some items, carefully selected from among the most often seen material, can be good for investment: unfolded booklet panes, some popular theme se-tenants like Space and Lighthouses; high-face plate blocks, etc. are ok.

But the bottom dropped out of the plate block market many years ago in the 13¢ First Class era when the USPS tried to take advantage of the market by issuing 12-stamp plate blocks. It has never been restored to its former glory. Most from the 1940s-on sell wholesale in the best circumstances at face, and even below. Consult catalogue prices to get an idea of what few plate blocks are more desirable.

However, if one is determined to invest, the same amount of money put into classic material will bring better rewards. You will have less material, but it will appreciate. And it will sell more readily, and for better prices. Remember this rule of thumb: “Common material remains common. Proven high quality/limited quantity material appreciates.”

On dealers’ buy offers, two things: One is that they are entitled to try to pay the lowest price they can get away with. Don’t you as a collector try to pay the lowest possible price for your acquisitions? Second, while I am not claiming that 9% is a fair figure (though it is understandable for mostly modern stamps/blocks that will retail for half cat. or less.) keep in mind that dealers selling most modern material to knowledgeable collectors will not be able to get more than that, and may well get less; and they have their overhead to pay for. And, oh yes, the object is to make a profit. For example, how much does it cost them to send a representative to visit and review your material in your home and make an offer?

That said, the seller always has the ultimate power: You can always try to negotiate a better price, and failing that, you can refuse to sell.

Finally, on the subject of kicking the can down to the next generation, it seems like a good strategy in this case as the son intends to be a dealer and will sell the high-quality items at retail to collectors, while the father is selling to dealers at wholesale.

So, in summary, let’s call this method of collecting what it is: Investing. There is nothing dishonorable about it. It can even be as enjoyable to the collector as collecting for pleasure. But I feel that investors have to go into that pursuit with eyes wide open; not with hope, prayer and assumptions about what ought to happen when they get ready to sell.

As with any financial transaction where entrepreneurs are hoping to make a profit, it is a tough world out there. Willing buyers at your price can be a good deal more scarce than you hoped. People not willing to pay your price are not necessarily stupid, crooked or hard-hearted. They are steely-eyed realists. And you need to be too.

Should you wish to comment on this column, or have questions or ideas you would like to have explored in a future column, please write to John Hotchner, VSC Contributor, P.O. Box 1125, Falls Church, VA 22041-0125, or email, putting “VSC” in the subject line.

Or comment right here.

“The Vicar of Dibley” (UK 2025)

Posted on January 12, 2025 by VSC

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Award-Winning “The Vicar Of Dibley” Celebrated With Royal Mail Special Stamps

Royal Mail celebrates one of the UK’s most successful and award-winning comedy series with a set of 12 Special Stamps
Issue Date: 14 January
Eight stamps depict iconic scenes from the series, while a further four stamps, presented in a miniature sheet, shows a Dibley Parish Council meeting
The stamps and a range of collectible products are available to pre-order at www.royalmail.com/vicarofdibley and by telephone on 03457 641641

Royal Mail is issuing 12 stamps to celebrate one of the UK’s most successful and award-winning comedy series”The Vicar of Dibley.”

The series, which ran on the BBC from November 1994 to January 2007, was set in the fictional Oxfordshire village of Dibley. Following the 1993 changes in the Church of England to permit the ordination of women, the series portrayed a female vicar who had been assigned to the church in the village.

Starring Dawn French in the titular role of the down-to-earth, witty and clever vicar, Geraldine Granger, the character was specially created for her by writers Richard Curtis and Paul Mayhew-Archer. French was surrounded by a who’s who of seasoned TV professionals: “Only Fools and Horses” legend Roger Lloyd-Pack as fearsome farmer Owen; Emma Chambers as dotty verger Alice; floppy-fringed “Four Weddings and a Funeral” star James Fleet as the hapless Hugo; and TV veteran Gary Waldhorn as his domineering, aristocratic father, David.

It is among the most successful British programmes, receiving multiple British Comedy Awards, an International Emmy and was a multiple British Academy Television Awards nominee.

A further four stamps, presented in a miniature sheet, shows a Dibley Parish Council meeting.David Gold, Director of External Affairs and Policy said: “The superb writing and the warmth and idiosyncrasies of its characters made “The Vicar of Dibley” one of the most loved TV comedies of all time. We celebrate the series with new stamps revisiting some of the show’s classic moments.”

