Category Archives: 2026 New Issues

All stamps issued in 2026

Diwali (U.S. 2026)

Posted on by
Reply

Announced by the USPS on June 29th:

Among the most important holidays on the Hindu calendar, the annual autumn festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Diwali is usually observed over five days; in 2026, the main day of the festival will be Nov. 8. This second Diwali stamp issued by USPS features a rangoli, a vibrant floor pattern traditionally made from materials such as colored rice powder, chalk and flower petals and believed to bring good luck. Photographed by Bijay Dixit, the rangoli was created by artist Sangita Bhutada, a native of India and longtime resident of the Houston area who has been a practitioner of this ancient folk art for nearly 30 years. The stamp was designed by Jennifer Arnold, and William J. Gicker was the art director. The Diwali stamp will be released in October.

No specific date was given.

The latest information will appear below the line, with the most recent at the top.

Madonna & Child (U.S. 2026)

Posted on by
2

Announced by the USPS on June 29th:

This year’s traditional Christmas stamp features “The Virgin and Child Enthroned,” a Netherlandish painting that dates from around the year 1500 and has been attributed to an artist known only as “The Master of the Embroidered Foliage.” Scholars believe this distinctive painting, with its large central figure of Mary in red garments and an array of background details, was created in a workshop by several artists and assistants, as was common practice at the time. The painting is in the collection of the Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, MA. The stamp was designed by Greg Breeding, an art director for USPS.

The stamp will be issued October 2 in Williamstown, MA.

The latest information will appear below the line, with the most recent at the top.

Hanukkah (U.S. 2026)

Posted on by
Reply

Announced by the USPS on June 29th

This year, the Postal Service issues its ninth Hanukkah stamp honoring the eight-day Jewish holiday observed by millions of people in the United States and around the world. The new stamp features a digital illustration of a dreidel that reflects both artist Lisa Perrin’s Jewish heritage and Eastern European folk-art traditions. “I hope that people who celebrate Hanukkah will be excited to see a new and colorful stamp for the occasion,” Perrin said. “The dreidel is used as part of a game and has a playful connotation — I hope it makes people smile!” The stamp was designed by Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS.

The stamp will be issued September 29 in New Orleans, LA.

The latest information will appear below the line, with the most recent at the top.

Kwanzaa (U.S. 2026)

Posted on by
Reply

Announced by the USPS on June 29th:

This stamp, the 11th Kwanzaa stamp issued by USPS, honors the pan-African holiday observed by millions of Americans each year from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. Featuring a digital illustration of a father holding his young daughter, the artwork incorporates two of the seven Kwanzaa symbols: the gift (zawadi) held by the daughter and the unity cup (kikombe cha umoja) held by the father. The color scheme — lime green, pink and yellow — is an updated take on the customary black, red and green. USPS art director Antonio Alcalá designed the stamp with art by Cannaday Chapman.

This stamp will be issued September 23 in Norfolk, VA.

The latest information will appear below the line, with the most recent at the top.

Know the Facts About Fentanyl (semipostal) (U.S. 2026)

Posted on by
Reply

Announced by the USPS on June 29th

For years, fentanyl has fueled a national crisis that has deeply affected families and communities — but with growing awareness, improved resources and greater access to treatment and recovery support, progress is being made. With this semipostal stamp, USPS will raise funds to advance research and promote awareness to combat this ongoing epidemic while providing a message that encourages hope, healing and recovery. Net proceeds will be distributed to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, designed the semipostal with an original illustration from Whitney Sherman.

This semi-postal stamp will be issued October 6 in Bethesda, MD.

The latest information will appear below the line, with the most recent at the top.

U.S. Coast Guard Academy (U.S. 2026)

Posted on by
1

Announced by the USPS on June 29th

The Postal Service continues its tradition of honoring American military academies with a stamp commemorating the 150th anniversary of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. Antonio Alcalá, an art director and stamp designer for USPS, drew inspiration for this stamp from the academy’s long tradition of training cadets on the ocean. The stamp features photographs — courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard — of the USCGC Eagle, the academy’s primary training vessel since 1946, and USCGC Bertholf, the Coast Guard’s first national security cutter.

The stamp will be released September 12, with New London, CT, as the first-day city. That’s where the Academy is located.

The latest information will appear below the line, with the most recent at the top.

Write A Cake (Netherlands 2026)

Posted on by
1

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
PostNL releases cake-scented stamps

Summary:
Issue: Write a cake
Issue date: 8 June 2026
Format: Sheet of 6 stamps in 6 different designs, with denomination 1 for mail up to and including 20 grams with a destination within the Netherlands
Item number: 460661
Design and illustrations: Jose Luis Garcia Lechner

PostNL has released the stamp sheet “Write a Cake.” Featuring illustrations of colorful cakes and a surprising scent. This way, mail gets not only color but also scent. The special scented stamps make sending a card extra festive.

