More 2025 Stamps Announced (U.S. 2025)

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[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
U.S. Postal Service Announces Additional 2025 Stamps

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service Thursday, March 6, announced stamps celebrating the 250th anniversaries of the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps, a stamp previewing the 2026 World Stamp Show in Boston and a stamp honoring writer William F. Buckley Jr. There will be additional stamps in the 2025 stamps program announced in the near future. These designs are preliminary and may change.

U.S. Army 250th
This stamp celebrates the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. Established by the Continental Congress in 1775, the Army is now a global force with a clear purpose: to fight and win America’s wars. Featuring the military service mark of the U.S. Army against a white background, the stamp was designed by Antonio Alcalá, an art director for the USPS.

U.S. Navy 250th
First established during the Revolutionary War as the American colonies fought for independence, the U.S. Navy is now at the forefront of cutting-edge technology that safeguards the maritime interests of the United States, ensuring economic prosperity and the freedom of the seas. Featuring the emblem of the Navy against a white background, this stamp celebrates the U.S. Navy’s 250th anniversary. Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp.

U.S. Marine Corps 250th
The familiar symbolism of a Marine Corps emblem appears on this stamp to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps. First established during the Revolutionary War as the American colonies fought for independence, the Marine Corps is respected worldwide as an elite fighting force, prepared to face any challenge and prevail in the conflicts of the 21st century. Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp.

Boston 2026 Stamp Show
For one week in May 2026, the world capital of stamp collecting will be Boston, host of the Boston 2026 World Expo, the 12th international philatelic exhibition of the United States. To build anticipation and commemorate this confluence of art, history and international goodwill, two intaglio-printed stamps will highlight the special role of Boston in the American Revolution as we prepare to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary. Greg Breeding, an art director for USPS, designed these stamps with digital illustrations by Dan Gretta featuring the Old North Church and a “midnight rider” on horseback in Colonial garb.

William F. Buckley, Jr.
One of the most influential public intellectuals in modern U.S. history, William F. Buckley Jr. (1925–2008) defined the conservative movement of the mid-20th century and was one of its most recognizable spokesmen. Author of more than 50 books, Buckley foundedNational Review, one of the nation’s leading conservative publications, and hosted the Emmy Award–winning public affairs television program Firing Line for more than 30 years. Original art by Dale Stephanos features a portrait of Buckley, created by hand with graphite and charcoal on hot-press watercolor paper, then refined digitally. Greg Breeding, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp.

Peonies (Canada 2025)

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[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
This year’s annual Flower stamp issue features original photos of peonies in bloom

Perfect for wedding stationery and other celebratory announcements, this bestselling stamp issue is popular among Canadian gardeners.

OTTAWA – Laden with luxurious, delicately perfumed blossoms, peonies are perennial showstoppers. The elegant two hybrids featured on Canada Post’s latest stamp issue are ‘Cytherea’ and ‘Marie-Victorin’, both developed by Canadian-born horticulturists.

Named after the Greek goddess of love, ‘Cytherea’ is a cherry rose “semi-double” – meaning that it has two or more rows of petals. ‘Marie-Victorin’ is a symmetrical, globe-shaped flower composed of a single row of rounded, pale pink petals with purple-pink flares. It was named after the founder of the Montréal Botanical Garden.

Known for their showy blooms, peonies are popular perennials in many private and public ornamental gardens in Canada and around the world.

The images on the stamps were shot by Jeffery Ofori, a mail service courier with Canada Post, at the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa, which has more than 400 varieties of peonies in its collection. The stamps were designed by Stéphane Huot and cancelled in Ottawa. Printed by Lowe-Martin, the issue includes a booklet of 10 Permanent™ stamps and an Official First Day Cover (below).You
YouTube Video:


[en Francais pour les médias d’information]
Postes Canada présente son émission florale annuelle de timbres illustrés de photos originales de pivoines en fleurs

Parfaites pour les faire-part de mariage ou autres occasions, ces vignettes sont aussi très populaires auprès des adeptes de jardinage.

OTTAWA – Ornées d’opulentes fleurs, les pivoines sont de splendides vivaces au parfum délicat. Les deux élégantes hybrides en vedette dans cette émission sont les pivoines ‘Cytherea’ et ‘Marie-Victorin’, qui ont été créées par des spécialistes de l’horticulture du Canada.

Portant le nom de la déesse grecque de l’amour, la pivoine ‘Cytherea’ est une fleur semi-double rose cerise composée d’au moins deux rangées de pétales. Quant à la pivoine ‘Marie-Victorin’, elle est une fleur symétrique bombée composée d’une seule rangée de pétales arrondis rose pâle aux reflets rose mauve. Elle porte le nom du fondateur du Jardin botanique de Montréal.