“The Vicar of Dibley”
Just eight months after the first 32 British women were ordained as Church of England vicars, a sitcom debuted on the BBC that not only became a beloved small-screen institution but also helped an entire nation understand the controversial decision. Created and co-written by “Four Weddings and a Funeral” and “Blackadder” mastermind Richard Curtis, alongside co-writer Paul Mayhew-Archer, “The Vicar of Dibley” introduced audiences to a new kind of priest – Geraldine Granger, the chocolate-eating, plain-spoken but warm-hearted new vicar who initially horrifies her parishioners in the sleepy English village of Dibley.

But even the members of the parish council – including pompous landowner David, his perky son Hugo, straight-talking farmer Owen and verbally-challenged eccentric Jim – soon warm to Geraldine, thanks to her innate personal charm, forgiving nature and snappy way with a one-liner. Indeed, the only person her wit doesn’t work on is Alice, the scatterbrained verger who becomes Geraldine’s best friend despite constantly misunderstanding her jokes.

“The Vicar of Dibley” ran for three series [“seasons” in the U.S.] with multiple festive specials and Comic Relief shorts. In 2020, “The Vicar of Dibley” was named Britain’s third-favourite sitcom of all time in a BBC poll.

Individual Stamp Descriptions:

2nd Class: Geraldine officiates at Alice and Hugo’s chaotic wedding ceremony.2nd Class: After hearing that Alice and Hugo are expecting a baby, Geraldine tries to force a smile from David.

1st Class: Geraldine attempts to tell Alice a joke over a cup of tea in the vestry.

1st Class: An unsuspecting Geraldine jumps into a very deep puddle.

£1.00: Frank and Owen perform in the Dibley Christmas show.

£1.00: To avoid waking Alice and Hugo’s baby, Jim writes his characteristic response to a question on a flash card.

£2.80: Geraldine samples one of Letitia’s unusual sandwich creations.

£2.80: Geraldine performs a ballet duet with Dame Darcey Bussell.

The collectibles include a Collectors Sheet (above, £17.10 or framed £39.99), various first day covers with either the Tallent House or Turville, Henley-on-Thames postmarks (below, 8 stamps, £15.80, or minisheet, £8.60), a press sheet and various configurations of sheets of stamps.

Main Hotel Reservations for GASS 2025 Now Open

Posted on January 12, 2025 by VSC

Show-rate reservations are now open for the main show hotel for Great American Stamp Show 2025, the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center. For the past few years, the main GASS hotels have sold out months in advance. These are always good rates and the most convenient hotels to the shows, and often the sites of food functions (i.e., banquets and breakfasts).

Go to the APS website page for GASS 2025 for more information or directly to the reservations page.

GASS 2025 includes Americover 2025, the official show and convention of the American First Day Cover Society. It will include meetings, seminars, a cachetmakers bourse, the biggest collection of FDC dealers all year, the free AFDCS hospitality suite, a “silent” auction, and more for FDC collectors.

Birds of Sint Eustatius (Netherlands 2025)

Posted on January 11, 2025 by VSC

[from PostNL press materials] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Experience Nature – Birds of Sint Eustatius

Issue date: 2 January 2025
Appearance: Sheet of 10 stamps in 10 different designs, each with denomination 1 for mail weighing up to 20 grams sent within the Netherlands
Item number: 450162
Design: Frank Janse, Gouda
Photography: Alamy, Dreamstime, Shutterstock, and Wikimedia Commons

The Experience Nature – Birds of Sint Eustatius stamp sheet features 10 different designs. The stamps are denominated 1, for mail weighing up to 20 grams sent within the Netherlands. The price of a sheet with 10 stamps is €12.10.

This stamp sheet is part of the multi-year Experience Nature series, dedicated to the biodiversity of the Caribbean Netherlands during 2024-2026. Each year, four stamp sheets will be issued, each with 10 different stamps. These stamps feature plants and animals found in this part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This region boasts remarkable biodiversity, with thousands of plant andanimal species. In 2025, the stamps will focus on the island’s birds, butterflies, underwater world, and flora. The Experience Nature – Birds of Sint Eustatius stamps highlight the following birds: merlin, laughing gull, indigo bunting, lesser Antillean bullfinch, semipalmated plover, green heron, purple-throated carib, royal tern, American oystercatcher, and northern parula.

Sint Eustatius, also known as locally as “Statia,” is an island of approximately 8 square miles. “Sint” means “Saint” in Dutch.

