This 20-stamp issue was announced as part of the USPS celebration of its 
semiquincentennial. According to the April 28th press release, the design
by cartoonist Chris Ware that invites the public to spot a fun array of familiar postal items and icons while following a mail carrier on her rounds through four seasons of the year.
The USPS says this issue will be released in July. Further information will be posted below the line, with the most recent near the top.
Here is a look at the design of the rear of the pane of 20:
Updated June 11th:
According to Foster Miller, the first-day for these stamps will be July 23 in Washington.
Updated May 2nd:
These stamps will have a “special dedication ceremony” on the second day of Great American Stamp Show, August 15th, in Schaumburg, IL. It is believed the first-day will be July 26th.
I like this design much more than I initially thought I would; I enjoy looking for all the hidden details. The only thing that seems glaringly missing is a US flag on one of the stamps. This issue is quite different from what I anticipated when the Anniversary issue was rumored, but I’ve grown to love it
Okay, I like this, and it will fit into many areas of my collecting. But I would have thought they could have come up with something more creative. 250 Years of Delivering, look more like the last 20 years. What no Pony Express Rider, no Wagon Mail, no Ship Mail Service or anything that I can’t remember off the top of my head.
Again I like the sheet. but if you are reflecting 250 years then do so. But what can you expect from people who can’t fight themselves out of a paper bag.
My opiniated opinion.
Not to defend the design or choice of subjects depicted, but the press release says there will be other stamps commemorating the anniversary.
The statue is a nod to the point express, I believe.
Fun sheet!
VSC, I can’t help being snarky. OOO a Pony Express rider as a statue. I also saw the Benjamin Franklin addition. I guess the header should be Postal Service 2000 – 2025. Noting that everything I have seen is from the last 25 years.
Minus the statue. The PO shouldn’t do us any favors, the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s produced amazing stamps and yet…