The Scott catalogue numbers for this issue are:

• 5276 (50¢) Science
• 5277 (50¢) Technology
• 5278 (50¢) Engineering
• 5279 (50¢) Mathematics
• a. Vert. strip of 4, #5276-5279

From the USPS; latest information is at the end of this page:

STEM Education
These Forever stamps celebrate the role of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in keeping our nation a global leader in innovation. Designed to pique the curiosity of the viewer, each of these four stamps features a collage of faces, symbols, drawings and numbers that represent the complexity and interconnectedness of the STEM disciplines.

These stamps will be issued April 6th in Washington, DC.

Updated March 1st from the Postal Bulletin:

On April 6, 2018, in Washington, DC, the U.S. Postal Service ® will issue the STEM Education stamps (Forever ® priced at 50 cents) in four designs, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 477600). The stamps will go on sale nationwide April 6, 2018. The STEM Education pane of 20 stamps may not be split or sold individually.

These stamps celebrate the role of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in keeping our nation a global leader in innovation and providing new opportunities for all Americans to learn and explore the world. Designed to pique the curiosity of the viewer, each of these four stamps features a collage of faces, symbols, drawings, and numbers that represent the complexity and interconnectedness of the STEM disciplines. Artist David Plunkert worked with art director Antonio Alcalá to create these stamps.

Availability to Post Offices: Item 477600, STEM Education (Forever priced at 50 cents) Commemorative Pane of 20 Stamps Stamp Fulfillment Services will make an automatic push distribution to Post Offices™ of a quantity to cover approximately 30 days of sales.

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, at The Postal Store ® website at usps.com/shop , or by phone at 800-782-6724. They must affix the stamps to envelope s of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

FDOI – STEM Education 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 post marked by August 6, 2018.

Philatelic products for this stamp issue are as follows:

• 477606, Press Sheet with Die-cut, $60.00.
• 477610 Digital Color Postmark Keepsake (set of 4), $16.95.
• 477616 First-Day Cover (set of 4), $3.76.
• 477621 Digital Color Postmark (set of 4), $6.60.
• 477630 Ceremony Program (random single), $6.95.
• 477633 Panel, $10.95.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: STEM Education Stamps
Item Number: 477600
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail® Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (4 designs)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: April 6, 2018, Washington, DC 20066
Art Director: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Designer: David Plunkert, Baltimore, MD
Typographer: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Artist: David Plunkert, Baltimore, MD
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Printed at: Williamsville, NY
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 15,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.84 x 1.42 in./21.34 x 36.07 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 0.98 x 1.56 in./24.89 x 39.62 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 5.92 x 7.63 in./150.37 x 193.80 mm
Press Sheet Size (w x h): 11.84 x 23.14 in./300.74 x 587.76 mm
Plate Size: 240 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “P” followed by four (4) digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Header: STEM Education o Plate numbers in two corners of pane
Back: ©2017 USPS o USPS Logo o Two barcodes (477600) o Plate Position Diagram o Promotional Text

Updated March 6th::
[USPS media advisory]

Postal Service to Celebrate Science, Technology, Engineering and Math
Dedicating STEM Education Forever StampsWhat: The U.S. Postal Service will salute the role of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education in keeping our nation a global leader in innovation and providing new opportunities for all Americans to learn and explore the world with the STEM Education Commemorative Forever Stamps First-Day-of-Issue Dedication Ceremony. Please share the news using the hashtags #EducationStamps and #STEMEducation.

When: Friday, April 6, 2018, 11 a.m., Eastern Daylight Time

Where: USA Science & Engineering Festival
Walter E. Washington Convention Center- Hall E
801 Mt. Vernon Place NW
Washington, DC 20001

Followers of the U.S. Postal Service’s Facebook page can view the ceremony live at facebook.com/USPS.

Media check-in: There will be a room dedicated for all media to check-in (Room 155). Media can enter the Convention Center at the main entrance on Mt. Vernon and will be directed to the stamp dedication ceremony. To learn more and to register as media visit: usasciencefestival.org/media/media-kit.

RSVP: Dedication ceremony attendees must RSVP at usps.com/stemeducation to gain access to the event. Registered attendees will enter through the Convention Center’s main entrance on Mt. Vernon Place NW to check-in at the Welcome/Info booth and will be directed to Hall E on the upper level of the Convention Center for the dedication ceremony.

Background: In an increasingly competitive world, proficiency in the fields collectively known as STEM – science, technology, engineering and mathematics – is more critical than ever. These stamps are designed to pique the curiosity of customers and feature a collage of faces, symbols, drawings and numbers that represent the complexity and interconnectedness of the STEM disciplines. Artist David Plunkert worked with art director Antonio Alcalá to create these stamps.

Updated March 28th:

[USPS advisory]
Postal Service to Celebrate Science, Technology, Engineering and Math
Dedicating STEM Education Forever Stamps

What: The U.S. Postal Service will salute the role of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education during the first-day-of-issue dedication ceremony for the four new STEM Education Forever Stamps. Share the news using the hashtags #EducationStamps and #STEMEducation.

Who:

• Steven W. Monteith, Vice President of Marketing, U.S. Postal Service
• Marc Schulman, Executive Director, USA Science & Engineering Festival
• C. Mark Eakin, Ph.D., Coordinator, Coral Reef Program, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
• Kavya Kopparapu, Finalist, Regeneron Science Talent Search
• Courtney Pine, Kid Reporter, Scholastic News Kids Press Corps (right)
• Danni Washington, USA Science & Engineering Festival

When: Friday, April 6, 2018, 11 a.m., Eastern Daylight Time

Where:
USA Science & Engineering Festival
Walter E. Washington Convention Center – Hall E
801 Mt. Vernon Place NW
Washington, DC 20001

Attendees should enter through the Convention Center main entrance on Mt. Vernon Place NW to be directed to Hall E on the Center’s upper level for the dedication ceremony.

Followers of the U.S. Postal Service’s Facebook page can view the ceremony live at facebook.com/USPS.

Media check-in: Media can enter the Convention Center at the main entrance on Mt. Vernon and will be directed to the dedication ceremony to check in with Postal Service representatives at the media registration near Hall E stage disability accessible seating. To learn more and to register as media visit: usasciencefestival.org/media/media-kit.

RSVP: Dedication ceremony attendees are encouraged to RSVP for the event at usps.com/stemeducation.