Like Bonaire and Saba, the island of Sint Eustatius holds a special status within the Netherlands. These three islands are collectively referred to as the Caribbean Netherlands. Along with Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten, they make up the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Known locally as Statia, Sint Eustatius is one of the Leeward Islands, referring to their position relative to the prevailing northeastern trade winds. The island lies between Saba and Saint Kitts and is separated from them by shallow seas. Its sole town and capital is Oranjestad. Since 2010, Sint Eustatius has been a special municipality, governed by an island council, which is responsible for local legislation, with executive power held by island commissioners appointed by the council and overseen by the island governor.

Sint Eustatius has a population of around 3,000 people, and the official language is English. The island is dominated by the dormant volcano The Quill (601 metres) in the southeast and the extinct volcanic area surrounding Bergje hill (223 metres) in the north. It boasts three national parks: Quill/Boven National Park, Statia National Marine Park, and the Miriam Schmidt Botanical Garden.

Sint Eustatius is a haven for bird enthusiasts, with a rich diversity of species. According to Bird Checklists of the World (2022), 123 different bird species have been recorded on the island, including approximately 30 breeding species. Among the island’s remarkable avian residents is the smallest bird in the Kingdom of the Netherlands: the Antillean crested hummingbird. Another notable resident, shared with nearby Saba, is the red-billed tropicbird. These islands are home to 40% of the world’s 8,000 breeding pairs of this species. Known for its striking red bill and long tail, this seabird nests on the cliffs and rocks of the islands’ coasts. The red-billed tropicbird is the only seabird that breeds on Sint Eustatius. Bird conservation efforts on the island are supported by Vogelbescherming Nederland (BirdLife Netherlands) through collaboration with local organisations and the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance. Initiatives include projects aimed at preventing nest predation by rats and feral cats, and protecting the endangered bridled quail-dove.

The stamp sheet was designed by Frank Janse from Gouda. Each bird is portrayed in its natural habitat on its own stamp. He has previously designed the earlier entries in the Experience Nature series starting in 2018. In 2024, Janse designed the stamp sheet and stamps featuring the Regalia of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 24-karat gold, and in 2023, the Holland America Line 150 years, Girl with a Pearl Earring, and Juliana’s Inauguration 1948 stamps, also in 24-karat gold.

All the bird photos are integrated into a graphic design of circular shapes, which also appear on the sheet’s border. In some instances, the image extends onto the adjacent stamp and the border. Janse has also added graphic elements at various points on the stamp sheet, inspired by symbols found on old topographic maps, such as representations of landscape forms, contour lines, vegetation, soil structures, and watercourses.

Technical Specifications:

Stamp size: 40 x 30 mm
Sheet size: 122 x 170 mm
Paper: Normal with phosphor print
Gumming: Self-adhesive
Printing technique: Offset
Printing colours: Cyan, magenta, yellow, and black
Print run: 275,000 sheets
Appearance: Sheet of 10 stamps in 10 different designs
Design: Frank Janse, Gouda
Photography: Alamy, Dreamstime, Shutterstock, and Wikimedia Commons
Printing company: Koninklijke Joh. Enschedé B.V., Haarlem
Item number: 450162

Note: PostNL does not sell directly to collectors in North America. Its website refers to a company called Nordfirm, which says it sells Dutch new issues at face value. The Virtual Stamp Club has no connection to this company.

Collectors may also wish to contact the U.S. firm Bombay Stamps, which can also obtain first day covers upon request, with lower shipping fees. The email is sales@bombaystamps.com Again, The Virtual Stamp Club has no connection to this company.

750th Anniversary of Amsterdam (Netherlands 2025)

Posted on January 7, 2025 by VSC

[from press materials] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
PostNL celebrates 750 years of Amsterdam with special stamp sheet

PostNL is celebrating Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary with a special stamp sheet. The stamp sheet contains five unique stamps designed by Michiel Schuurman, who was born and raised in Amsterdam. The stamps reflect the rich past and festive atmosphere of the capital, which will celebrate its anniversary from 27 October 2024 to 27 October 2025.

Summary:
Issue: Amsterdam 750 Years
Issue date: 2 January 2025
Appearance: Sheet of 5 special stamps in 5 different designs, each with a denomination of 1 for mail up to 20 grams sent within the Netherlands
Item number: 450161
Design: Michiel Schuurman, Amsterdam

Special design
The stamps show the number 750 in the form of a continuous ribbon, a playful reference to the city’s official anniversary banner. Each design has its own colour scheme, inspired by the diversity and vibrancy of Amsterdam. The typical Amsterdam St. Andrew’s crosses and serpentines add extra recognisability. “With this special stamp sheet, we are not only honouring the past, but also celebrating the future of Amsterdam,” says Maurice Unck, Director of Mail Netherlands at PostNL. “As the capital, Amsterdam has a unique place in our country and in the hearts of many. PostNL is proud to contribute to this festive milestone with this design.”