Connues pour leurs fleurs éclatantes, les pivoines sont des vivaces populaires dans de nombreux jardins ornementaux privés et publics au Canada et dans le monde.

Les photos sur les timbres ont été prises par Jeffery Ofori, un courrier des services postaux de Postes Canada, à la Ferme expérimentale centrale à Ottawa, dont la collection compte plus de 400 variétés de pivoines. Les timbres ont été conçus par Stéphane Huot et oblitérés à Ottawa. Imprimée par Lowe-Martin, l’émission comprend un carnet de 10 timbres PermanentsMC au tarif du régime intérieur et un pli Premier Jour officiel.Vidéo sur YouTube:

Great American Stamp Show 2027: Albuquerque

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[press release]

The APS is pleased to announce the location of the 2027 Great American Stamp Show, unanimously approved by the APS Board: Albuquerque, New Mexico!

The 2027 show will be held August 19-22, 2027 at the Albuquerque Convention Center, located at 401 2nd Street NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Situated in the city’s downtown, the convention center is located just 10 minutes by car from the Albuquerque airport and about a 10 minute walk from the Alvarado Transportation Center.

“We’re excited to host our 2027 show in ‘the Land of Enchantment,’” said APS Director of Membership and Shows, Wendy Masorti. “Albuquerque, a city with a rich culture and history, is a new location for us, and we look forward to making this an impactful and experiential Great American Stamp Show.”

New Mexico’s most populous city and the ballooning capital of the world, Albuquerque is home to incredible natural landscapes; unique, world-class museums (like the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History and the Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum); a thriving local food and beverage scene; and countless filming locations from award-winning films and TV shows, including Lone Survivor and AMC’s Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul.

Thrill-seekers (and truly extreme philatelists) will find options for hot air balloon, helicopter, and even glider rides in the area, and should check out the city’s legendary Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway, the longest aerial tramway in the Americas and the second longest in the world.

And for those wanting to see more of New Mexico while in the area for GASS, APS Executive Director Scott English personally recommends taking the scenic train ride from the city to New Mexico’s capital, Santa Fe, and visit to the Palace of Governors, which is featured on a Liberty Issue stamp.

We hope to see you all at the Great American Stamp Show in 2027!

US Postal Chief: “It’s Time To Go”

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U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has notified the Postal Service Board of Governors that it should begin looking for his successor. In neither the USPS press release nor his letter to the Governors, was there an indication of when he will leave the post.

DeJoy became PMG in 2020. He is currently in his late 60s, and only 4 years into his “Delivering for America” Plan. “I am confident that with a period of dedicated focus preparing for this change, the Postal Service will be well positioned for future success under the new leadership,” he says in the press release.

D.A. Lux To Chair AFDCS’ Americover 2025

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[press release]
D.A. Lux of Texas will chair the American First Day Cover Society’s Convention Planning and Americover 2025 committees. He has attended nearly every Americover show in the past 15 years, often volunteering at the AFDCS booth.

Americover, which is both the organization’s annual celebration of first day covers as well as its convention, is now part of Great American Stamp Show (GASS), which this year will be held August 14-17 in Schaumburg, Illinois. It includes an exhibition of FDCs, a cachetmakers bourse, AFDCS meetings, seminars, and social events.

D.A. has been a member of the AFDCS and the American Philatelic Society — also a cosponsor of GASS —for more than 40 years. He didn’t attend his first stamp show, however, until TEXPEX in 2008. Three years later, he came to his first Americover and joined the Fred Sawyer North Texas Chapter of the AFDCS. He is currently Sawyer’s president. He was the 2024 recipient of the AFDCS’ Distinguished Service Award and is the society’s Chapter Coordinator.

His main collecting interest is the 1983 Brooklyn Bridge stamp and FDCs (Sc. 2041), which he has exhibited at Americover and other national shows. He also collects stamps and FDCs of the $2 Bobcat (Sc. 2482), the four 1937 territory issues (Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, Sc. 799-802), and the Chief Anderson stamp (Sc. 4879), as well as just the stamps of Thailand, and the FDCs of several cachetmakers.

He lives in Northern Texas with his wife, Dee. Before retirement, he was a Chief Electronics Technician in the U.S. Navy, including tours of duty on nuclear submarines.

In addition to holding Americover, the AFDCS also publishes its award-winning journal First Days six times a year as well as handbooks and catalogues; has a YouTube channel; promotes the collecting of both modern and “classic” issues and cachets, and exhibiting them; and offers awards for outstanding first day cover exhibits, the writing of serious FDC literature and the best FDC cachets of the past year.

