Announced by the USPS on December 30, 2019:

“…a convenient stamp for large-volume mailers…”

Presorted Star
In 2020, the Postal Service will offer the Presorted Star stamp, sold in self-adhesive coils of 3,000 and 10,000, intended for use by business mailers. This new stamp celebrates the beloved American Stars and Stripes by focusing on its vital components. The asymmetrical design includes one large white star, two white and three red stripes, and a brilliant blue background, as well as lettering and three small stars in gold. Greg Breeding was the art director and Matthew Pamer was the designer for the stamp. It will be issued Feb. 3. No dedication event is planned.

The Scott catalogue number for this issue is 5433.

Further updates will appear below the illustration.

January 21st: The “killerbar” postmark is the first-day postmark for this issue, similar to this mock-up:

Updated January 16th:
The USPS is selling smaller quantities than a full coil, through its mail/phone/internet sales operation:

760603 Strip of 25 with plate no. from the coil of 10,000, $2.50
750503 Strip of 25 with plate no. from the coil of 3,000, $2.50

Updated January 2 from the Postal Bulletin:

On February 3, 2020, in Kansas City, MO, the United States Postal Service will issue the Presorted Star stamp (Non-denominated priced at the Presorted Standard 10–cent rate) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) coil of 3,000 stamps (Item 750500) and coil of 10,000 stamps (Item 760600). The stamp will go on sale nationwide February 3, 2020, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

In 2020, the Postal Service will offer the Presorted Star stamp in self-adhesive coils of 3,000 and 10,000, and is intended for use by bulk mailers. This new stamp celebrates the beloved American Stars and Stripes by focusing on its vital components. The asymmetrical design includes one large white star, two white stripes and three red stripes, and a brilliant blue backdrop, as well as lettering and three small stars in gold. Matthew Pamer designed the stamp. Greg Breeding was the art director for the project.

Item 750500, Presorted Star (Non-denominated Priced at the Presorted Standard 10-cent Rate) PSA Coil of 3,000 Stamps: No automatic distribution
Item 760600, Presorted Star (Non-denominated Priced at the Presorted Standard 10-cent Rate) PSA Coil of 10,000 Stamps: No automatic distribution

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
Customers have 120 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. Each cover must have sufficient postage to meet First-Class Mail requirements. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office or at The Postal Store website at usps.com/shop. They must affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

FDOI – Presorted Star 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 June 3, 2020.

Technical Specifications — 3k Coil:

Issue: Presorted Star Stamp
Item Number: 750500
Denomination & Type of Issue: 10-cent Presorted Standard, Mail-use
Format: Coil of 3,000 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: February 3, 2020, Kansas City, MO 64108
Art Director: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Designer: Matt Pamer, Portland, OR
Typographer: Matt Pamer, Portland, OR
Modeler: Sandra Lane / Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Coil: 3,000
Print Quantity: 30,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America
Colors: Cool Gray 7C, 7686 Blue, 1788 Red, 7503 Gold
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.73 x 0.84 in./18.542 x 21.336 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.87 x 0.98 in./22.098 x 24.892 mm
Plate Size: 540 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “B” followed by four (4) single digits
Coil Number Frequency: Plate number every 27th stamp below stamp image

Technical Specifications — 10k Coil:

Issue: Presorted Star Stamp
Item Number: 760600
Denomination & Type of Issue: 10-cent Presorted Standard, Mail-use
Format: Coil of 10,000 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: February 3, 2020, Kansas City, MO 64108
Art Director: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Designer: Matt Pamer, Portland, OR
Typographer: Matt Pamer, Portland, OR
Modeler: Sandra Lane / Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Coil: 10,000
Print Quantity: 1,500,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America
Colors: Cool Gray 7C, 7686 Blue, 1788 Red, 7503 Gold
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.73 x 0.84 in./18.542 x 21.336 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.87 x 0.98 in./22.098 x 24.892 mm
Plate Size: 540 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “B” followed by four (4) single digits
Coil Number Frequency: Plate number every 27th stamp below stamp image

The Virtual Stamp Club has confirmed that, as in years past, there will be a Big Bend Priority Mail Flat-Rate Envelope. More details below as they become available. Below is the press release that announced the stamp.

[press release]
U.S. Postal Service to Issue New Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express Stamps
Big Bend and Grand Island Ice Caves Featured on Stamps

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service [December 12th] revealed two additions to the 2020 Stamp Program: Big Bend and Grand Island Ice Caves. Both stamps will be released on Saturday Jan. 18, 2020. There will be no national first-day-of-issue ceremony for these stamps. Details on obtaining first-day-of-issue cancellations will be announced in a future Postal Bulletin issue.

These stamps are a convenient way for customers to pay for Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express Flat Rate shipping with a single stamp. Priority Mail is a fast domestic service that includes flat rate shipping in one, two or three business days based on where your package starts and where it’s being sent. Priority Mail Express is the fastest domestic service, with limited exceptions; available 365 days a year, with a money-back guarantee and delivery shipping to most U.S. addresses, including PO Boxes.