The Amsterdam 750 years stamp sheet was designed by Michiel Schuurman, a graphic designer from Amsterdam. Schuurman not only lives and works in the capital but was also born and raised there.

He describes the topic of Amsterdam 750 Years as vast, in every sense. “Big and grand. Both the city itself and its history and culture,” he said. “How do you summarise 750 years of city life? You’d need at least an entire book.”

“In true Amsterdam fashion, the stamps are boldly large,” he added. “They have that big-city attitude.”

750 years of history in a nutshell
The history of Amsterdam dates back to 1275, when Count Floris V granted the residents of ‘Amestelledamme’ freedom to pay tolls. In the centuries that followed, Amsterdam grew into a global city with a rich trading history and iconic urban expansions, such as the famous canal belt. Sietse Bakker, program director Amsterdam 750; ‘During our anniversary year Amsterdam 750, we celebrate the resilience, creativity and diversity of our city on its anniversary. These stamps are a beautiful symbol of the solidarity of Amsterdammers and all Dutch people in our past, present and future!

About the designer
In recent years, Schuurman has worked on projects for Amsterdam Roots (festival organisation), Block C (gallery), Lush Netherlands (cosmetics), The New Institute (cultural centre), Nike (fashion), Vlisco (textiles), De Volkskrant (newspaper), and Ymere (housing corporation). In addition to his design work, Schuurman teaches at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague. For PostNL, Schuurman previously designed the stamp sheet “Gewoontjes” [“Ordinary”] (2019).

Availability
The stamp sheet ‘Amsterdam 750 years’ contains 5 stamps with the value indication Nederland 1, intended for mail up to and including 20 grams with a destination within the Netherlands. The stamps will be available from 2 January 2025 at Bruna stores and via the PostNL webshop. The stamps can also be ordered by telephone from the Collect Club customer service on telephone number 088 – 868 99 00. The validity period is indefinite. The price per sheet with 5 stamps is € 6.05.

Technical Data
Stamp size: 61.89 x 29.89 mm
Sheet size: 144 x 150 mm
Paper: normal with phosphor coating
Gumming: self-adhesive
Printing technique: offset
Printing colours: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black
Print run: 115,000 sheets
Appearance: sheet of 5 stamps in 5 different designs
Denomination: 1 for mail up to 20 grams within the Netherlands
Design: Michiel Schuurman, Amsterdam
Printing company: Koninklijke Joh. Enschedé B.V., Haarlem
Item number: 450161

Canadian Hanukkah Stamp Adds To History

Posted on January 4, 2025 by VSC

By Danforth Guy
Photographs by the author (click on them for larger versions)

Click here for news on the 2025 Hanukkah stamp design.

For the first time, an actual menorah was featured on a Hanukkah stamp from Canada Post in 2024. It was also the first time the Hebrew word for Hanukkah has appeared on a Canadian stamp.

The 19th century item comes from the Aron Museum of Jewish ceremonial art, held at Temple Emanu-El-Beth Shalom in Westmount, Quebec, on the island of Montreal.

A day before the postal strike, the stamp was issued there on November 14. The next day, the temple hosted a stamp presentation, but, as it was Friday evening, they were also holding services. It was felt a fuller celebration of the honour would be fitting, so they organized a reception and presentation in December featuring nine historic menorahs, including the one on the stamp. Each was discussed during a lecture.

It was a rare chance to see (and even handle) the menorahs outside their display cases. The one on the stamp is striking for its peacock, theatrical curtains, and crown. Its nine white candles were digitally colorized for the issue. The menorahs were displayed in the front of the Ark.Note the Official FDC on display with the menorah. According to the Canada Post press release, “originally created in Poland, the silver-plated object is believed to have been rescued from a burning synagogue in Germany in November 1938 – around the time when widespread violence erupted in Nazi-occupied territories.”

Canada issued its first Hanukkah stamp in 2017 and has issued one every year since 2019.

Danforth also reports:

A source at the Aron Museum of Jewish ceremonial art says Canada Post has selected a second menorah from the museum’s collection for the next Hanukkah stamp (2025). The early 20th century hanukiyah comes from mainland Europe and is made of brass. It was photographed at the museum in Westmount, Quebec, at the same time as the one pictured on the 2024 issue — part of a move to feature actual menorahs rather than the graphic ones created for previous Hanukkah issues.