Background: In an increasingly competitive world, proficiency in the fields collectively known as STEM — science, technology, engineering and mathematics — is more critical than ever. These stamps are designed to pique the curiosity of customers and feature a collage of faces, symbols, drawings and numbers that represent the complexity and interconnectedness of the STEM disciplines. Artist David Plunkert worked with art director Antonio Alcalá to create these stamps.

The Scott catalogue number for this issue is 5275.

From the USPS (updates are below the basic announcement): Click here for photos from the first day ceremony.

Mister Rogers Fred Rogers (1928–2003) was known as a beloved television neighbor to generations of children. His groundbreaking public television series Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood inspired and educated young viewers with warmth, sensitivity and honesty.

This stamp will be issued March 23 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with a first-day ceremony.

Updated February 2nd:

USPS Media Advisory
U.S. Postal Service to Dedicate Mister Rogers Forever Stamp

WHAT: First-day-of-issue dedication ceremony for the Mister Rogers Forever stamp. The event is free and open to the public. Please share the news using the hashtag #MisterRogersStamp.

WHO: Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer Megan J. Brennan (right)

WHEN: Friday, March 23 at 11 a.m. ET

WHERE: WQED’s Fred Rogers Studio
4802 5th Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

BACKGROUND: Followers of the U.S. Postal Service’s Facebook page can view the ceremony live at facebook.com/USPS.

Fred Rogers (1928-2003) was known as a beloved television neighbor to generations of children. His groundbreaking public television series “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” inspired and educated young viewers with warmth, sensitivity and honesty.

Filmed in Pittsburgh and first distributed nationally in 1968 by a predecessor of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), the program was innovative and unlike anything on television for children at that time. Each episode of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” began with its host welcoming the audience into his television house. While singing “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” Rogers always put on his trademark cardigan, changed into sneakers and then introduced the day’s topic. He discussed many of the experiences of growing up, delicately covering everything from sharing and friendship to difficult subjects like anger, fear and divorce.

Updated February 16 from the Postal Bulletin:

On March 23, 2018, in Pittsburgh, PA, the U.S. Postal Service® will issue the Mister Rogers stamp (Forever® priced at 50 cents) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 477200). The stamp will go on sale nationwide March 23, 2018.

Fred Rogers (1928-2003) was known as a beloved television neighbor to generations of children. His groundbreaking public television series Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood inspired and educated young viewers with warmth, sensitivity, and honesty. The stamp features Walt Seng’s photograph of Rogers in a red cardigan and also includes puppet King Friday XIII, a Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood character hailing from “The Neighborhood of Make-Believe.” Rogers, who sang and composed hundreds of songs for the show, used puppets and their human friends to discuss many of the experiences of growing up, delicately covering everything from sharing and friendship to difficult subjects like anger, fear, divorce, and death. Art director Derry Noyes designed the stamp.

Availability to Post Offices: Item 477200, Mister Rogers (Forever priced at 50 cents) Commemorative Pane of 20 Stamps: Stamp Fulfillment Services (SFS) will make an automatic push distribution to Post Offices™ of a quantity to cover approximately 30 days of sales.

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, at The Postal Store® website at usps.com/shop, or by phone at 800-782-6724. 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 – Mister Rogers Stamp
USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Suite 300
Kansas City, MO 64144-9900

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark up to a quantity of 50. There is a 5-cent charge for each additional postmark over 50. All orders must be postmarked by July 23, 2018.

There are both Digital Color and pictorial first-day postmarks for this issue. In addition, local post offices may use this postmark:

Philatelic products for this stamp issue are as follows:

• 477206 Press Sheet with Die-cut, $60.00.
• 477210 Digital Color Postmark Keepsake, $11.95.
• 477216 First-Day Cover, $0.94.
• 477221 Digital Color Postmark, $1.65.
• 477230 Ceremony Program, $6.95.
• 477233 Panel, $10.95.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Mister Rogers Stamp
Item Number: 477200
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail® Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: March 23, 2018, Pittsburgh, PA 15290
Art Director: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Designer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Typographer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Artist: Walt Seng
Modeler: Sandra Lane/Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Printed at: Browns Summit, NC
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 12,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America, Browns Summit NC
Colors: Cool Gray 7, Pantone 7675, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.84 x 1.42 in/21.34 x 36.07 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 0.98 x 1.56 in/24.89 x 39.62 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 5.92 x 8.00 in/150.37 x 203.20 mm
Press Sheet Size (w x h): 11.84 x 24.00 in/300.74 x 609.60 mm
Plate Size: 240 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “B” followed by six (6) digits (corrected by USPS March 1st)
Marginal Markings:
Front: Plate numbers in two corners o Header: Mister Rogers
Back: ©2017 USPS o USPS Logo o Two barcodes (477200) o Plate Position Diagram o Promotional Text

Here are the first-day cancels for this issue: The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.43″ x 1.43″The pictorial postmark for this issue measures 2.33″ x 1.49″ The special (local) postmark measures 2.96″ x 1.10″

Updated March 15:

[USPS media advisory]
U.S. Postal Service to Dedicate Mister Rogers Forever Stamp

WHAT: DUE TO OVERWHELMING DEMAND, THIS EVENT IS NOW AT CAPACITY. [emphasis added] First-day-of-issue dedication ceremony for the Mister Rogers Forever stamp. Share the news using the hashtag #MisterRogersStamp.

WHO: Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer Megan J. Brennan
The Fred Rogers Company President and CEO Paul Seifken
McFeely-Rogers Foundation Executive Director James R. Okonak

WHEN: Friday, March 23 at 11 a.m. ET

WHERE: WQED’s Fred Rogers Studio
4802 5th Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

BACKGROUND: Followers of the U.S. Postal Service’s Facebook page can view the ceremony live at facebook.com/USPS.

Fred Rogers (1928–2003) was known as a beloved television neighbor to generations of children. His groundbreaking public television series “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” inspired and educated young viewers with warmth, sensitivity and honesty.

Filmed in Pittsburgh and first distributed nationally in 1968 by a predecessor of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), the program was innovative and unlike anything on television for children at that time. Each episode of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” began with its host welcoming the audience into his television house. While singing “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” Rogers always put on his trademark cardigan, changed into sneakers and then introduced the day’s topic. He discussed many of the experiences of growing up, delicately covering everything from sharing and friendship to difficult subjects like anger, fear and divorce.

From the USPS (updates are posted below this initial announcement):

llinois Statehood (Statehood series) This stamp celebrates the 200th anniversary of Illinois statehood. Known as the Prairie State, Illinois became the 21st state of the union on Dec. 3, 1818.

This stamp will be issued March 5th in Springfield, Illinois, with a first-day ceremony.