A card to pause and reflect on
With “Write a Cake,” PostNL shines a spotlight on small moments of thoughtfulness. Cakes are part of celebrations. Whether surprising someone, thanking them, or simply letting them know you are thinking of them. The title is a lighthearted play on words and invites you to send a card again. The name was coined by the designer himself.

Six cakes, one set table
The stamp sheet consists of 6 self-adhesive stamps that together form a single illustration. The illustrations are by Jose Luis Garcia Lechner from Amsterdam. He drew inspiration from cakes from various countries. Each stamp features a different colourful cake: a lemon meringue pie, a cassata cake, a fig and chocolate cake, a blackberry and berry tart, a mocha cake and an apple rose pastry. All cakes are incorporated into a larger illustration of a table that spans the entire stamp sheet. In this illustration, the upper cakes are placed on stands, while the lower ones rest on small plates. The stamps at the top show whole cakes; those at the bottom show smaller pastries and a slice of cake.

In 2022, the children’s book <emSmaakspoken [“Taste Ghosts”] was published, featuring texts by Daan Faber and illustrations by Jose Luis Garcia Lechner. The book received a Bronze Brush Award and includes a large illustration of a lemon meringue pie.

“Someone at PostNL had seen that illustration. When they wanted to issue stamps about cakes, they thought of me,” Garcia explains. “I love cooking for family and friends, with plenty of conviviality and tables full of food. That social aspect is a wonderful counterbalance to the solitary work of being an illustrator. ”

He also came up with the title as a wordplay [“Schrijf eens een taartje” in Dutch] to encourage people to use the stamps for sending cards. “At first I wanted to draw typically Dutch cakes. But unlike many French, Italian and Spanish cakes, ours are mostly brown in colour. Very tasty, but not very colourful. That’s why I chose a different approach, with cakes from all corners of the world in all kinds of colours.”

Sweet scent by rubbing the stamp
What makes this issue extra special is the scent. The stamps are scented stamps. Gently rub the stamp and a sweet cake scent is released. There is no need to scratch. The fragrances are encapsulated in the ink and are released automatically by light friction. PostNL has previously issued scented stamps, such as those with rose and speculaas scents. With cake, PostNL adds a new, cheerful variant to this collection.

This is not the first time PostNL has issued scented stamps. Previous examples include Summer Stamps with a rose scent (2002), Douwe Egberts stamps with a coffee scent to mark the coffee producer’s 250th anniversary (2003), and Saint Nicholas stamps with a gingerbread scent (2013).

Some History
As early as 9,500 to 6,000 years ago, the ancient Egyptians made grain-based pastries from oats, wheat or rye, filled with honey and baked on glowing charcoal. Later, during the time of the pharaohs, bakers at the Egyptian court produced breads filled with fruit, nuts and honey. Their baking process is depicted in the tomb of Pharaoh Ramses II (circa 1300–1213 BC). According to some sources, the Israelites produced the first real pastries around the same time, including fig cakes. Alexander the Great (356–323 BC) is said to have introduced their baking skills to Greece. Cakes appear in Greek plays. When the Romans conquered Greece, they too learned how to bake cakes.

With the Crusades and the voyages of discovery in the Middle Ages, cane sugar was introduced to Europe, making cakes increasingly sweet. The development of the closed oven and baking powder in the 19th century made it possible to bake lighter cakes.

Availability
The “Schrijf eens een taartje” stamp sheet will be available from June 8, 2026, while stocks last. You can purchase it at post offices in Bruna stores and via the PostNL website. The stamps can also be ordered by phone via Collect Club at 088 – 868 99 00.

The sheet contains 6 stamps with a value of 1 for mail up to and including 20 grams within the Netherlands. The price per sheet is € 8.40.

Technical data
Stamp size: approx. 44 × 46 mm to approx. 58 × 53 mm
Sheet size: 144 × 150 mm
Paper: standard with phosphor tagging
Gumming: self-adhesive
Printing technique: offset and screen printing
Printing colours: cyan, magenta, yellow and black
Print run: 110,000 sheets
Format: sheet of 6 stamps in 6 different designs
Denomination: 1 for mail up to and including 20 grams with a destination within the Netherlands
Design: Jose Luis Garcia Lechner
Printer: Royal Joh. Enschedé B.V., Haarlem
Item number: 460661

About PostNL
We are PostNL. For over 225 years, we have been part of society and are there for everyone. With 31,500 colleagues, an extensive network of 5,700 PostNL points, 10,000 letterboxes, 1,400 parcel lockers, and millions of users of the PostNL app, we are always close by. Together with partners, we are active in 190 countries. Our mission is clear: to deliver, in connection, what moves us all forward. With our strategy, we grow our business, create sustainable value, lead through innovation, and make impact that matters. On an average weekday, we deliver 1.2 million parcels and 6 million letters. We improve our networks with smart solutions, innovate with AI and tech for our customers, and foster future-proof employment relationships for employees and partners. At the same time, we are making our delivery more sustainable: we cover many kilometers on foot and by bicycle and increasingly use cleaner fuels and electric vehicles. PostNL N.V. is a listed company with revenue of €3.3 billion in 2025.