Big Bend stamp is here
With this Priority Mail stamp, the Postal Service celebrates the beauty of the Big Bend region in West Texas, where river, mountain and desert ecosystems coexist in its vast expanses. The stamp art depicts the Rio Grande flowing between the sheer limestone cliffs of Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend National Park. Art director Greg Breeding designed the stamp with original art by Dan Cosgrove.

Grand Island Ice Caves is here.

Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through The Postal Store at usps.com/shop, by calling 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724), by mail through USA Philatelic, or at Post Office locations nationwide.
Information on ordering first-day-of-issue postmarks and covers is at usps.com/shop.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

The Scott catalogue number for this issue is U699.

Further updates will appear below the line, most recent first.

January 21st: The “killerbar” postmark is also available for this issue, similar to this mock-up:

[press release]
U.S. Postal Service to Issue New Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express Stamps
Big Bend and Grand Island Ice Caves Featured on Stamps

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service today revealed two additions to the 2020 Stamp Program: Big Bend and Grand Island Ice Caves. Both stamps will be released on Saturday Jan. 18, 2020. There will be no national first-day-of-issue ceremony for these stamps. Details on obtaining first-day-of-issue cancellations will be announced in a future Postal Bulletin issue.

These stamps are a convenient way for customers to pay for Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express Flat Rate shipping with a single stamp. Priority Mail is a fast domestic service that includes flat rate shipping in one, two or three business days based on where your package starts and where it’s being sent. Priority Mail Express is the fastest domestic service, with limited exceptions; available 365 days a year, with a money-back guarantee and delivery shipping to most U.S. addresses, including PO Boxes.

Grand Island Ice Caves
With this new Priority Mail Express stamp, the Postal Service celebrates the winter beauty of the Grand Island Ice Caves in Lake Superior. Located near Munising on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Grand Island is marked by massive sandstone bluffs. Impressive in any season, the bluffs are especially dramatic in winter when lake water seeps into the crevices and caverns, forming magnificent ice curtains and icicles that hang like stalactites from ceilings. The stamp art features a colorful illustration of how one of these ever-changing ice caves might appear from the inside looking out toward the west at sunset. Art director Greg Breeding designed the stamp with original art by Dan Cosgrove.

Big Bend is here.

Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through The Postal Store at usps.com/shop, by calling 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724), by mail through USA Philatelic, or at Post Office locations nationwide.
Information on ordering first-day-of-issue postmarks and covers is at usps.com/shop.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

The Scott catalogue number for this issue is 5430.

Further updates will appear below the line, most recent first.

January 21st: The “killerbar” postmark is also available for this issue, similar to this mock-up:

December 20th: Here are the first day cancels for this issue:

The DCP measures 2.85″ x 1.25″ The B&W pictorial measures 2.74″ x 1.17″

December 19th: From the Postal Bulletin

On January 18, 2020, in Munising, MI, the United States Postal Service will issue the $26.35 Grand Island Ice Caves Priority Mail Express stamp in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of four stamps (Item 129100). The stamp will go on sale nationwide January 18, 2020, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

With this new Priority Mail Express stamp, the United States Postal Service celebrates the winter beauty of the Grand Island Ice Caves in Lake Superior. Located near Munising on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Grand Island is marked by massive sandstone bluffs. Impressive in any season, they are especially dramatic in winter when lake water seeps into the crevices and caverns, forming magnificent ice curtains and icicles that hang like stalactites from ceilings. The stamp art features a colorful illustration of how one of these ever-changing ice caves might appear from the inside looking out toward the west at sunset. Art director Greg Breeding designed the stamp with original art by Dan Cosgrove.

Availability to Post Offices: Item 129100, $26.35 Grand Island Ice Caves Priority Mail Express PSA Pane of Four Stamps: Stamp Fulfillment Services 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™ or at The Postal Store website at usps.com/shop. They must affix the stamps to envelopes
of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

FDOI – Grand Island Ice Caves 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 May 18, 2020.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Grand Island Ice Caves Stamp
Item Number: 129100
Denomination &
Type of Issue: $26.35 Priority Mail Express Rate
Format: Pane of 4 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: January 18, 2020, Munising, MI 49862
Art Director: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Designer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Typographer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Artist: Dan Cosgrove, Chicago, IL
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Stevens Vari-Size Security Press
Stamps per Pane: 4
Print Quantity: 1,260,000 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: Horizontal
Image Area (w x h): 1.42 x 1.085 in/36.068 x 27.559 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 1.56 x 1.225 in/39.624 x 31.115 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 4.12 x 3.45 in/104.648 x 87.63 mm
Plate Size: 100 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “P” followed by four (4) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Plate number in two corners of pane
Back: ©2019 USPS • USPS logo • Four barcodes (129100) • Plate position diagram (5) • Promotional text

[press release]
U.S. Postal Service to Issue New Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express Stamps
Big Bend and Grand Island Ice Caves Featured on Stamps

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service [December 12th] revealed two additions to the 2020 Stamp Program: Big Bend and Grand Island Ice Caves. Both stamps will be released on Saturday Jan. 18, 2020. There will be no national first-day-of-issue ceremony for these stamps. Details on obtaining first-day-of-issue cancellations will be announced in a future Postal Bulletin issue.