Updated February 1 from the Postal Bulletin:

On March 5, 2018, in Springfield, IL, the U.S. Postal Service will issue the Illinois Statehood First-Class Mail stamp (Forever priced at 50 cents) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 477100). The stamp will go on sale nationwide March 5, 2018.

This stamp celebrates the 200th anniversary of Illinois statehood. Known as the Prairie State, Illinois became the 21st state of the Union on December 3, 1818. The stamp art features an outline of the state map with a series of yellow beams radiating upward like the rays of a rising sun.

The colors on the map begin at the bottom with a deep yellow. The color fades upward to pale yellow and then into pale blue, with increasingly deeper blues rising to the top of the map; the yellows and blues symbolize the dawning of a new day as the state joins the Union. Stars, representing the first 20 states, grace the top of the stamp. The rising sun symbolizes the 21st star. Illinois artist Michael Konetzka designed the stamp and created the artwork. Antonio Alcalá was the art director.

Item 477100, $10.00 Illinois Statehood (Forever priced at 50 cents) Commemorative PSA Pane of 20 Stamps. Stamp Fulfillment Services (SFS) will make an automatic push distribution to Post Offices (in Illinois only) [emphasis added by VSC]

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, at The Postal Store website at usps.com/shop, or by phone at 800-782-6724. 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 – Illinois Statehood Stamp
USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Suite 300
Kansas City, MO 64144-9900

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark up to a quantity of 50. There is a 5-cent charge for each additional postmark over 50. All orders must be postmarked by July 5, 2018.

There is a special postmark design which local post offices may use: Philatelic products for this stamp issue are as follows:

• 477106 Press Sheet with Die-cut, $60.00.
• 477110 Digital Color Postmark Keepsake, $11.95.
• 477116 First-Day Cover, $0.94.
• 477121 Digital Color Postmark, $1.65.
• 477130 Ceremony Program, $6.95.
• 477133 Panel, $10.95.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Illinois Statehood Stamp
Item Number: 477100
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail, Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: Statehood
Issue Date & City: March 5, 2018, Springfield, IL 62703
Designer: Michael Konetzka, Chicago IL
Art Director: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Typographer: Michael Konetzka, Chicago IL
Artist: Michael Konetzka, Chicago IL
Modeler: Sandra Lane/Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Printed at: Browns Summit, NC
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 25,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper, Overall Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America, Browns Summit NC
Colors: Cool Gray 5, Cool Gray 7, Pantone 431, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.84 x 1.42 in./21.34 x 36.07 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 0.98 x 1.56 in./24.89 x 39.62 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 5.92 x 7.24 in./150.37 x 183.90 mm
Press Sheets Size (w x h): 21.72 x 11.84 in./551.69 x 300.74 mm
Plate Size: 240 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: B followed by seven (7) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Plate numbers in four corners of pane
Back: © 2017 USPS o USPS logo o Barcode (477100) in upper right and lower left corners of pane o Plate position diagram o Promotional text

Updated February 2nd:

USPS Media Advisory
U.S. Postal Service to Dedicate Illinois Statehood Forever Stamp

WHAT: First-day-of-issue dedication ceremony for the Illinois Statehood Forever stamp. The event is free and open to the public. Beginning February 8, RSVP to usps.com/Illinois. Please share the news using the hashtags #IllinoisStamp and #IllinoisStatehood.

WHEN: Monday, March 5 at 10:30 a.m. CT

WHERE: Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library
112 North 6th Street
Springfield, IL 62701

BACKGROUND: Followers of the U.S. Postal Service’s Facebook page can view the ceremony live at facebook.com/USPS.

This stamp celebrates the 200th anniversary of Illinois statehood. Known as the Prairie State, Illinois became the 21st state Dec. 3, 1818.

The stamp art features an outline of the state map with a series of yellow beams radiating upward like the rays of a rising sun. The colors begin at the bottom with a deep yellow, fading upward to pale yellow and then into pale blue, with increasingly deeper blues rising to the top of the state’s outline. The yellows and blues symbolize the dawning of a new day as the state joins the Union. Stars, representing the first 20 states, grace the top of the stamp. The rising sun symbolizes the 21st star.

Chicago artist Michael Konetzka designed the stamp and created the artwork. Antonio Alcalá of Alexandria, VA, was the project’s art director.

Here are the first-day cancels for this issue: The Digital Color Postmark measures 1.86” x 1.45”The pictorial postmark for this issue measures 2.73” x 1.49” The special (local) postmark measures 2.64” x .94”

Updated April 4th: The Scott catalogue number for this issue is 5274.

Updated December 21st; further updates below the basic announcement:
As Lefty Dundee indicates in the “First Look” discussion, it appears this issue will have a tie-in with Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Ocean Discovery Center.

From the USPS:

Bioluminescent LifeThis issuance celebrates the phenomenon of bioluminescence — the ability of some species to glow — with a pane of 20 stamps featuring 10 life-forms that create their own light.

These stamps will be issued February 22nd in Fort Pierce, Florida, with a first-day ceremony.

Updated January 30th:

[USPS media advisory]

U.S. Postal Service to Dedicate Bioluminescent Life Stamps

WHAT: First-day-of-issue dedication ceremony for the Bioluminescent Life Forever stamps. The event is free and open to the public. RSVP at usps.com/bioluminescents. Please share the news using the hashtag #BioluminescentStamps.

WHO:

• U.S. Postal Service Chief Human Resources Officer and Executive Vice President Jeffrey C. Williamson (right).
• Ocean Research and Conservation Association (ORCA) CEO/Senior Scientist Dr. Edith Widder, whose photographs appear on seven stamp images (left).

WHEN: Thursday, February 22, 2018 at 11 a.m.

WHERE:
Sunrise Theatre
117 S. 2nd Street
Ft. Pierce, FL 34950

Followers of the U.S. Postal Service’s Facebook page can view the ceremony live at facebook.com/USPS.

BACKGROUND: Recognized as one of the world’s foremost authorities on deep-sea exploration, Dr. Edith Widder, founder, CEO and senior scientist at ORCA, will share research findings about the fascinating world of bioluminescent life. Her photographs appear on seven stamp images.

Bioluminescence – the ability of some living things to generate their own light – occurs on many branches of the tree of life. This pane of 20 stamps showcases 10 examples of Bioluminescent Life.

At center top, the selvage – or area outside the stamps – features a transparent deep-sea comb jelly (Gregory G. Dimijian photo), surrounded by images of the firefly squid (Danté Fenolio). The title “BIOLUMINESCENT LIFE” appears on the selvage above the pane of stamps.