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.

Indigenous Sports Leaders (Canada 2026)

Posted on by
Reply

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions] [videos and OFDC images are at the end]
Canada Post celebrates Indigenous leaders in sport with fifth annual stamp release
Bryan Trottier, Edward Lennie and Chief Wilton Littlechild honoured for athletic excellence and instilling cultural pride across their communities

CALGARY – Canada Post is proud to recognize award-winning athletes and advocates who championed Indigenous sports, leaving legacies that extend far beyond the winners’ podium.

Launching in honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day, this three-stamp issue is the fifth set in this series. The stamps were unveiled June 17 at the Calgary Public Library – Central with Chief Wilton Littlechild, Edward Lennie’s son Hans Lennie, and a video message from Bryan Trottier.

Bryan Trottier
Six-time Stanley Cup® winner and member of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, Bryan Trottier (b. 1956 in Val Marie, Saskatchewan) is widely regarded as one of hockey’s greats. Drafted by the New York Islanders® in 1974, Trottier won five major National Hockey League® honours, including league and playoffs Most Valuable Player, and remains the Islanders’ all-time leader in points and assists. Trottier – who is Cree, Métis, Chippewa and Irish – co-founded the Aboriginal Alumni Hockey Team and has visited communities across Canada, offering clinics and mentorship to young people.

Edward Lennie
Known as the Father of the Northern Games, Charles Edward Inglangasak Lennie (1934-2020) dedicated his life to promoting and preserving Arctic sports. He helped found the Northern Games and successfully advocated for Arctic sports to be showcased at the inaugural Arctic Winter Games. Lennie coached athletes in eight traditional events, including the kneel jump, the two-foot high kick and the arm pull.

Chief Wilton Littlechild
A former member of Parliament and commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, Jacob Wilton “Willie” Littlechild, c.c. (b. 1944 in Hobbema [Maskwacis], Alberta) helped draft the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and to secure Indigenous rights, including treaty rights, in Canada’s constitution. Inducted into several sports halls of fame, he worked to establish the National Indian Athletic Association, the North American Indigenous Games and the World Indigenous Nations Games.

About the stamp series
Launched in 2022, the series highlights the contributions of modern-day First Nations, Inuit and Métis leaders who have dedicated their lives to preserving their culture and improving the quality of life of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

Honourees represent First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities from different regions of the country and are chosen in consultation with the Assembly of First Nations, the Métis National Council and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.

About the stamps
The stamp designs pair powerful portraiture with evocative landscapes and imagery tied to each honouree’s life: Trottier’s focused gaze contrasts with a photo of him proudly lifting the Stanley Cup®, framed by a prairie landscape that anchors his success to his Saskatchewan roots; Lennie’s dignified portrait is paired with an image of the one-foot high kick set against a sweeping Arctic landscape, reflecting his heritage and the traditions he championed; Chief Littlechild appears in his signature cowboy hat beside young athletes with Alberta’s rolling hills behind him, highlighting both his homeland and impact on future generations.

The stamps are designed by Tétro, featuring photography by: Bruce Bennett | Getty Images and background imagery by Branimir Gjetvaj (Bryan Trottier); Inuvialuit Communications Society and the Lennie family with background imagery by C Cormier | Shutterstock.com (Edward Lennie); and Cole Burston | Getty Images and background imagery by Vadim Gouida | Adobe Stock (Chief Wilton Littlechild). They are printed by Colour Innovations. The issue includes a booklet of six Permanent™ stamps and three Official First Day Covers.

The cancellation sites are Val Marie, Saskatchewan (birthplace of Bryan Trottier), Inuvik, Northwest Territories (where Edward Lennie spent much of his life), and Maskwacis, Alberta (birthplace of Chief Wilton Littlechild).

The stamps and collectibles will be available at canadapost.ca and at select postal outlets across Canada beginning on June 19.

[en Francais pour les médias d’information]
Postes Canada célèbre des leaders autochtones du domaine des sports avec une cinquième émission annuelle de timbres
Bryan Trottier, Edward Lennie et le chef Wilton Littlechild reçoivent cet honneur pour leur excellence athlétique et leur contribution à la fierté culturelle autochtone.

CALGARY – Postes Canada est fière de rendre hommage à ces athlètes primés et défenseurs des sports autochtones dont l’héritage va bien au-delà des victoires et des médailles.