These stamps are a convenient way for customers to pay for Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express Flat Rate shipping with a single stamp. Priority Mail is a fast domestic service that includes flat rate shipping in one, two or three business days based on where your package starts and where it’s being sent. Priority Mail Express is the fastest domestic service, with limited exceptions; available 365 days a year, with a money-back guarantee and delivery shipping to most U.S. addresses, including PO Boxes.

Big Bend
With this Priority Mail stamp, the Postal Service celebrates the beauty of the Big Bend region in West Texas, where river, mountain and desert ecosystems coexist in its vast expanses. The stamp art depicts the Rio Grande flowing between the sheer limestone cliffs of Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend National Park. Art director Greg Breeding designed the stamp with original art by Dan Cosgrove.

Grand Island Ice Caves is here.

Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through The Postal Store at usps.com/shop, by calling 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724), by mail through USA Philatelic, or at Post Office locations nationwide.
Information on ordering first-day-of-issue postmarks and covers is at usps.com/shop.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

The Scott catalogue number for this issue is 5429

Further updates will appear below the line, most recent first.

January 21st: The “killerbar” postmark is also available for this issue, similar to this mock-up: December 20th: Here are the first day cancels for this issue:

The DCP measures 2.02″ x 1.47″ The B&W pictorial measures 2.67″ x 1.20″

December 19th: From the Postal Bulletin

On January 18, 2020, in Big Bend National Park, TX, the United States Postal Service will issue the $7.75 Big Bend Priority Mail stamp in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of four stamps (Item 120800). The stamp will go on sale nationwide January 18, 2020, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

With this Priority Mail stamp, the United States Postal Service celebrates the beauty of the Big Bend region in West Texas, where river, mountain, and desert ecosystems coexist in its vast expanses. The stamp art depicts the Rio Grande flowing between the sheer limestone cliffs of Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend National Park. Art director Greg Breeding designed the stamp with original art by Dan Cosgrove.

Availability to Post Offices: Item 120800, $7.75 Big Bend Priority Mail PSA Pane of Four Stamps: Stamp Fulfillment Services 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™ or at The Postal Store website at usps.com/shop. They must affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

FDOI – Big Bend 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 May 18, 2020.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Big Bend Stamp
Item Number: 120800
Denomination & Type of Issue: $7.75 Priority Mail Rate
Format: Pane of 4 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: January 18, 2019, Big Bend National Park, TX 79834
Art Director: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Designer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Typographer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Artist: Dan Cosgrove, Chicago, IL
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Pane: 4
Print Quantity: 6,000,000 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: Horizontal
Image Area (w x h): 1.42 x 1.085 in/36.068 x 27.559 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 1.56 x 1.225 in/39.624 x 31.115 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 4.12 x 3.45 in/104.648 x 87.63 mm
Plate Size: 120 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “P” followed by four (4) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Plate number in two corners of pane
Back: ©2019 USPS • USPS logo • Four barcodes (120800) • Plate position diagram (5) • Promotional text

Announced by the USPS October 31st.

[press release]
U.S. Postal Service Marks Red Ribbon Week with Drug Free USA Stamp
Forever Stamp Will Be Issued in October 2020

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service today revealed the Drug Free USA Forever stamp during Red Ribbon Week, the nation’s oldest and largest drug use prevention awareness program. The stamp will go on sale in October 2020. Additional details about the stamp dedication ceremony will be announced next year.

“This Drug Free USA Forever stamp will help further raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse, and the toll it is taking on families and communities around our country,” said Robert M. Duncan, chairman of the USPS Board of Governors. “The Postal Service is glad to do its part in marking Red Ribbon Week, and renewing our commitment to helping these efforts to educate youth about the dangers of illegal drugs.”

In 1988, the National Family Partnership coordinated the first National Red Ribbon Week with President Ronald Reagan and first lady Nancy Reagan serving as honorary chairpersons. The week runs Oct. 23-31 and coincides with National Substance Abuse Prevention Month every October.

Red Ribbon Week was started after the death of Drug Enforcement Administration special agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who was tortured and murdered in 1985 by drug traffickers he was investigating in Mexico. After Camarena’s death, people started wearing red ribbons to honor Kiki’s sacrifice.

“I am very pleased that the U.S. Postal Service will issue a stamp affirming our commitment to a drug-free America,” said DEA Acting Administrator Dhillon. “This stamp will help raise awareness of the fight against drug addiction and honor those who have dedicated their lives to that cause.”

The Drug Free USA Forever stamp art features a white star with lines of red, light blue and blue radiating from one side of each of the star’s five points, suggesting the unity necessary at all levels to effectively address drug abuse. Charlottesville, VA, designer Greg Breeding designed the stamp with original artwork by Portland, OR, graphic designer Aaron Draplin. USPS Acting Stamp Services Director William J. Gicker was the art director.

The stamp is being issued as a Forever stamp, which will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.

Added later: This stamp will be issued October 27th with a first-day city of Washington, DC.

Here is a larger version of the design:

Further information about this issue will be posted below the line, with the most recent nearest the top.

Updated December 5th:
The Scott catalogue number for this issue is 5542.