The postal service has not announced any stamps for 2025. Even when it does, it likely won’t confirm the identity of the menorah until much later in the year.

Jimmy Carter (U.S. 2025)

Posted on December 29, 2024 by VSC

The U.S. Postal Service typically issues a stamp for former presidents on their first birthday after their death. That would put a stamp for the 39th President on or about October 1. It has not yet been confirmed by the USPS. Confirmed August 16^th. Click on this image for a larger version.

Updated November 5^th:
The Scott catalogue number for this issue is 6043.

Updated August 28^th:

[ceremony details] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
President Jimmy Carter Stamp To Be Issued Oct. 1

What: The U.S. Postal Service will commemorate the life and legacy of President Jimmy Carter with the issuance of a commemorative stamp at The Carter Center in Atlanta on Oct.1, on what would have been his 101st birthday.
The dedication ceremony for the stamp is free and open to the public.

Who: Thomas J. Marshall, general counsel and executive vice president, U.S. Postal Service

Jason Carter, grandson and chair, The Carter Center Board of Trustees

Beth Davis, chief operating officer, The Carter Center; and director of scheduling, Office of Jimmy Carter

When: Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025, at 11 a.m. EDT

Where: The Carter Center
453 John Lewis Freedom Parkway NE
Atlanta, GA 30307

RSVP: Attendees must register at usps.com/jimmycarterstamp to attend.

Background: From his origins in small-town Georgia, Carter came to the White House as an outsider who represented a new generation of progressive Southern politicians.

Carter was inaugurated as the 39th president on Jan. 20, 1977. During his term, he would make humility and reconciliation recurring themes in his presidency.

Carter made a mark with his appointments of many women and minorities to government positions. He created a presidential commission on mental health, established new cabinet departments, and greatly increased the size of the National Park System and federally designated wilderness areas. Mindful of the nation’s fiscal position, he was deeply concerned with trying to balance the federal budget and control inflation. In his efforts to improve the economy, he ushered through deregulation in several industries, including energy and air travel.

On the world stage, Carter was praised for personally negotiating the Camp David Accords, providing a framework for peace in the Middle East. He signed SALT II, a treaty with the Soviet Union to limit strategic nuclear arms, and he initiated a major change in foreign policy when he announced that the United States would officially recognize and establish formal diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China.

After leaving the presidency, Carter became a prominent activist for peace, human rights and social and economic progress around the world. In 1982, he partnered with Emory University to establish The Carter Center, which advances democracy and human rights, resolves conflicts, and works to improve health in some of the world’s poorest nations. In recognition of his efforts, he received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 — cementing his reputation as one of the most active and impactful former presidents.

The stamp art is a 1982 oil-on-linen painting created as a life study by artist Herbert E. Abrams (1921-2003) in preparation for painting Carter’s official White House portrait. Ethel Kessler, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp.

As a Forever stamp, the Jimmy Carter stamp will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price. News of the stamp is being shared with the hashtag #JimmyCarterStamp.

Updated August 27^th:

Here are the first-day postmarks:The Digital Color Postmark measures 3.00″ x 1.05″The Pictorial Postmark measures 2.75″ x 0.93″ The Special Postmark, which may be used by post offices other than the first-day one, measures 2.25″ x 1.27″

From the Postal Bulletin:
On October 1, 2025, in Atlanta, GA, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Jimmy Carter stamp (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate), in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 487400). This stamp will go on sale nationwide October 1, 2025, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

This stamp honors Jimmy Carter (1924–2024), the 39th President of the United States. From his origins in small-town Georgia, Carter came to the White House as an outsider who represented a new generation of progressive Southern politicians. After a presidency that began with promise and accomplishment, but suffered diplomatic and economic turmoil in its final year, Carter devoted more than 3 decades to advancing peace, democracy, and human rights throughout the world. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. The stamp art is a 1982 oil-on-linen painting of Carter by artist Herbert E. Abrams. Art director Ethel Kessler designed the stamp.

Automatic distribution.

There is a Special Postmark for this issue.