Lancée à l’occasion de la Journée nationale des peuples autochtones, cette émission de trois timbres est la cinquième de cette série annuelle. Les timbres ont été dévoilés 17 juin à la bibliothèque centrale de Calgary en présence du chef Wilton Littlechild, de Hans Lennie, fils d’Edward Lennie, et (par message vidéo) de Bryan Trottier.

Bryan Trottier
Bryan Trottier (né en 1956 à Val Marie, en Saskatchewan), six fois gagnant de la coupe StanleyMD et membre du Panthéon des sports canadiens, est considéré comme l’un des plus grands de l’histoire du hockey. Recruté par les New York IslandersMD en 1974, Bryan Trottier remporte cinq grands honneurs de la Ligue nationale de hockeyMD (LNH), y compris les titres de joueur le plus utile de la ligue et de joueur le plus utile des séries éliminatoires, et il détient encore les records de points et d’aides des Islanders. D’origine crie, métisse, chippewa et irlandaise, Bryan Trottier cofonde l’équipe de hockey Aboriginal Alumni et visite des communautés partout au Canada, offrant des ateliers et du mentorat aux jeunes.

Edward Lennie
Connu comme le père des Jeux du Nord, Charles Edward Inglangasak Lennie (1934-2020) consacre sa vie à la promotion et à la préservation des sports arctiques. Il aide à fonder les Jeux du Nord et réussit à faire présenter les sports arctiques aux premiers Jeux d’hiver de l’Arctique. Edward Lennie entraîne des athlètes dans huit épreuves traditionnelles, y compris le saut à genoux, le coup de pied double en hauteur et le bras de fer.

Chef Wilton Littlechild
Ancien député à la Chambre des communes et commissaire de la Commission de vérité et réconciliation du Canada, Jacob Wilton « Willie » Littlechild, c.c. (né en 1944 à Hobbema [Maskwacis], en Alberta) aide à rédiger la Déclaration des Nations Unies sur les droits des peuples autochtones et la Déclaration américaine sur les droits des peuples autochtones, et à garantir l’inclusion des droits ancestraux et issus de traités dans la Constitution canadienne. Intronisé dans plusieurs temples de la renommée des sports, il aide à fonder la National Indian Athletic Association, les Jeux autochtones de l’Amérique du Nord et les Jeux mondiaux des nations autochtones.

À propos de la série de timbres
Lancée en 2022, la série souligne les contributions de leaders inuit, métis et des Premières Nations modernes qui ont consacré leur vie à préserver leur culture et à améliorer la qualité de vie des peuples autochtones au Canada.

Les personnes honorées représentent les communautés des Premières Nations, métisses et inuit de différentes régions du pays et sont choisies en consultation avec l’Assemblée des Premières Nations, le Ralliement national des Métis et l’Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.

À propos des timbres
Les timbres présentent des portraits des personnes honorées ainsi que des paysages et des images qui évoquent leur vie : le regard concentré de Bryan Trottier contraste avec une photo de lui soulevant fièrement la coupe StanleyMD, encadrée par un paysage des Prairies qui ancre le succès du hockeyeur dans ses racines saskatchewanaises; le portrait empreint de dignité d’Edward Lennie est accompagné d’une image de l’épreuve du coup de pied simple en hauteur, sur fond de paysage arctique majestueux, reflétant l’héritage et les traditions que M. Lennie a préservées; le chef Wilton Littlechild est représenté portant son incontournable chapeau de cowboy à côté d’images de jeunes athlètes sur fond de collines onduleuses de l’Alberta. Ce montage met en valeur sa terre natale et son influence sur les générations futures.

Les timbres sont conçus par Tétro et présentent des photographies de : Bruce Bennett | Getty Images et arrière-plan par Branimir Gjetvaj (Bryan Trottier); l’Inuvialuit Communications Society et la famille d’Edward Lennie avec arrière-plan par C Cormier | Shutterstock.com (Edward Lennie); et Cole Burston | Getty Images et arrière-plan par Vadim Gouida | Adobe Stock (chef Wilton Littlechild). Imprimée par Colour Innovations, l’émission comprend un carnet de six timbres PermanentsMC et trois plis Premier Jour officiels.

Les lieux d’oblitération sont Val Marie, en Saskatchewan (lieu de naissance de Bryan Trottier), Inuvik, dans les Territoires du Nord-Ouest (où Edward Lennie a passé la plus grande partie de sa vie), et Maskwacis, en Alberta (lieu de naissance du chef Wilton Littlechild).

Les timbres et les articles de collection seront en vente sur postescanada.ca et dans les comptoirs postaux partout au pays dès le 19 juin 2026.

Canada Post’s Bryan Trottier video:

Canada Post’s Edward Lennie video:

Canada Post’s Chief Wilton Littlechild video:

Waterfalls of the UK (UK 2026)

Posted on by
Reply

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Spectacular Waterfalls of the UK Celebrated on New Royal Mail Special Stamps

  • The stamps capture the power and character of some of the UK’s most dramatic natural landscapes
  • The 10 stamps feature waterfalls from all four home nations
  • Issue date: 23 June.