Eight stamp images represent the work of some of the top explorers of the bioluminescent ocean realm, and two portray land-based species. The stamps feature: deep-ocean octopus (Widder); midwater jellyfish (Widder); deep-sea comb jelly (Widder); mushroom (Taylor F. Lockwood); firefly (Gail Shumway); bamboo coral (Widder); marine worm (Widder); crown jellyfish (Widder); a second type of marine worm (Steve Haddock); and sea pen (Widder).

Updated February 1; from the Postal Bulletin:

On February 22, 2018, in Fort Pierce, FL, the U.S. Postal Service will issue the Bioluminescent Life First-Class Mail stamps (Forever priced at 50 cents) in 10 designs, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 475700). The stamps will go on sale nationwide February 22, 2018. The Bioluminescent Life $10.00 pane of 20 stamps may not be split and the stamps may not be sold individually.

Bioluminescent Life stamps celebrate the phenomenon of bioluminescence – the ability of some species to glow – with a pane of 20 stamps featuring 10 life-forms that create their own light. The stamp images represent the work of some of the top explorers of the bioluminescent ocean realm as well as two terrestrial bioluminescent life-forms:

• Row 1: deep-ocean octopus and midwater jellyfish, photos by Edith Widder.
• Row 2: deep-sea comb jelly, photo by Edith Widder; mushroom, photo by Taylor F. Lockwood.
• Row 3: firefly, photo by Gail Shumway; bamboo coral, photo by Edith Widder.
• Row 4: marine worm and crown jellyfish, photos by Edith Widder.
• Row 5: marine worm, photo by Steve Haddock; sea pen, photo by Edith Widder.

On each row of stamps, the third and fourth stamps repeat the first two designs. The selvage also features the transparent deep-sea comb jelly (photo by Gregory G. Dimijian) and the firefly squid (photo by Danté Fenolio). Art director Derry Noyes designed the stamps and selvage from existing photographs.

Item 475700, $10.00 Bioluminescent Life (Forever priced at 50 cents) Commemorative Pane of 20 Stamps. Stamp Fulfillment Services (SFS) will not make an automatic push distribution to Post Offices.

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, at The Postal Store website at usps.com/shop, or by phone at 800-782-6724. 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 – Bioluminescent Life 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 June 22, 2018.

Philatelic products for this stamp issue are as follows:

• 475710 Digital Color Postmark Keepsake (random cover), $11.95.
• 475716 First-Day Cover (set of 10), $9.40.
• 475721 Digital Color Postmark (set of 10), $16.50.
• 475730 Ceremony Program, $6.95.

Updated February 16 from the Postal Bulletin:

There are 7 philatelic products for this issue:

• 475706 Press Sheet with Die-cut, $90.00.
• 475710 Digital Color Postmark Keepsake (random cover), $11.95.
• 475716 First-Day Cover (set of 10), $9.40.
• 475721 Digital Color Postmark (set of 10), $16.50.
• 475724 Shadow Box, $39.95.
• 475730 Ceremony Program, $6.95.
• 475750 Framed Art, $26.95.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Bioluminescent Life Stamps
Item Number: 475700
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail® Forever®
Format: Pane of 20 (10 designs)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: February 22, 2018, Fort Pierce, FL 34981
Designer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Art Director: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Typographer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Existing Photo: Steven Haddock
Existing Photo: Taylor F. Lockwood
Existing Photo: Gail Shumway
Existing Photo: Edith Widder, Ph.D.
Existing Photo: Gregory G. Dimijiian
Existing Photo: Danté Fenolio
Modeler: Sandra Lane/Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Printed at: Browns Summit, NC
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 40,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America, Browns Summit NC
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Horizontal
Image Area (w x h): 1.42 x 0.84 in./36.07 x 21.34 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 1.56 x 0.98 in./39.62 x 24.89 mm
Full Pane Size
(w x h): 7.24 x 7.32 in./183.90 x 185.93 mm
Press Sheets Size
(w x h): 22.22 x 22.46 in./564.39 x 570.48 mm
Plate Size: 180 stamps per revolution
Marginal Markings:
Back: © 2017 USPS o USPS logo o Barcode (475700) in upper right and lower left corners of pane o Plate Position Diagram o Promotional text

Updated February 23rd:
Photos by Daniel Afzal, U.S. Postal Service; used by permission. The stamps are unveiled at the Sunrise Theater in Fort Pierce, FL. Left to right, Jeffrey C. Williamson, Chief Human Resources Officer and Executive VP, USPS; Jill Roberts, News Director, WQCS Public Radio; Dr. Edith Widder, CEO and Senior Scientist, Ocean Research & Conservation Association (ORCA); Taylor F. Lockwood, stamp photographer. Williamson and other dignitaries sign autographs after the ceremony. A set of 10 first day covers canceled at the event.

Taylor F. Lockwood, stamp photographer; and Widder after the ceremony.

Here are the first-day cancels for this issue:The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.97” x 1.38”The pictorial postmark for this issue measures 2.91” x 1.47”

Updated April 4th: Here are the Scott catalogue numbers for this issue:

5264 (50¢) Bioluminescent Life – Octopus
5265 (50¢) Bioluminescent Life – Jellyfish
5266 (50¢) Bioluminescent Life – Comb Jelly
5267 (50¢) Bioluminescent Life – Mushrooms
5268 (50¢) Bioluminescent Life – Firefly
5269 (50¢) Bioluminescent Life – Bamboo Coral
5270 (50¢) Bioluminescent Life – Marine Worm
5271 (50¢) Bioluminescent Life – Crown Jellyfish
5272 (50¢) Bioluminescent Life – Marine Worm
5273 (50¢) Bioluminescent Life – Sea Pen
a. Block of 10, #5264-5273

From the USPS; updates appear after this initial description:

U.S. Flag For more than half a century, U.S. stamps have depicted the American flag in vivid red, white and blue. This eye-catching new issuance continues that tradition with a striking graphic design of a flag with two crisp folds.

From VSC: This stamp will be issued February 9th in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with a first-day ceremony. The date and location coincide with the American Stamp Dealers Association ASDA Winter Postage Stamp Show.

Updated January 5th from the Postal Bulletin:

On February 9, 2018, in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, the U.S. Postal Service® will issue the U.S. Flag 2018 First-Class Mail® stamp (Forever® priced at 50 cents) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) booklet of 20 stamps (Item 678200) produced by security printers Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd (APU) and Banknote Corporation of America (BCA), and a PSA Coil of 100 stamps (Item 749700) produced by security printers APU and BCA. The stamp will go on sale nationwide February 9, 2018.