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

Technical Specifications:/strong>

Issue: Jimmy Carter Stamp
Item Number: 487400
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: October 1, 2025, Atlanta, GA 30304
Art Director: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Designer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Existing Art: Herbert E. Abrams
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 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, PMS 7407 C
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.8400 x 1.4200 in. / 21.3360 x 36.0680 mm.
Overall Size (w x h): 0.9800 x 1.5600 in. / 24.8920 x 39.6240 mm.
Full Pane Size (w x h): 5.9200 x 7.2400 in. / 150.3680 x 183.8960 mm.
Press Sheets Size (w x h): 11.8400 x 21.7200 in. / 300.7360 x 551.6880 mm.
Plate Size: 240 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “B” followed by five (5) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Plate number in four corners
Back: © 2025 USPS • USPS logo • Two barcodes (487400) • Plate position diagram (6) • Promotional text

Updated August 23^rd:
Preordering will begin September 1. Here’s what the full pane of 20 stamps will look like:

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
U.S. Postal Service Reveals New Forever Stamp Design Honoring Former President Jimmy Carter

PLAINS, GA — The U.S. Postal Service today announced it will issue a commemorative Forever stamp honoring former President Jimmy Carter, who died Dec. 29, 2024, at the age of 100. The Postal Service plans to release the stamp for purchase on Oct. 1 in Atlanta, on what would have been former President Carter’s 101st birthday.

[The sign shown on the left greeted those entering Great American Stamp Show on Saturday morning.]

Representatives of the Friends of Jimmy Carter, the National Park Service and the U.S. Postal Service unveiled the stamp art today at the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park in Plains.

“The stamp program celebrates the best in American culture, places and people, and it is difficult to consider a more fitting honoree than former President Jimmy Carter. In his support and leadership of his beloved community, state, and nation, he lent his quiet, thoughtful and deliberate energy around causes he believed in, and most certainly in his conduct and accomplishments as a former President, Jimmy Carter truly personified the best in America. I am honored to participate in the reveal of this stamp art which fully evokes his humanity,” said Peter Pastre the Postal Service’s government relations and public policy vice president.

Kim Carter Fuller, executive director of the Friends of Jimmy Carter said, “The Carter family and the Friends of Jimmy Carter are honored to be able to take part in revealing the design for President Carter’s Forever stamp. Together we’ve had the distinct privilege of a front row seat to his life and legacy, and today’s reveal gives the world an opportunity to share his legacy with others on a daily basis”.

From his origins in small-town Georgia, Carter came to the White House as an outsider who represented a new generation of progressive Southern politicians.

Carter was inaugurated as the 39th president on Jan. 20, 1977. During his term Carter would make humility and reconciliation recurring themes in his presidency.

After leaving the presidency, Carter became a prominent activist for peace, human rights and social and economic progress around the world. In 1982, he partnered with Emory University to establish the Carter Center, which advances democracy, monitors elections, mediates disputes and works to prevent tropical diseases in the world’s poorest nations. In recognition of his efforts, he received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 — cementing his reputation as one of the most active and impactful former presidents.

The stamp art is a 1982 oil-on-linen painting created as a life study by artist Herbert E. Abrams (1921-2003) in preparation for painting his official White House portrait. Ethel Kessler, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp.

As a Forever stamp, the Jimmy Carter stamp will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price. News of the Jimmy Carter stamp is being shared with the hashtag #JimmyCarterStamp.

Updated June 11^th:
According to Foster Miller, this stamp will be issued October 1, but in Atlanta, since there is not enough capacity in Plains, GA, for a first-day ceremony audience.

Canada Post to Resume Service December 17

Posted on December 16, 2024 by VSC

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Canada Post to restart operations on December 17 and welcome back employees
Postal service is focused on stabilizing operations to return reliable service to Canadians and businesses

OTTAWA, ON, Dec. 16, 2024 /CNW/ – Canada Post will restart operations tomorrow and begin the process of safely ramping up and stabilizing operations across the country. With a large, integrated network of processing plants, depots and post offices, stabilizing operations will take time and the company asks Canadians for their patience.
Canada Post will continue to keep Canadians updated with information posted on canadapost.ca.

Parcels, Lettermail and Direct Marketing mail

On a first-in, first-out basis, Canada Post will start working through the mail and parcels trapped in the system since the strike began on November 15, 2024.
New commercial volumes will not be accepted into the network until Thursday, December 19.
Service guarantees are suspended as the company ramps up operations.
Canadians should expect delivery delays through the remainder of 2024 and into January 2025.
Post office hours of operation may vary as the company works to stabilize operations.

International mail and parcels

Canada Post will work to process a significant accumulation of international mail and parcels currently queued up to enter the postal system.
Customers should expect delays into 2025.
The postal system will start accepting new international mail on December 23.