Royal Mail has issued 10 stamps that showcase some of the UK’s most enchanting and spectacular waterfalls.

The stamps feature photography of waterfalls from all four nations of the UK, capturing the power and beauty of some of Britain’s most dramatic natural landscapes.

Shown on the stamps are:

  • Rogie Falls
  • Pollnagollum Cave
  • Aysgarth Falls
  • Pistyll Rhaeadr
  • Becky Falls
  • Hardraw Force
  • Rhaeadr y Graig Lwyd / Conwy Falls
  • Fairy Pools of Glen Brittle
  • High Force
  • Ess-na-Larach

David Gold, Director of External Affairs & Policy, Royal Mail, said: “The British Isles are rich in natural beauty, and these stamps highlight some of the UK’s most striking waterfalls in all four nations. They showcase the richness of our natural environment which has been shaped by water over thousands of years.”

The Waterfalls:
Waterfalls are among nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles: an explosion of power as a river suddenly loses height.

Many of the falls found in the UK are the result of differential erosion of horizontal bands of rock – where an upper, harder rock type withstands the erosive force of the water but a lower, softer layer is steadily worn away, creating a point where the river has to ‘step’ down.

In some places, glaciation has created hanging valleys, which act in a similar way, causing watercourses to plunge over their edges.

Variations in rock types and geological processes mean that no two waterfalls look the same. Some, like Hardraw Force in North Yorkshire, form single, slender ribbons of white water; others cascade over tiers of rock or create curtains covering a cliff. Several are found along the UK’s coast; some form underground.

Features common to most include plunge pools at their bases, famously at Glen Brittle’s Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye.

The names given to waterfalls often reflect their location, including ‘force’ (from the Old Norse ‘foss’) in the north of England, ‘rhaeadr’ in Wales and the Gaelic word ‘eas’ (or ‘ess’) in Northern Ireland and Scotland.

The stamps, and a range of collectible products, are available at www.royalmail.com/waterfalls and by telephone on 03457 641 641. A Presentation Pack including all 10 stamps is priced at £14.45.

Stamp-by-stamp:
FAIRY POOLS OF GLEN BRITTLE – Isle of Skye, Highland, Scotland
The Black Cuillin, one of the UK’s most spectacular mountain ranges, form the dark backdrop to the waterfalls and plunge pools along the Allt Coir’ a’ Mhadaidh. With the sawtooth ridge rearing up behind them, the crystal-clear pools are popular with cold-water swimmers. In 1601, the glen was the site of a battle between two Skye clans, the MacLeods and the MacDonalds – with fighting so fierce, locals claim, the river ran red with blood.

ROGIE FALLS – Highland, Scotland
Travellers on the road between Inverness and Ullapool find it hard to resist a side trip to the Rogie Falls. Here, in a dramatic forest location, the Black Water comes crashing down tiers of jagged rock. Hiking trails and a suspension bridge are provided for human visitors while the salmon have a fish ladder. From June to October, the fish throw themselves up the cascades on their arduous journey from the North Sea to their Highland spawning grounds.

POLLNAGOLLUM CAVE – County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland
There is something magical about this waterfall hidden away in County Fermanagh’s forests. From the cave’s strange-sounding name – which translates from Irish to ‘hole of the doves’ – to the way the stream tumbles over the fern and moss-cloaked limestone cliff and vanishes into the dark cavern below, it exudes mystery. It is maybe not surprising then that Pollnagollum Cave was used as a setting in the TV fantasy series Game of Thrones.

ESS-NA-LARACH – County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Ess-na-Larach consists of two slender ribbons of white water, one above the other, punching their way through a narrow cleft in the almost-black rocks – one of many waterfalls associated with the streams emanating from Glenariff’s basalt escarpment. This ancient valley, known as the ‘queen’ of Antrim’s nine glens, was deepened by the action of ice during the last glacial period. It is now home to lush woodland, where ferns, mosses and liverworts thrive.

HIGH FORCE – County Durham, England
As the River Tees comes hurtling down from its North Pennines source, it plunges about 21 metres over an almost vertical cliff. After heavy rain, the peat-laden river splits, forming two falls divided by a protruding buttress, but even this rock can be covered in exceptional weather. England’s most powerful waterfall in terms of volume, High Force is slowly moving upstream as it erodes the sedimentary rocks beneath the Whin Sill – the hard-wearing layer of rock over which the River Tees initially flows.

HARDRAW FORCE – North Yorkshire, England
Reputedly England’s highest single-drop, above-ground waterfall, Hardraw Force plummets more than 30 metres over a limestone lip, eroding softer rocks below to create an overhang. In 1799, William Wordsworth described the resulting recess as “lofty and magnificent”. Today, visitors to this dark amphitheatre are warned not to walk behind the veil of water because of the precarious nature of this overhang.