For more than half a century, U.S. stamps have depicted the American flag in vivid red, white, and blue. This eye-catching new stamp issue continues that tradition with a striking graphic design of a flag with two crisp folds. Ethel Kessler served as art director for this stamp, which features a digital illustration by Kit Hinrichs.

Item 678200, $10.00 U.S. Flag 2018 First-Class Mail (Forever priced at 50 cents) PSA Double-Sided Booklet of 20 Stamps
Item 749700, $50.00 U.S. Flag 2018 First-Class Mail (Forever priced at 50 cents) PSA Coil of 100 Stamps

Stamp Fulfillment Services (SFS) will not make an automatic push distribution to Post Offices™.

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
Customers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office, at The Postal Store® website at usps.com/shop, or by phone at 800-782-6724. 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 – U.S. Flag 2018 Stamp
USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Suite 300
Kansas City, MO 64144-9900

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service™ will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark up to a quantity of 50. There is a 5-cent charge for each additional postmark over 50. All orders must be postmarked by April 9, 2018.

Technical Specifications (booklet of 20 APU):

Issue: U.S. Flag 2018 Stamp
Item Number: 678200
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Double-Sided Booklet of 20 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: February 9, 2018, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33310
Art Director: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Designer: Kit Hinrichs, San Francisco, CA
Typographer: Kit Hinrichs, San Francisco, CA
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Printed at: Williamsville, NY
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Booklet: 20
Print Quantity: 1,250,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tag applied
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.73 x 0.84 in./18.54 x 21.34 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): .87 x 0.98 in./22.10 x 24.89 mm
Full Booklet Size (w x h): 5.52 x 1.96 in./140.21 x 49.78 mm
Colors: Black, PMS 2145, PMS 186
Plate Size: 1040 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “P” followed by three (3) single digits
Marginal Markings: Header. “US Flag” Twenty First-Class Forever Stamps • Plate number in peel strip area • © 2017 USPS in peel strip area • Barcode

Technical Specifications (booklet of 20 BCA):

Issue: U.S. Flag 2018 Stamp
Item Number: 678200
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Double-Sided Booklet of 20 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: February 9, 2018, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33310
Art Director: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Designer: Kit Hinrichs, San Francisco, CA
Typographer: Kit Hinrichs, San Francisco, CA
Modeler: Sandra Lane/Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Printed at: Browns Summit, NC
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Booklet: 20
Print Quantity: 1,250,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper, Block Tag applied
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America, Browns Summit, NC
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.73 x 0.84 in./18.54 x 21.34 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.87 x 0.98 in./22.10 x 24.89 mm
Full Booklet Size (w x h): 5.52 x 1.96 in./140.21 x 49.78 mm
Colors: PMS 2145 Blue, PMS 186 Red, Black
Plate Size: 960 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “B” followed by three (3) single digits
Marginal Markings: Plate number in peel strip area
• © 2017 USPS in peel strip area
• Promotional text • Barcode

Technical Specifications (Coil of 100 APU):

Issue: U.S. Flag 2018 Stamp
Item Number: 749700
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Coil of 100 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: February 9, 2018, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33310
Art Director: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Designer: Kit Hinrichs, San Francisco, CA
Typographer: Kit Hinrichs, San Francisco, CA
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Printed at: Williamsville, NY
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Coil: 100
Print Quantity: 2,000,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Colors: Black, PMS 2145, PMS 186
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.73 x 0.84 in./18.54 x 21.34 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.8709 x 0.98 in./22.12 x 24.89 mm
Plate Size: 744 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “P” followed by three (3) single digits
Coil Number Frequency: Plate numbers every 31st stamp below stamp image

Technical Specifications (BNA coil of 100):

Issue: U.S. Flag 2018 Stamp
Item Number: 749700
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Coil of 100 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: February 9, 2018, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33310
Art Director: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Designer: Kit Hinrichs, San Francisco, CA
Typographer: Kit Hinrichs, San Francisco, CA
Modeler: Sandra Lane/Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Printed at: Browns Summit, NC
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Coil: 100
Print Quantity: 2,000,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper, Overall
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America, Browns Summit, NC
Colors: PMS 2145 Blue, PMS 186 Red, Black
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.73 x 0.84 in./18.54 x 21.34 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.87 x 0.98 in./22.10 x 24.89 mm
Plate Size: 744 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “B” followed by three (3) single digits
Coil Number Frequency: Plate numbers every 31st stamp below stamp image

Updated January 8th:

There is a pictorial first-day postmark for this issue: It measures 2.95” x .95”.

Updated April 4th:

Here are the Scott catalogue numbers for this issue:

5260 (50¢) Flag coil stamp, serpentine die cut 9½ vert., microprinted “USPS” at left of flag fold on fourth white stripe (Ashton-Potter printing)
5261 (50¢) Flag coil stamp, serpentine die cut 11 vert., microprinted “USPS” at right of flag fold on fifth white stripe (Banknote printing)
5262 (50¢) Flag booklet stamp, serpentine die cut 11¼x10¾ on 2 or 3 sides, microprinted “USPS” at left of flag fold on fourth red stripe (Ashton-Potter printing)
a. Convertible booklet pane of 20
5263 (50¢) Flag booklet stamp, serpentine die cut 11¼x10¾ on 2 or 3 sides, microprinted “USPS” at right of flag fold on fifth white stripe (Banknote printing)
a. Convertible booklet pane of 20

The Scott catalogue number for this issue is 5259.

From the USPS; further updates will appear after the initial, introductory entry:

Lena Horne (Black Heritage series)The 41st issuance in the Black Heritage series honors the achievements of legendary performer and civil rights activist Lena Horne (1917–2010). Remembered as one of America’s great interpreters of popular songs, Horne also was a trailblazer in Hollywood for women of color. She used her personal elegance, charisma and fame to become an important spokesperson for civil rights.

This stamp will be issued January 30th in New York City, with a first-day ceremony.

From the USPS, December 28th:
Postal Service to Salute Black History Month
Dedicating Lena Horne Black Heritage Forever Stamp

What: The U.S. Postal Service will honor legendary performer and civil rights activist Lena Horne on the 41st stamp in the Black Heritage stamp series. Please share the news using hashtags #LenaHorneForever and #BlackHeritageStamps.