Updated October 22nd:

The first-day city has been changed from Washington, DC, to Arlington, VA. It will have a virtual first-day ceremony. More details from the press release:

[press release]
Miss America 2020 Attending Postal Service Ceremony For Drug Free USA Stamp Dedication Oct. 27

WHAT: The U.S. Postal Service joins the Drug Enforcement Administration to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse with the release of the Drug Free USA stamp. The release coincides with Red Ribbon Week, Oct. 23-31, promoting drug abuse prevention.

A pictorial postmark of the first-day-of-issue location, Arlington, VA, is available at usps.com/shopstamps.

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

WHO:
Louis DeJoy, Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer,
U.S. Postal Service

Timothy Shea, acting administrator, Drug Enforcement Administration

Gary Barksdale, chief postal inspector, U.S. Postal Inspection Service

Peggy Sapp, president, National Family Partnership

Camille Schrier, Miss America 2020

WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 27, 10 a.m. EDT

WHERE:
The stamp dedication ceremony will be livestreamed on the U.S. Postal Service’s Facebook and Twitter pages. The ceremony will not be open to the public to remain in compliance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance on the COVID-19 pandemic. There will be designated space for media covering the event.

BACKGROUND: Red Ribbon Week, which takes place in schools and communities nationwide every year from Oct. 23-31, helps parents as well as teachers, business owners and neighborhood organizations promote drug abuse awareness and prevention.

Participants wear a red ribbon or red to symbolize their dedication to preventing drug abuse. The annual campaign is sponsored by the National Family Partnership.

The Drug Free USA stamp features original artwork by Aaron Draplin. The image of a white star with lines of red, light blue and blue radiating from one side of each of the star’s five points suggests the unity that is necessary at all levels to effectively address drug abuse. The stamp’s background is dark blue. “Drug Free USA” appears above the stamp art, while the stamp’s denomination, “Forever,” appears below it. The year 2020 runs vertically along the bottom right corner of the image.

Greg Breeding designed the stamp and was also the typographer. USPS Stamp Services Director William J. Gicker was the art director.

The Drug Free USA stamp is being issued as a Forever stamp, which will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.

Here are the revised first-day cancels for this issue; The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.68″ x 1.35″ The pictorial postmark measures 2.58″ x 1.25″

Updated September 24th:

Several VSC Facebook Group participants don’t like this design; what do you think?

Today’s Postal Bulletin says the first-day city is Washington, DC.

More from the Bulletin:

On October 27, 2020, in Washington, DC, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Drug Free USA stamp (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive pane of 20 stamps (Item 478900). The stamp will go on sale nationwide October 27, 2020, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

The Postal Service™ joins the effort to raise awareness about the dangers of drug use with the release of the Drug Free USA stamp. The stamp art features a white star with lines of red, light blue, and blue radiating from one side of each of the star’s five points, suggesting the unity necessary at all levels to effectively address drug use. Greg Breeding designed the stamp with original artwork by Aaron Draplin. William J. Gicker was the art director.

Automatic distribution.

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
Customers have 120 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office™ or at The Postal Store® website at usps.com/shop. They must affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

FDOI – Drug Free USA Stamp
USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Suite 300
Kansas City, MO 64144-9900

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark up to a quantity of 50. There is a 5-cent charge for each additional postmark over 50. All orders must be postmarked by February 27, 2021.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Drug Free USA Stamp
Item Number: 478900
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: October 27, 2020, Washington, DC 20066
Art Director: William J. Gicker, Washington, DC
Designer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Artist: Aaron Draplin, Portland, OR
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 20,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Colors: PMS 533 C Dark Blue, PMS 2121 C Light Blue, PMS 2133 C Blue, PMS 485 C Red, PMS Cool Gray 7C
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.84 x 1.42 in./21.336 x 36.068 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 0.98 x 1.56 in./24.892 x 39.624 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 5.92 x 7.24 in./150.368 x 183.896 mm
Press Sheets Size (w x h): 11.84 x 21.72 in./300.736 x 551.688 mm
Plate Size: 240 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “P” followed by five (5) single digits in four corners
Marginal Markings:
Front: Plate number in four corners
Back: ©2019 USPS • USPS logo • 2 barcodes (478900) • Plate position diagram (6) • Promotional text

Updated September 22nd:

This stamp will be issued October 27th. The city has not yet been announced.

[press release]
Postal Service Dedicating Drug Free USA Forever Stamp on Oct. 27

WHAT: The U.S. Postal Service joins the effort to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse with the release of the Drug Free USA Forever stamp, coinciding with Red Ribbon Week, Oct. 23-31, promoting drug abuse prevention.

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

WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 27, 11 a.m. EDT.

BACKGROUND: Red Ribbon Week, which takes place in schools and communities nationwide every year from Oct. 23-31, helps parents as well as teachers, business owners and neighborhood organizations promote drug abuse awareness and prevention.

Participants wear a red ribbon or red to symbolize their dedication to preventing drug abuse. The annual campaign is sponsored by the National Family Partnership.