AYSGARTH FALLS – North Yorkshire, England
Aysgarth Falls form as Wensleydale’s River Ure spills down tiers of rock formed from horizontal layers of hard Carboniferous limestone alternating with bands of softer shale. The river’s sudden drop in height is a result of differential erosion caused during the last glacial period. Sketched by JMW Turner, visited by William Wordsworth and used as a setting in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, the falls remain a popular Yorkshire Dales attraction.

CONWY FALLS – Conwy, Wales
On the eastern edge of Eryri (Snowdonia), where the volcanic rocks of the mountains give way to a gentler landscape associated with sandstones and other sedimentary rocks, the River Conwy forces its way through a narrow, snaking gorge. It splits as it loses height, the two white-water arms of Conwy Falls divided by a chunk of rock – hence the Welsh name, Rhaeadr y Graig Lwyd, which translates as ‘Falls of the Grey Rock’.

PISTYLL RHAEADR – Powys, Wales
Plunging from Y Berwyn (the Berwyn range of hills), Pistyll Rhaeadr consists of three falls dropping a massive 75 metres in total. Birch, oak and pine trees cling to the steep cliffs, while the base of the waterfall is littered with boulders that were dropped, according to legend, by a giant called Cawr Berwyn. One of Pistyll Rhaeadr’s most unusual features is the eroded rock about halfway up, forming a natural ‘bridge’ across the stream.

BECKY FALLS – Devon, England
Becka Brook is a tributary of Dartmoor’s River Bovey, located in ancient oak woodland that is home in springtime to dazzling bluebell displays. Just before entering the river, the brook tumbles down a boulder-filled section of this enchanting side valley. It splits on myriad occasions as it flows between the enormous, moss-clad lumps of granite spread across the 10-metre-wide channel.

Diagonal U.S. Flag Stamped Envelope (US 2026)

Posted on by
Reply

The Diagonal U.S. Flag Stamped Envelope will have its first-day launch at Americover 2026/BALPEX 2026 on August 7 in Linthicum Heights, MD. The combined show is being held at the BWI Marriott at Baltimore Washington Airport.

We will post additional information as it becomes available. The most recent will be just below the horizontal line.

Updated July 15th:

From the Postal Bulletin:

On August 7, 2026, in Linthicum Heights, MD, the U.S. Postal Service® will issue the Diagonal U.S. Flag stamped envelope (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate).

The latest stamped envelope with a patriotic theme features a red, white, and blue digital image of a detail of the U.S. flag shown at an angle. Diagonal U.S. Flag is being issued as a Forever stamped envelope. Its postage will always be equal to the value of the stamped envelope rate in effect at the time of use, even if the rate changes after purchase. Bryan Duefrene designed the art and directed the project.

The pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) Diagonal U.S. Flag (Forever) stamped envelope will be available in the following formats in the field and through Stamp Fulfillment Services:

  • #10 regular envelope (Item 293100).
  • #10 window envelope (Item 293200).
  • #9 regular security envelope (Item 292700).
  • #9 window security envelope (Item 292800).
  • #6-¾ regular envelope (Item 281900).
  • #6-¾ window envelope (Item 282000).

The water-activated gum (WAG) Diagonal U.S. Flag (Forever) stamped envelope will be available in the following formats only through Stamp Fulfillment Services at store.usps.com/store/home or by calling 844-737-7826:

  • #10 regular envelope (Item 293900).
  • #10 window envelope (Item 294000).
  • #9 regular security envelope (Item 292900).
  • #6-¾ regular envelope (Item 282100).

No automatic distribution.

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
The first-day-of-issue postmark is a postmark notating the day a stamp is first authorized for use by the Postal Service™. Customers have 120 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. All requests for first-day-of-issue postmarks must be sent to the following address. All orders must be postmarked by December 7, 2026:

FDOI – Diagonal U.S. Flag Stamped Envelope
USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Suite 300
Kansas City, MO 64144-9900

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Diagonal U.S. Flag Stamped Envelope
Item Number: 293200
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Stamped Envelope Forever
Format: #10 Window Envelope
Issue Date & City: August 7, 2026, Linthicum Heights, MD 21090
Art Director: Bryan Duefrene, Washington, DC
Designer: Bryan Duefrene, Washington, DC
Modeler: Daryl DeMont
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Flexographic, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Halm Jet EM4000
Folding Machine: W&D #527
Print Quantity: Fulfillment
Paper Type: 61# Postal Envelope, Block, Type III
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Envelope Orientation: Horizontal
Envelope Size: (w x h): 9.5000 x 4.1250 in. / 241.3000 x 104.7750 mm.
Image Size (w x h): 2.0460 x 1.2460 in. / 51.9680 x 31.6480 mm.
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, PMS 339 Green
Marginal Markings: FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL Logo • “THIS ENVELOPE IS RECYCLABLE AND MADE WITH 30% POST CONSUMER CONTENT” • Recycling Logo • © USPS 2026