When: Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018, 10:30 a.m., Eastern Standard Time

Where: Peter Norton Symphony Space
2537 Broadway at 95th Street
New York, NY 10025

Background: Lena Horne was a trailblazer in Hollywood for women of color and used her fame as an entertainer to become an important civil rights spokesperson.

The stamp art features a photograph of Lena Horne taken by Christian Steiner in the 1980s. Kristen Monthei colorized the original black-and-white photo, adding a background reminiscent of Horne’s Stormy Weather album, with a few clouds to add texture and subtly make the album reference. “Lena Horne” is written along the bottom of the stamp, with “Black Heritage,” the stamp series title, at the top. “USA” and “Forever” appear on the lower right-hand side above Horne’s name. Art director Ethel Kessler designed the stamp.

Updated January 5th from the Postal Bulletin:

On January 30, 2018, in New York, NY, the U.S. Postal Service® will issue the Lena Horne First-Class Mail® stamp (Forever® priced at 50 cents) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (476900). The stamp will go on sale nationwide January 30, 2018.

The 41st stamp issue in the Black Heritage series honors the achievements of legendary performer and civil rights activist Lena Horne (1917–2010). The stamp art features a photograph taken by Christian Steiner in the 1980s. Kristen Monthei colorized the black-and-white photograph. Remembered as one of America‘s great interpreters of popular songs, Horne was also a trailblazer in Hollywood for women of color. She used her personal elegance, charisma, and fame to become an important spokesperson for civil rights. Art director Ethel Kessler designed the stamp

Stamp Fulfillment Services (SFS) will make an automatic push distribution to Post Offices™ of a quantity to cover approximately 30 days of sales.

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
Customers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office, at The Postal Store® website at usps.com/shop, or by phone at 800-782-6724. 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 – Lena Horne Stamp
USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Suite 300
Kansas City, MO 64144-9900

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark up to a quantity of 50. There is a 5-cent charge for each additional postmark over 50. All orders must be postmarked by March 30, 2018.

Philatelic products for this stamp issue are as follows:

• 476906 Press Sheet with Die-cut, $60.00.
• 476910 Digital Color Postmark Keepsake, $11.95.
• 476916 First-Day Cover, $0.94.
• 476921 Digital Color Postmark, $1.65.
• 476924 Framed Art, $39.95.
• 476930 Ceremony Program, $6.95.

Technical details for the Lena Horne stamp will appear in a future edition of the Postal Bulletin.

Updated January 8th:

Here is the design of the Digital Color Postmark for this issue: It measures 2.41” x 1.47”. Here is the design for the pictorial first-day postmark: It measures 2.95” x 1.40″. Here is the design for the “special” postmark local post offices may use for this issue: It measures 2.82” x 1.48”

Updated January 11, 2018:

Reservations may or may not be necessary for the first-day ceremony, but if you wish to make one (and it couldn’t hurt), click on this link: usps.com/lenahorne

Updated January 21st, from the Postal Bulletin:

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Lena Horne Stamp
Item Number: 476900
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail® Forever®
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: Black Heritage
Issue Date & City: January 30, 2018, New York, NY 10199
Designer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Art Director: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Typographer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Existing Photo: Christian Steiner
Modeler: Sandra Lane/Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Printed at: Browns Summit, NC
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 35,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America, Browns Summit, NC
Colors: Pantone 7407, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.84 x 1.42 in./21.34 x 36.07 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 0.98 x 1.56 in./24.89 x 39.62 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 6.00 x 8.50 in./152.40 x 215.90 mm
Press Sheets Size (w x h): 12.00 x 25.75 in./304.80 x 654.05 mm
Plate Size: 240 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: B followed by five (5) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Header: BLACK HERITAGE, Celebrating Lena Horne, 41st IN A SERIES • Plate number in two corners of pane
Back: © 2017 USPS • USPS logo • Barcode (476900) in upper right and lower left corners of pane • Promotional text • Plate position grid

Updated February 28th:
The uspsblog.com has a story about the connection between two of the women recently included in the Black Heritage stamp series, Shirley Chisholm and Lena Horne.

The Scott catalogue number for this issue is 5254.

From the USPS; further updates will appear after the initial, introductory entry:

Year of the Dog (Celebrating Lunar New Year series)The Year of the Dog stamp is the 11th of 12 stamps in the Celebrating Lunar New Year series. The Year of the Dog begins Feb. 16, 2018, and ends Feb. 4, 2019.

This stamp will be issued January 11th, in Honolulu, Hawaii, with a first-day ceremony. Past Lunar New Year stamps have used the First Day Of Issue four-bar postmark as the first-day “hand cancel.”

From the USPS, December 28th:
Postal Service to Celebrate 2018 Lunar New Year
Issuing Year of the Dog Forever Stamp

What: The U.S. Postal Service rings in 2018 with the Year of the Dog Forever stamp. It’s the 11th of 12 stamps in the Celebrating Lunar New Year series. The Year of the Dog begins Feb. 16, 2018, and ends Feb. 4, 2019. The event is free and open to the public. Please share the news using the hashtag #LunarNewYear.

Who: Larry Muñoz Jr., vice president Area Operations (A) – Pacific Area,
U.S. Postal Service
Douglas D.L. Chong, president, Hawaii Chinese History Center
Pamela Young, “Mixed Plate,” KHON2 TV

When: Thursday, Jan. 11, 2018, 11:00 a.m., Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time

Where: Chinatown Cultural Plaza
100 N. Beretania Street
Honolulu, HI 96817

Background: The Lunar New Year is the most important holiday of the year for many Asian communities around the world and is celebrated primarily by people of Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tibetan, and Mongolian heritage.

The U.S. Postal Service introduced its Celebrating Lunar New Year series in 2008. The series will continue through 2019 with a stamp for the Year of the Boar. Year of the Dog is being issued as a souvenir sheet of 12 self-adhesive Forever stamps.

Art director Ethel Kessler worked on the series with illustrator Kam Mak, a Hong Kong-born artist who grew up in New York City’s Chinatown and now lives in Brooklyn. The artwork focuses on some of the common ways the Lunar New Year holiday is celebrated. The Year of the Dog illustration, originally created using oil paints on panel, depicts an arrangement of lucky bamboo (Dracaena braunii). To the right is a lozenge-shaped piece of red paper with the Chinese character fu, meaning good fortune, rendered in calligraphy — a common decoration on doors and entryways during Lunar New Year festivities.

Kessler’s stamp design also incorporates two elements from the previous series of Lunar New Year stamps: Clarence Lee’s intricate cut-paper design of a dog and the Chinese character for “dog,” drawn in grass-style calligraphy by Lau Bun.