The Drug Free USA Forever stamp features original artwork by Aaron Draplin. The image of a white star with lines of red, light blue and blue radiating from one side of each of the star’s five points suggests the unity that is necessary at all levels to effectively address drug abuse. The stamp’s background is dark blue. “Drug Free USA” appears above the stamp art, while the stamp’s denomination, “Forever,” appears below it. The year 2020 runs vertically along the bottom right corner of the image.

Greg Breeding designed the stamp and was also the typographer. William J. Gicker was the art director.

The Drug Free USA stamp is being issued as a Forever stamp, which will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.

Postal Products: Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shop, by calling 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724), by mail through USA Philatelic, or at Post Office locations nationwide.

From the USPS July 28th:

This new stamp celebrates the joyous Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. The stamp art’s colorful digital illustration shows the lighting of the nine-branched Hanukkah menorah on the last evening of the holiday. All eight of the Hanukkah candles have been lit, and the child is reaching up to replace the shamash, the helper candle used to light the others in the menorah. Art director Ethel Kessler designed the stamp with original art by Jing Jing Tsong.

This stamp will be issued Tuesday, October 6, with a first-day city of New Rochelle, NY. New information will appear below the line, with the latest at the top. Hanukkah in 2020 begins the evening of December 10th and ends at sundown on December 18th.

Updated December 5th:
The Scott catalogue number for this issue is 5530.

Updated September 29th:
Virtual ceremony for this issue.

[press release]
New Stamp Celebrates Hanukkah

WHAT: The U.S. Postal Service announces a new stamp dedicated to the festive Jewish holiday Hanukkah.

Families come together each year to celebrate Hanukkah, also called the Festival of Lights. In 2020, Hanukkah begins on the evening of Dec. 10.

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

WHO: USPS Controller and Vice President Cara Greene

Union for Reform Judaism Senior Vice President Emeritus Rabbi Lennard Thal
Artist Jing Jing Tsong

WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020, at 11 a.m. EDT

WHERE:
A virtual stamp dedication ceremony for the Hanukkah stamp will be posted on the Postal Service’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

Please visit usps.com/hanukkah for details of the event.

BACKGROUND:

The stamp art’s colorful digital illustration shows the lighting of the hanukiah on the last evening of Hanukkah. Artist Jing Jing Tsong chose her colors intentionally to evoke Hanukkah traditions as seen through the eyes of children.

The darker blue colors in the background symbolize winter, while the brightly colored flaming candles reflect the spirit and warmth of sharing the holiday traditions.

The Hanukkah stamp is being issued as a Forever stamp in a pane of 20. This Forever stamp will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.
Pre-orders for the Hanukkah stamp can be placed online at usps.com and by phone at 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724).

Updated September 3rd:
Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue: The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.88″x1.09″ The Pictorial Postmark measures 2.73″x1.08″

Updated August 28th from the Postal Bulletin:

On October 6, 2020, in New Rochelle, NY, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Hanukkah stamp (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive pane of 20 stamps (Item 574800). The stamp will go on sale nationwide October 6, 2020, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

This new stamp celebrates the joyous Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. The stamp art’s colorful digital illustration shows the lighting of the Hanukkah menorah — the nine-branched hanukiah — on the last evening of the holiday. All eight of the Hanukkah candles have been lit, and the child is reaching up to replace the shamash, the helper candle used to light the others in the menorah. Art director Ethel Kessler designed the stamp with original art by Jing Jing Tsong.

No automatic 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™ or at The Postal Store® website at usps.com/shop. They must affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

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

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service™ will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark up to a quantity of 50. There is a 5-cent charge for each additional postmark over 50. All orders must be postmarked by February 6, 2021.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Hanukkah Stamp
Item Number: 574800
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: October 6, 2020, New Rochelle, NY 10801
Art Director: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Designer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Illustrator: Jing Jing Tsong, Kailua Kona, HI
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
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)
Stamp Orientation: Horizontal
Image Area (w x h): 1.05 x 0.77 in./26.67 x 19.558 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 1.19 x 0.91 in./30.226 x 23.114 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 5.76 x 5.8 in./146.304 x 147.32 mm
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, PMS 7405C Yellow
Plate Size: 320 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “P” followed by five (5) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Header: Hanukkah • Plate number in bottom 2 corners
Back: ©2019 USPS • USPS logo • Two barcodes (574800) • Promotional text • Plate position diagram (8)

From the USPS on July 28th:

With this new stamp, the Postal Service continues its tradition of celebrating Kwanzaa. The annual Pan-African holiday, which takes place over seven days from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, brings family, community and culture together for many African Americans. The stamp design features the face of a woman in profile with her eyes closed. Her contemplative demeanor signifies the ways in which observers of Kwanzaa reflect on the seven founding principles, the Nguzo Saba, and their role in everyday life. A kinara (candleholder) with the seven lit candles (mishumaa saba) sits in front of her. Cool tones evoke a sense of inner peace, and vibrant design elements give the artwork a celebratory feel. Art director Antonio Alcalá designed the stamp with original artwork by Andrea Pippins.

New information will appear below the line, with the latest at the top. Kwanzaa in 2020 begins December 26th and ends January 1, 2021.