For more information about the AFDCS, visit www.afdcs.org, e-mail afdcs@afdcs.org or write the AFDCS at Post Office Box 57, Somerset, Wis., 54025-0057.

Legendary Rock Band AC/DC (UK 2025)

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[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Legendary Rock Band AC/DC Celebrated with 12 Special StampsIssue date: 18 February

  • Stamps mark the 50th anniversary of AC/DC’s groundbreaking debut album, High Voltage
  • The main set of eight stamps features dynamic images of the band performing live, while an additional four stamps show the covers of some of their most successful and influential albums
  • The stamps and a range of collectible products are available to pre-order now at www.royalmail.com/acdc and by telephone on 03457 641641

Royal Mail is celebrating the legendary rock band AC/DC with a set of special stamps marking the 50th anniversary of their groundbreaking debut album, High Voltage.

The main set of eight stamps captures some of the band’s dynamic live performances over the last 50 years in venues across the world.

A further four stamps presented in a miniature sheet feature the covers of four iconic AC/DC studio albums: High Voltage – AC/DC’s debut album; Highway to Hell – their sixth studio album released in 1979; Back in Black – the biggest-selling rock album of all time, and Power Up – AC/DC’s triumphant return in 2020. The stamps in the miniature sheet are set against a striking design taken from their album Black Ice.

Formed in 1973, AC/DC have spent more than 50 years perfecting the art of stripping rock music back to its core elements. Led by the twin-guitar attack of Glasgow-born brothers, Malcolm and Angus Young, and with two of the greatest frontmen in history – Bon Scott (1974-1980) and subsequently Brian Johnson (1980 to present) – in their ranks, the band is responsible for the biggest-selling rock album of all time, 1980’s Back in Black – a record that defined the sound of hard rock for a long time to come.

Outside of the studio, AC/DC command a devoted following drawn to the band’s electrifying live shows: supercharged performances complete with outsized props and stadium-ready anthems that continue to set the bar for any self-respecting rock act. In their current incarnation, with Stevie Young standing in for his late uncle Malcolm, AC/DC remain fully charged.
AC/DC become the eighth music band to feature in a dedicated Royal Mail stamp issue – following on from: The Beatles, 2007; Pink Floyd, 2016; Queen, 2020; The Rolling Stones, 2022; Iron Maiden, 2023; Spice Girls, 2024; and The Who, 2024.

David Gold, Director of External Affairs and Policy said: “AC/DC is one of the most successful rock bands in the world. Over the past half century, they have recorded some of the best-known rock anthems and have given us Back in Black – the biggest-selling rock album of all time. These stamps capture a sample of their electrifying live performances, along with some of their most iconic album covers, and celebrate their significant contribution to the world of rock music.”

The stamps, and a range of collectible products, are available to pre-order now at www.royalmail.com/acdc and by telephone on 03457 641 641. A Presentation Pack including all 12 stamps is priced at £22.10. The stamps go on general sale from 18 February.

The rest of the individual stamp designs:

FDC Writing Award Nominations Sought

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[press release]
Nominations Open for FDC Writing Award
For Works Published In 2024

Nominations will be accepted through May 30, 2025, for the Philip H. Ward Award for Excellence in First Day Cover Literature, presented annually by the American First Day Cover Society. All works published in 2024 are eligible.

All articles and published in First Days, the AFDCS journal, are automatically considered. Other articles and works may be submitted to the Ward Award Committee chair, Mark Goodson, 315 East Dewey Street, Ellettsville, IN 47429-1901, bgdsn@comcast.net, either as clippings or .pdf scans of the material as published.

The award is presented each year at Americover, the annual convention of the AFDCS, which will be held August 14-17, as part of Great American Stamp Show 2025 in Schaumburg, Illinois. A complete list of past winners can be found at www.afdcs.net/Ward-Literature-Award

Past works honored by the AFDCS reflect a wide variety of sources, including journals of other organizations and books.

The award is named in honor of Philip H. Ward (1890-1963), the distinguished Philadelphia stamp collector, dealer and journalist who was a pioneer in the field of first day covers. The award was instituted by the AFDCS in 1964.

The American First Day Cover Society is a not-for-profit educational organization, established in 1955. In addition to First Days, the AFDCS also publishes handbooks and catalogues, and promotes the collecting of both modern and “classic” issues and cachets, as well as the exhibiting of FDCs.

For more information about the AFDCS, visit www.afdcs.org, e-mail afdcs@afdcs.org or write the AFDCS at Post Office Box 57, Somerset, WI 54025-0057.