Updated January 5th from the Postal Bulletin:

On January 11, 2018, in Honolulu, HI, the U.S. Postal Service® will issue the Year of the Dog First-Class Mail® stamp (Forever® priced at 49 cents) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 12 stamps (Item 564800). The stamp will go on sale nationwide January 11, 2018.

The Year of the Dog stamp is the 11th stamp issue for the 12-stamp Celebrating Lunar New Year series. The Year of the Dog begins February 16, 2018, and ends on February 4, 2019. The stamp art depicts an arrangement of lucky bamboo (Dracaena braunii) and a red, lozenge-shaped Lunar New Year decoration. On the night of New Year’s Eve, families gather and feast on foods that bring good luck and hang lozenge-shaped pieces of red paper with finely written good luck characters from doors and entryways.

Artist Kam Mak created this original painting. Art director and stamp designer Ethel Kessler incorporated elements from previous Celebrating Lunar New Year stamps — Clarence Lee’s intricate cut-paper design of a dog and the Chinese character for “dog,” drawn in grass-style calligraphy by Lau Bun — to create continuity between the stamps in the series.

Item 564800, $5.88 Celebrating Lunar New Year: Year of the Dog (Forever priced at 49 cents) Commemorative Souvenir Sheet of 12 Stamps
Stamp Fulfillment Services (SFS) has completed an automatic push distribution to Post Offices™ of a quantity to cover approximately 30 days of sales.

[Note that the price of this stamp will go up to 50¢ on January 21st. —VSC]

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
Customers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office, at The Postal Store® website at usps.com/shop, or by phone at 800-782-6724. 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 – Year of the Dog Stamp
USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Suite 300
Kansas City, MO 64144-9900

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark up to a quantity of 50. There is a 5-cent charge for each additional postmark over 50. All orders must be postmarked by March 11, 2018.

Philatelic products for this stamp issue are as follows:

• 564806, Press Sheet with Die-cut, $35.28.
• 564810*, Digital Color Postmark Keepsake (2 panes), $13.95.
• 564816*, First-Day Cover, $0.93.
• 564821*, Digital Color Postmark, $1.64.
• 564824*, Framed Art, $39.95.
• 564830*, Ceremony Program, $6.95.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Year of the Dog Stamp
Item Number: 564800
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 12 (1 design)
Series: Celebrating Lunar New Year
Issue Date & City: January 11, 2018, Honolulu, HI 96820
Designer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Art Director: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Typographer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Artist: Kam Mak, Brooklyn, NY
Modeler: Sandra Lane/Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Printed at: Browns Summit, NC
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Pane: 12
Print Quantity: 15,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper, Block
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America, Browns Summit NC
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, Pantone 872, Pantone 342
Stamp Orientation: Horizontal
Image Area (w x h): 1.42 x 0.84 in./36.07 x 21.34 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 1.56 x 0.98 in./39.62 x 24.89 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 7.24 x 5.92 in./183.90 x 150.37 mm
Press Sheets Size
(w x h): 21.97 x 11.965 in./558.04 x 303.91 mm
Plate Size: 144 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: N/A
Marginal Markings:
Back: © 2017 USPS • USPS logo • Barcode (564800) • Promotional text • Verso: Celebrating Lunar New Year text

Updated January 8th:

Here is the design of the Digital Color Postmark for this issue: It measures 3” x 1.64”.

Here is the B&W pictorial postmark design: It measures 2.86”x 1.30”. This is the first Lunar New Year stamp issued by the U.S. with a pictorial first-day “rubber composition” postmark.

Here is the “special” postmark local post offices may use: It measures 2.9” x 1”

The Scott catalogue number for this issue is 5255.

From the USPS; further updates will appear after the initial, introductory entry:

Love Flourishes (Love series) Love Flourishes is the latest stamp in the Love series. The stamp art features a fanciful garden of colorful flowers surrounding the word “Love.”

This stamp will be issued January 18th in Phoenix, Arizona, with a first-day ceremony.

From the USPS, December 28th:
LOVE IS IN THE AIR
Postal Service Issuing Love Flourishes Forever Stamp

What: The U.S. Postal Service celebrates love of all kinds with the Love Flourishes Forever stamp. The event is free and open to the public. Please share the news using the hashtag #LoveStamp.

When: Thursday, Jan. 18, 2018, 10:00 a.m., Mountain Standard Time

Where: CREATIVATION
Phoenix Convention Center
Ballroom North 120B
100 N. 3rd Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004

Background: The Love Flourishes stamp art features a fanciful garden of colorful flowers surrounding the word “Love” written in cursive script. Hand-painted with opaque watercolors on paper by artist Anna Bond, the original art is whimsical and vibrant, at once retro and timeless. The flower garden includes stylized roses, peonies, and dahlias in pink, coral, and yellow, with pale blue-green berries and gold fronds and leaves. The word “Forever” appears in the lower right-hand corner of the stamp, and “USA” is on the lower left. Art director Greg Breeding designed the stamp using Bond’s original art.

Thanks to VSC member Lefty Dundee (see comment below) for the link to CREATIVATION.

Updated January 5th from the Postal Bulletin:

On January 18, 2018, in Phoenix, AZ, the U.S. Postal Service® will issue the Love Flourishes First-Class Mail® stamp (Forever® priced at 49 cents) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 564700). The stamp will go on sale nationwide January 18, 2018.

Love Flourishes is the latest stamp in the popular Love series. The stamp art features a fanciful garden of colorful flowers surrounding the word “Love” written in cursive script. Hand-painted with gouache on paper by artist Anna Bond, the original art is whimsical and vibrant, at once retro and timeless. The flower garden includes stylized roses, peonies, and dahlias in pink, coral, and yellow, with pale blue-green berries and gold fronds and leaves. Art director Greg Breeding designed the stamp.

Item 564700, Love Flourishes (Forever priced at 49 cents) Pane of 20 Stamps
Stamp Fulfillment Services (SFS) will make an automatic push distribution to Post Offices™ of a quantity to cover approximately 30 days of sales.

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
Customers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office, at The Postal Store® website at usps.com/shop, or by phone at 800-782-6724. 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 – Love Flourishes Stamp
USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Suite 300
Kansas City, MO 64144-9900

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service™ will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark up to a quantity of 50. There is a 5-cent charge for each additional postmark over 50. All orders must be postmarked by March 18, 2018.