Updated December 5th:
The Scott catalogue number for this issue is 5531.

Updated September 16th:
Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue: The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.43″ x 1.49″ The pictorial postmark measures 1.93″ x 1.23″

Updated September 10th from the Postal Bulletin:

On October 13, 2020, in Nashville, TN, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Kwanzaa stamp (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive pane of 20 stamps (Item 574900). The stamp will go on sale nationwide October 13, 2020, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

With this new stamp, the Postal Service™ continues its tradition of celebrating Kwanzaa. The annual Pan-African holiday, which takes place over seven days from December 26 to January 1, brings family, community, and culture together for many African Americans. The stamp design features the face of a woman in profile with her eyes closed. Her contemplative demeanor signifies the ways in which observers of Kwanzaa reflect on the seven founding principles, the Nguzo Saba, and their role in everyday life. A kinara (candleholder) with the seven lit candles (mishumaa saba) sits in front of her. Cool tones evoke a sense of inner peace and vibrant design elements give the artwork a celebratory feel. Art director Antonio Alcalá designed the stamp with original artwork by Andrea Pippins.

No automatic distribution.

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
Customers have 120 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office™ or at The Postal Store® website at usps.com/shop. They must affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

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

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark up to a quantity of 50. There is a 5-cent charge for each additional postmark over 50. All orders must be postmarked by February 13, 2021.

Technical Specificiatons:

Issue: Kwanzaa Stamp
Item Number: 574900
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: October 13, 2020, Nashville, TN 37202
Art Director: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Designer: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Artist: Andrea Pippins, Bowie, MD
Modeler: Sandra Lane/Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 15,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper, Block Tagged
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.77 x 1.05 in/19.558 x 26.67 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 0.91 x 1.19 in/23.114 x 30.226 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 5.55 x 5.76 in/140.97 x 146.304 mm
Plate Size: 160 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “B” followed by four (4) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Plate number in four corners
Back: ©2020 USPS • USPS logo • Two barcodes (574900) • Plate position diagram (8) • Promotional text

From the U.S. Postal Service announcement on October 22, 2019:

With this commemorative stamp, the Postal Service marks the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the Mayflower in Plymouth Harbor. The stamp’s image is based on artwork of watercolor, acrylic and gouache, a method of painting that uses opaque pigments ground in water and thickened to a glue-like consistency. The painting was digitally refined to convey a scene of desolate beauty at the end of the Pilgrims’ long journey to an unfamiliar world. Art director Greg Breeding designed the stamp with original art by Greg Harlin.

This stamp will be issued Thursday, September 17th in Plymouth, MA.

The Scott catalogue number for this issue is 5524.

Additional information will be posted below the line, with the most recent at the top.

Updated August 18th:
Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue: (Measurements corrected on the 19th)The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.69″ x 1.46″ (Corrected August 19th)
The pictorial postmark measures 2.70″ x 1.49″. (Corrected August 19th.)

Updated August 14th from the Postal Bulletin
On September 17, 2020, in Plymouth, MA, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Mayflower in Plymouth Harbor stamp (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive pane of 20 stamps (Item 476700). The stamp will go on sale nationwide September 17, 2020, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue. The Mayflower in Plymouth Harbor pane of 20 stamps may not be split and the stamps may not be sold individually.

With this commemorative stamp, the United States Postal Service marks the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the Mayflower in Plymouth Harbor. The watercolor, gouache, and acrylic painting was digitally refined to convey a scene of desolate beauty at the end of the Pilgrims‘ harrowing journey to an unfamiliar world. The stamp also features a stylized hawthorn flower printed in intaglio. In England, the hawthorn — a member of the rose family — is sometimes called a mayflower, as it blooms in May. Art director Greg Breeding designed the stamp with original art by Greg Harlin.

No automatic distribution of Item 476700, Mayflower in Plymouth Harbor

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
Customers have 120 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office™ or at The Postal Store® website at usps.com/shop. They must affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

FDOI – Mayflower in Plymouth Harbor 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 January 17, 2021.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Mayflower in Plymouth Harbor Stamp
Item Number: 476700
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: September 17, 2020, Plymouth, MA 02360
Art Director: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Designer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Artist: Greg Harlin, Annapolis, MD
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Intaglio, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Stevens Vari-Size Security Press
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 25,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tagged
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Stamp Orientation: Horizontal
Image Area (w x h): 1.42 x 0.84 in./36.068 x 21.336 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 1.56 x 0.98 in./39.624 x 24.892 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 10 x 6.35 in./254 x 161.29 mm
Press Sheet Size (w x h): 20.125 x 12.825 in./511.175 x 325.755 mm
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Intaglio Black
Plate Size: 80 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “P” followed by five (5) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Header: MAYFLOWER IN PLYMOUTH HARBOR • Plate number in bottom two corners
Back: ©2019 USPS • USPS logo • Two barcodes (476700) • Promotional text • Plate position diagram (4)

Updated February 18th:
In an interview with Wicked Local/Plymouth (a website owned by Gannett Media) shortly after this stamp was announced, organizers of the Plymouth 400 celebration expressed disappointment about the stamp design.