Issue: Diagonal U.S. Flag Stamped Envelope
Item Number: 292700
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Stamped Envelope Forever
Format: #9 Regular Security Envelope
Issue Date & City: August 7, 2026, Linthicum Heights, MD 21090
Art Director: Bryan Duefrene, Washington, DC
Designer: Bryan Duefrene, Washington, DC
Modeler: Daryl DeMont
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Halm Jet EM4000
Folding Machine: W&D #527
Print Quantity: Fulfillment
Paper Type: 61# Postal Envelope, Block, Type III
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Envelope Orientation: Horizontal
Envelope Size: (w x h): 8.8750 x 3.8750 in. / 225.4250 x 98.4250 mm.
Image Size (w x h): 2.0460 x 1.2460 in. / 51.9680 x 31.6480 mm.
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, PMS 339 Green
Marginal Markings: FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL Logo • “THIS ENVELOPE IS RECYCLABLE AND MADE WITH 30% POST CONSUMER CONTENT” • Recycling Logo • © USPS 2026

Issue: Diagonal U.S. Flag Stamped Envelope
Item Number: 293100
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Stamped Envelope Forever
Format: #10 Regular Envelope
Issue Date & City: August 7, 2026, Linthicum Heights, MD 21090
Art Director: Bryan Duefrene, Washington, DC
Designer: Bryan Duefrene, Washington, DC
Modeler: Daryl DeMont
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Muller A76
Folding Machine: W&D #527
Print Quantity: Fulfillment
Paper Type: 61# Postal Envelope, Block, Type III
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Envelope Orientation: Horizontal
Envelope Size: (w x h): 9.5000 x 4.1250 in. / 241.3000 x 104.7750 mm.
Image Size (w x h): 2.0460 x 1.2460 in. / 51.9680 x 31.6480 mm.
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, PMS 339 Green
Marginal Markings: FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL Logo • “THIS ENVELOPE IS RECYCLABLE AND MADE WITH 30% POST CONSUMER CONTENT” • Recycling Logo • © USPS 2026

Issue: Diagonal U.S. Flag Stamped Envelope
Item Number: 292800
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Stamped Envelope Forever
Format: #9 Window Security Envelope
Issue Date & City: August 7, 2026, Linthicum Heights, MD 21090
Art Director: Bryan Duefrene, Washington, DC
Designer: Bryan Duefrene, Washington, DC
Modeler: Daryl DeMont
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Halm Jet EM4000
Folding Machine: W&D #527
Print Quantity: Fulfillment
Paper Type: 61# Postal Envelope, Block, Type III
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Envelope Orientation: Horizontal
Envelope Size: (w x h): 8.8750 x 3.8750 in. / 225.4250 x 98.4250 mm.
Image Size (w x h): 2.0460 x 1.2460 in. / 51.9680 x 31.6480 mm.
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, PMS 339 Green
Marginal Markings: FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL Logo • “THIS ENVELOPE IS RECYCLABLE AND MADE WITH 30% POST CONSUMER CONTENT” • Recycling Logo • © USPS 2026

Issue: Diagonal U.S. Flag Stamped Envelope
Item Number: 281900
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Stamped Envelope Forever
Format: #6¾ Regular Envelope
Issue Date & City: August 7, 2026, Linthicum Heights, MD 21090
Art Director: Bryan Duefrene, Washington, DC
Designer: Bryan Duefrene, Washington, DC
Modeler: Daryl DeMont
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Halm Jet EM4000
Folding Machine: W&D #527
Print Quantity: Fulfillment
Paper Type: 61# Postal Envelope, Block, Type III
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Envelope Orientation: Horizontal
Envelope Size: (w x h): 6.5000 x 3.6250 in. / 165.1000 x 92.0750 mm.
Image Size (w x h): 2.0460 x 1.2460 in. / 51.9680 x 31.6480 mm.
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, PMS 339 Green
Marginal Markings: FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL Logo • “THIS ENVELOPE IS RECYCLABLE AND MADE WITH 30% POST CONSUMER CONTENT” • Recycling Logo • © USPS 2026

Issue: Diagonal U.S. Flag Stamped Envelope
Item Number: 282000
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Stamped Envelope Forever
Format: #6¾ Window Envelope
Issue Date & City: August 7, 2026, Linthicum Heights, MD 21090
Art Director: Bryan Duefrene, Washington, DC
Designer: Bryan Duefrene, Washington, DC
Modeler: Daryl DeMont
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Halm Jet EM4000
Folding Machine: W&D #527
Print Quantity: Fulfillment
Paper Type: 61# Postal Envelope, Block, Type III
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Envelope Orientation: Horizontal
Envelope Size: (w x h): 6.5000 x 3.6250 in. / 165.1000 x 92.0750 mm.
Image Size (w x h): 2.0460 x 1.2460 in. / 51.9680 x 31.6480 mm.
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, PMS 339 Green
Marginal Markings: FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL Logo • “THIS ENVELOPE IS RECYCLABLE AND MADE WITH 30% POST CONSUMER CONTENT” • Recycling Logo • © USPS 2026