Philatelic products for this stamp issue are as follows:

• 564706, Press Sheet with Die-cut, $78.40.
• 564710 Digital Color Postmark Keepsake, $11.95.
• 564716 First-Day Cover, $0.93.
• 564721 Digital Color Postmark, $1.64.
• 564724 Framed Art, $39.95.
• 564730 Ceremony Program, $6.95.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Love Flourishes Stamp
Item Number: 564700
Denomination &
Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: Love
Issue Date & City: January 18, 2018, Phoenix, AZ 85026
Designer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Art Director: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Typographer: Anna Bond, Winter Park, FL
Artist: Anna Bond, Winter Park, FL
Modeler: Sandra Lane/Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Printed at: Browns Summit, NC
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 250,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper, Overall
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America, Browns Summit NC
Colors: Pantone 4505, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Horizontal
Image Area (w x h): 1.05 x 0.77 in./26.67 x 19.56 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 1.19 x 0.91 in./30.23 x 23.11 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 5.635 x 5.425 in./143.13 x 137.80 mm
Press Sheets Size
(w x h): 22.54 x 10.85 in./572.52 x 275.59 mm
Plate Size: 320 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: B followed by five (5) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Plate numbers in four corners of pane
Back: © 2017 USPS • USPS logo • Barcode (564700) in upper right and lower left corners of pane • Promotional text
• Plate position diagram

Updated January 8th:

Here is the design of the Digital Color Postmark for this issue: It measures 3″ x 1.56″. Here is the design for the B&W pictorial first-day postmark:It measures 2.85″ x 1.63″

Updated December 26th: We now have individual pages for each issue. Click on the name of the issue to go to that specific page.

Updated December 19th: * indicates a first-day ceremony for this issue

[press release]
U.S. Postal Service Provides a Sneak Peek at Select 2018 Stamps

WASHINGTON — With a new year just around the corner, the U.S. Postal Service is raising the curtain to provide a sneak peek at a portion of its 2018 stamp program.

Icons such as Lena Horne, John Lennon and Sally Ride and will be immortalized on Forever stamps next year. Stunning photographs of America’s dramatic landscapes will commemorate the song “America the Beautiful.”

Other diverse and educational stamps on deck for 2018 will:

• Shine light on bioluminescent creatures that glow in the dark;
• Showcase the art of magic through five classic magic tricks;
• Celebrate mythological fire-eating dragons; and,
• Offer “tasty” frozen treats for those with a sweet tooth.

Detailed information and issuance dates on these stamps and others will be revealed later. All stamp designs are preliminary and are subject to change until issuance dates.

Details on individual issues:

Love Flourishes (Love series)
Love Flourishes is the latest stamp in the Love series. The stamp art features a fanciful garden of colorful flowers surrounding the word “Love.”

Year of the Dog (Celebrating Lunar New Year series)
The Year of the Dog stamp is the 11th of 12 stamps in the Celebrating Lunar New Year series. The Year of the Dog begins Feb. 16, 2018, and ends Feb. 4, 2019.

Lena Horne (Black Heritage series)
The 41st issuance in the Black Heritage series honors the achievements of legendary performer and civil rights activist Lena Horne (1917–2010). Remembered as one of America’s great interpreters of popular songs, Horne also was a trailblazer in Hollywood for women of color. She used her personal elegance, charisma and fame to become an important spokesperson for civil rights.

U.S. Flag
For more than half a century, U.S. stamps have depicted the American flag in vivid red, white and blue. This eye-catching new issuance continues that tradition with a striking graphic design of a flag with two crisp folds.

Bioluminescent Life
This issuance celebrates the phenomenon of bioluminescence — the ability of some species to glow — with a pane of 20 stamps featuring 10 life-forms that create their own light.

llinois Statehood (Statehood series)
This stamp celebrates the 200th anniversary of Illinois statehood. Known as the Prairie State, Illinois became the 21st state of the union on Dec. 3, 1818.

Mister Rogers
Fred Rogers (1928–2003) was known as a beloved television neighbor to generations of children. His groundbreaking public television series Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood inspired and educated young viewers with warmth, sensitivity and honesty.

STEM Education
These Forever stamps celebrate the role of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in keeping our nation a global leader in innovation. Designed to pique the curiosity of the viewer, each of these four stamps features a collage of faces, symbols, drawings and numbers that represent the complexity and interconnectedness of the STEM disciplines.

Sally Ride
America’s first woman in space, Sally Ride (1951–2012), inspired the nation as a pioneering astronaut, brilliant physicist and dedicated educator.

Flag Act of 1818
With this stamp, the Postal Service marks the 200th anniversary of the Flag Act of 1818, which gave us the basic design of the current American flag: 13 stripes symbolizing the original 13 colonies and one star for each state in the union.

Frozen Treats
Frozen Treats features frosty, colorful icy pops on a stick. The tasty, sweet confections come in a variety of shapes and flavors.

O Beautiful
With the release of O Beautiful, the Postal Service commemorates the beauty and majesty of the United States through images that correspond with one of the nation’s most beloved songs, “America the Beautiful.” World War I: Turning the Tide
With this stamp, the Postal Service pays tribute to the sacrifice of American soldiers and millions of supporters on the home front who experienced World War I. Entering World War I (1914–1918) in its later stages, the United States helped turn the tide of war in favor of the Allies.

Dragons
The Postal Service celebrates dragons, the high-flying, fire-breathing mythological creatures that have roamed our imaginations for millennia. Birds in Winter
Birds in Winter celebrates four of winter’s winged beauties: the black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus), the northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), the blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata), and the red-bellied woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus).

John Lennon (Music Icons series)
The newest stamp in the Music Icons series honors singer and songwriter John Lennon (1940–1980), a rock ’n’ roll hero successful both as a founding member of the Beatles and as a solo artist.

The Art of Magic
The Postal Service celebrates the art of magic with this pane of 20 stamps featuring digital illustrations of five classic tricks magicians use to amaze and delight audiences: a rabbit in a hat (production), a fortune teller using a crystal ball (prediction), a woman floating in the air (levitation), an empty bird cage (vanishing), and a bird emerging from a flower (transformation).

Byodo-In Temple (Priority Mail)
This Priority Mail stamp features a colorful illustration of the Byodo-In Temple, a popular tourist attraction in Hawai‘i.

Sleeping Bear Dunes (Priority Mail Express)
With this Priority Mail Express stamp, the Postal Service celebrates the Sleeping Bear Dunes, a national park in Michigan that takes its name from a Native American legend.

Meyer Lemons
Meyer Lemons is a 2-cent definitive stamp. The stamp art features a whole Meyer lemon next to two wedges of the cut fruit.