Kouri Wins Lichtenstein Award

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[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]

The Collectors Club in New York has named the newest honoree of its Alfred F. Lichtenstein Memorial Award for Distinguished Service to Philately. He is Dr. Yamil H. Kouri Jr. of Sarasota, Fla. The award was announced at the club’s annual meeting in New York on Jan. 8, 2024.

This richly deserved honor reflects Kouri’s long list of accomplishments in philatelic exhibiting, writing and organizing, as well as his tireless work in recent years to broaden the appeal and reach of the hobby by leading the organization of Boston 2026 World Expo, next year’s once-a-decade international stamp show.

Kouri was a 2020 signatory of the Roll of Distinguished Philatelists and winner of the American Philatelic Society’s Luff Award, among numerous other awards. He is a numbered member of the Real Academia Hispánica de Filatelia, the highest honor in Spanish philately.

Born in Cuba, Kouri began collecting stamps during his childhood in Mexico and Puerto Rico, naturally focusing on the Spanish Caribbean area, particularly the history of its maritime mails. He has published over 200 articles in some 20 different philatelic journals, and his first book, The Postal History of Spanish New Orleans, appeared in 2004; it has since been followed by half a dozen other books and 10 specialist monographs, most recently Mails of the 1861-1867 European Intervention in Mexico (with Steve Walske), published in 2022. Kouri was also the editor of The Cuban Philatelist and other journals.

An active philatelic exhibitor since his teenage years, Kouri has garnered Large Gold and Gold medals at numerous international shows with a handful of different exhibits, culminating in the A.P.S. Champion of Champions award in 2019 for “The First Postal Issues of the Spanish Antilles (1855-1865).” Kouri is also an internationally accredited postal history judge and has presented at dozens of shows and conferences around the world.

His leadership positions have included vice-president of the A.P.S., chairman of the board of the Spellman Museum of Stamps and Postal History, and vice president of the Federación Interamericana de Filatelia (FIAF).

In his spare time, he keeps busy as an oncologist and hematologist in Sarasota, Fla. where he moved with his wife, Suzanne in 2022 after living in the Boston area for three decades. Their five children now range in age from 24 to 35.

Kouri expressed his gratitude for the recognition bestowed on him by the award and touched on the real rewards philately has brought him.

“The friendships I have in the hobby have enriched my life incredibly,” Kouri said. “I am incredibly grateful.”

Boston 2026 Names 3 U.S. Commissioners

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[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Boston 2026 U.S. Commissioners Named

Three regional U.S. commissioners have been announced by Boston 2026 World Expo to handle the transport and care of exhibits before, during and after the show.

Representing the East is Chris Lazaroff, a well-established first day cover creator and enthusiast since the 1980s. He has been instrumental in promoting all aspects of FDC collecting to philatelists worldwide and an active advocate of the cachet maker bourse nationally. Chris was appointed U.S. commissioner to the IBRA 2022 exhibition in Germany, WSC Exhibition Thailand 2023, EFIRO 2023 in Romania and to the upcoming Uruguay 2025 and Liberec 2025 exhibitions. Among the former American First Day Cover Society president‘s accomplishments was reaching his goal of attending U.S. first day ceremonies in all 50 states between 1982 and 2016.

The Central commissioner is Gregory Shoults, a well-known exhibitor whose single and multi-frame exhibits on various aspects of the Third Bureau Washington-Franklin coils have won top honors, making several appearances in the APS Champion of Champions over the past 15 years. Most recently he was the CAPEX 2022 U.S. commissioner in Toronto and earlier was appointed to Brasiliana 2013 in Rio de Janeiro. Greg has been the exhibits chair for the Garfield Perry March Party national stamp show in Cleveland, Ohio, for the past 10 years. He belongs to numerous philatelic organizations, holding positions in many of them.

Vesma Grinfelds of California will be in charge of exhibitors from the West. She was the prior U.S. Commissioner to Korea 2014, New York 2016, Jerusalem 2016, Prague 2018, Indonesia 2022, IBRA 2023, Bangkok 2023, Mare Balticum in Estonia 2024 and will continue the role for the upcoming PhilaKorea 2025. She is active in the Collectors Club of San Francisco, American Association of Philatelic Exhibitors (AAPE) and Rossica. For many years Vesma has been the Director of the AAPE Youth Champions of Champions competition held at GASS annually. She received the 2024 APS Kehr Award for service to guarantee the future of the hobby.

Overseeing the three will be Commissioner General Yamil Kouri and Deputy Commissioner General Dzintars Grinfelds.

Boston 2026 World Expo takes place May 23-30, 2026, at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. Full show details may be found at Boston2026.org and on Twitter and Facebook. Sign up to be added to the Boston 2026 email list and receive updates when available.