“We have been asking that any stamps they produce include not only the European side of the story, but also the Native American perspective,” said George McKay, a Plymouth 400 Inc. volunteer who headed the philatelic effort. “Unfortunately for us, they chose to only produce one stamp for 2020, which does not include the other side of the story.”

Plymouth 400 is also running a FDC cachet contest for this issue, although there is no mention of what the prizes or compensation might be. You can find out how to enter here. The deadline for submissions is June 30th.

From the U.S. Postal Service announcement on October 22, 2019:

With this stamp, the Postal Service commemorates the centennial of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees women the right to vote. Inspired by historic photographs, the stamp features a stylized illustration of suffragists marching in a parade or other public demonstration. The clothes they wear and the banners they bear display the official colors of the National Woman’s Party — purple, white and gold. Art director Ethel Kessler designed the stamp with original art by Nancy Stahl.

This stamp will be issued Wednesday, August 22nd, in Seneca Falls, NY. (Note date change!)

The Scott catalogue number for this issue is 5523.

Additional information will be posted below the line, with the most recent at the top.

Updated August 21st:

The designer of this stamp, Nancy Stahl, gave a talk this morning on Zoom as part of Virtual Stamp Show, and showed some preliminary drawings for this stamp. The woman in the photographs is Stahl herself! She had discussions with the U.S. Postal Service on how many women to include and where. These are not meant to be specific historical figures, but representations. Stahl said she wishes she had fought harder for the black woman to be more prominent in the finished design, which is shown on the right and at the top of this page.

Updated August 14th:
[ceremony information from USPS]
Forever Stamp Honors Centennial of Women’s Suffrage

WHAT: A new Forever stamp, 19th Amendment: Women Vote, will be issued by the U.S. Postal Service. This stamp commemorates the centennial celebration of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, guaranteeing women the right to vote.

News of the stamp is being shared with hashtags #WomenVoteStamps and #19thAmendmentStamps.

WHO:

• USPS Chief Commerce and Business Solutions Officer Jacqueline Krage Strako
• Women’s Rights National Historical Park acting superintendent Andrea DeKoter
• Historian Coline Jenkins-Sahlin, a descendant of Elizabeth Cady Stanton

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 22, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. EDT

WHERE:
The virtual stamp event, part of the Women’s Rights National Historical Park Equality Weekend, will be posted on the Postal Service’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

Please visit usps.com/19thamendment for details of the virtual stamp dedication ceremony.

Background:
Inspired by historic photographs, the stamp art features a stylized illustration of suffragists marching in a parade or other public demonstration. The clothes they wear and the banners they bear display the official colors of the National Woman’s Party — purple, white and gold.

More than 70 years in the making, the 19th Amendment was added to the Constitution on Aug. 26, 1920.

Pre-orders for the 19th Amendment: Women Vote stamps can be made online at usps.com and by phone at 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724), beginning July 22.

Updated August 4th:
Here are the first-day cancels for this issue:The Digital Color Postmark for this issue measures 2.55″ x 1.49″ The Pictorial Postmark for this issue measures 1.66″ x 1.48″

Updated July 31st from the Postal Bulletin:
On August 22, 2020, in Seneca Falls, NY, the United States Postal Service® will issue the 19th Amendment: Women Vote stamp (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive pane of 20 stamps (Item 476600). The stamp will go on sale nationwide August 22, 2020, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

With this stamp, the United States Postal Service commemorates the centennial of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees women the right to vote. Inspired by historic photographs, the stamp artwork features a stylized illustration of suffragists marching in a parade or other public demonstration. The clothes they wear and the banners they bear display the official colors of the National Woman’s Party — purple, white, and gold. Art director Ethel Kessler designed the stamp with original art by Nancy Stahl.

Item 476600, 19th Amendment: Women Vote (Forever Priced at the First-Class Mail Rate) Pane of 20 Stamps will have Automatic distribution.

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
Customers have 120 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office™ or at The Postal Store® website at usps.com/shop. They must affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

FDOI – 19th Amendment: Women Vote 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 December 22, 2020.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: 19th Amendment: Women Vote Stamp
Item Number: 476600
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: August 22, 2020, Seneca Falls, NY 13148
Art Director: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Designer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Illustrator: Nancy Stahl, New York, NY
Modeler: Sandra Lane/Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 30,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper, Block tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America
Colors: PMS 7672, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.84 x 1.42 in/21.336 x 36.068 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 0.98 x 1.56 in/24.892 x 39.624 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 5.92 x 7.24 in/150.368 x 183.896 mm
Press Sheet Size (w x h): 11.84 x 21.72 in/300.736 x 551.668 mm
Plate Size: 120 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “B” followed by five (5) single digits in four corners
Marginal Markings:
Front: Plate number in four corners
Back: ©2019 USPS • USPS logo • 2 barcodes (476600) • Plate position diagram (6) • Promotional text

From the U.S. Postal Service announcement on October 22, 2019:

In 2020, the Postal Service issues four new stamps in a booklet of 20 available for notes, cards and letters of thanks sent to acknowledge a favor, an act of kindness, a job well done or gifts sent for any occasion. Highlighted in gold foil are the words “Thank you” in cursive script and an elegant floral design that swirls through and around the words. Each stamp features one of four background colors: blue gray, deep blue, muted green or soft maroon. Greg Breeding was the art director. Dana Tanamachi was the stamp designer and lettering artist.

These stamps will be issued Friday August 21 at Hartford, CT, planned site of Great American Stamp Show (American Philatelic Society / American Topical Association / American First Day Cover Society).

The Scott catalogue numbers for this issue are:

5519 Rose brown background
5520 Olive background
5521 Slate blue background
5522 Violet background
a. Block or 4, #5519-5522

Additional information will be posted below the line, with the most recent at the top.

Although the postmark will still say “Hartford, CT,” the issue will have a virtual first-day ceremony as part of Virtual Stamp Show, the joint venture of the American Philatelic Society, American First Day Cover Society and the American Topical Association. The latter will be the host. It will be held at 2 p.m. and is free, but to attend, you must register for the show.

Updated August 13th:
[press release]
U.S. Postal Service Premieres Two New Stamp Issuances
Stamp Show to Host Dedication Ceremonies for Innovation and Thank You Forever Stamps

WHAT: The U.S. Postal Service will dedicate stamps in two new sets, one celebrating the American spirit of innovation and the second offering expressions of thanks.

News of these Forever stamps is being shared with the hashtags #InnovationStamps and #ThankYouStamps.

WHERE:
Separate events for these designs will be held during the American Philatelic Society Virtual Stamp Show and will be posted on the Postal Service’s Facebook and Twitter pages. Please visit usps.com/innovations and usps.com/thankyou for details of the virtual stamp dedication ceremonies.

WHEN:
Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020, at 2 p.m. EDT
Innovation Forever Stamps
Dedicating official: Acting Chief Customer and Marketing Officer Steven Monteith

Friday, Aug. 21, 2020, at 2 p.m. EDT
Thank You Forever Stamps
Dedicating official: Chief Commerce and Business Solutions Officer Jacqueline Krage Strako

BACKGROUND:
Innovation stamps feature five new stamp designs in a pane of 20, showcasing fields in which U.S. scientists and engineers have made significant contributions that have touched lives around the world.

Each stamp design features a photograph of a subject representing Computing, Biomedicine, Genome Sequencing, Robotics and Solar Technology. The word INNOVATION overlays each image in a holographic foil.

Thank You stamps will add visual appeal to notes, cards and letters of thanks to acknowledge a favor, an act of kindness, a job well done or gifts received for any occasion.

The words “Thank You” are highlighted in gold foil in cursive script. An elegant floral design swirls through and around the words. Each of the four stamps features a background color of soft maroon, muted green, grayish blue and purple.

Pre-orders of Innovation and Thank You Forever Stamps can be made online at usps.com and by phone at 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724).

Updated August 4th:
Here are the first-day cancels for this issue:The Digital Color Postmark for this issue measures 2.89″ x 1.39″ The Pictorial Postmark for this issue measures 2.74″ x 1.46″

Updated July 31st from the Postal Bulletin:

On August 21, 2020, in Hartford, CT, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Thank You stamps (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in four designs, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive pane of 20 stamps (Item 572900). The stamps will go on sale nationwide August 21, 2020, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue. The Thank You pane of 20 stamps may not be split and the stamps may not be sold individually.

In 2020, the United States Postal Service issues four new stamps in a pane of 20 available for notes, cards, and letters expressing thanks, and sent to acknowledge a favor, an act of kindness, a job well done, or gifts for any occasion. Highlighted in gold foil are the words “Thank you” in cursive script and an elegant floral design that swirls through and around the words. Each of the four stamps features one of four background colors: blue gray, purple, muted green, and soft maroon. Greg Breeding was the art director. Dana Tanamachi was the stamp designer and lettering artist.

Item 572900, Thank You (Forever Priced at the First-Class Mail Rate) Pane of 20 Stamps will not have automatic distribution.

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
Customers have 120 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office™ or at The Postal Store® website at usps.com/shop. They must affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

FDOI – Thank You 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 December 21, 2020.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Thank You Stamps
Item Number: 572900
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (4 designs)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: August 21, 2020, Hartford, CT 06101
Art Director: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Designer: Dana Tanamachi, Seattle, WA
Typographer: Dana Tanamachi, Seattle, WA
Modeler: Sandra Lane/Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Foil Stamping, Flexographic
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Gallus RCS
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 200,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America
Colors: Black, Red PMS 4985, Teal PMS 4185, Green PMS 5773, Blue PMS 7545
Other: Gold Foil
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.77 x 1.050 in./ 19.558 x 26.67 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 0.91 x 1.19 in./23.114 x 30.226 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 5.55 x 5.76 in./140.97 x 146.304 mm
Press Sheets Size (w x h): 11.1 x 23.04 in./281.94 x 585.216 mm
Plate Size: 160 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “B” followed by five (5) single digits in four corners
Marginal Markings:
Front: Plate number in four corners
Back: ©2019 USPS • USPS logo • 2 barcodes (572900) • Plate position diagram (8) • Promotional text