Issue: Diagonal U.S. Flag Stamped Envelope
Item Number: 293900
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Stamped Envelope Forever
Format: #10 Regular Envelope
Issue Date & City: August 7, 2026, Linthicum Heights, MD 21090
Art Director: Bryan Duefrene, Washington, DC
Designer: Bryan Duefrene, Washington, DC
Modeler: Daryl DeMont
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Flexographic, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Halm Jet EM4000
Folding Machine: W&D #527
Print Quantity: Fulfillment
Paper Type: 6l# Postal Envelope, Block, Type III
Adhesive Type: Water-activated
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Envelope Orientation: Horizontal
Envelope Size: (w x h): 9.5000 x 4.1250 in. / 241.3000 x 104.7750 mm.
Image Size (w x h): 2.0460 x 1.2460 in. / 51.9680 x 31.6480 mm.
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, PMS 339 Green
Marginal Markings: FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL Logo • “THIS ENVELOPE IS RECYCLABLE AND MADE WITH 30% POST CONSUMER CONTENT” • Recycling Logo • © USPS 2026

Issue: Diagonal U.S. Flag Stamped Envelope
Item Number: 294000
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Stamped Envelope Forever
Format: #10 Window Envelope
Issue Date & City: August 7, 2026, Linthicum Heights, MD 21090
Art Director: Bryan Duefrene, Washington, DC
Designer: Bryan Duefrene, Washington, DC
Modeler: Daryl DeMont
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Flexographic, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Halm Jet EM4000
Folding Machine: W&D #527
Print Quantity: Fulfillment
Paper Type: 61# Postal Envelope, Block, Type III
Adhesive Type: Water-activated
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Envelope Orientation: Horizontal
Envelope Size: (w x h): 9.5000 x 4.1250 in. / 241.3000 x 104.7750 mm.
Image Size (w x h): 2.0460 x 1.2460 in. / 51.9680 x 31.6480 mm.
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, PMS 339 Green
Marginal Markings: FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL Logo • “THIS ENVELOPE IS RECYCLABLE AND MADE WITH 30% POST CONSUMER CONTENT” • Recycling Logo • © USPS 2026

Issue: Diagonal U.S. Flag Stamped Envelope
Item Number: 292900
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Stamped Envelope Forever
Format: #9 Regular Security Envelope
Issue Date & City: August 7, 2026, Linthicum Heights, MD 21090
Art Director: Bryan Duefrene, Washington, DC
Designer: Bryan Duefrene, Washington, DC
Modeler: Daryl DeMont
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Halm Jet EM4000
Folding Machine: W&D #527
Print Quantity: Fulfillment
Paper Type: 61# Postal Envelope, Block, Type III
Adhesive Type: Water-activated
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Envelope Orientation: Horizontal
Envelope Size: (w x h): 8.8750 x 3.8750 in. / 225.4250 x 98.4250 mm.
Image Size (w x h): 2.0460 x 1.2460 in. / 51.9680 x 31.6480 mm.
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, PMS 339 Green
Marginal Markings: FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL Logo • “THIS ENVELOPE IS RECYCLABLE AND MADE WITH 30% POST CONSUMER CONTENT” • Recycling Logo • © USPS 2026

Issue: Diagonal U.S. Flag Stamped Envelope
Item Number: 282100
Denomination &
Type of Issue: First-Class Stamped Envelope Forever
Format: #6-¾ Regular Envelope
Issue Date & City: August 7, 2026, Linthicum Heights, MD 21090
Art Director: Bryan Duefrene, Washington, DC
Designer: Bryan Duefrene, Washington, DC
Modeler: Daryl DeMont
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Halm Jet EM4000
Folding Machine: W&D #527
Print Quantity: Fulfillment
Paper Type: 61# Postal Envelope, Block, Type III
Adhesive Type: Water-activated
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Envelope Orientation: Horizontal
Envelope Size: (w x h): 6.5000 x 3.6250 in. / 165.1000 x 92.0750 mm.
Image Size (w x h): 2.0460 x 1.2460 in. / 51.9680 x 31.6480 mm.
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, PMS 339 Green
Marginal Markings: FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL Logo • “THIS ENVELOPE IS RECYCLABLE AND MADE WITH 30% POST CONSUMER CONTENT” • Recycling Logo • © USPS 2026

There is only one First Day Of Issue postmark for this issue, although one or more show cancels is likely: