Ronnei To Coordinate AFDCS Exhibiting

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[press release]
Ronnei To Coordinate Exhibit Efforts for FDC Society

The American First Day Cover Society has chosen Todd Ronnei, a gold-medal exhibitor himself, to coordinate its exhibiting programs and promote FDC exhibiting.

Ronnei was awarded the Reserve Grand and a Large Gold medal for his U.S. Winston Churchill (Sc. 1264) exhibit at the AFDCS’s Americover 2018 and at Minnesota Stamp Expo in 2018. [One of the covers is shown below.] He has a number of other FDC exhibits, including the 1967 Urban Planning stamp (Sc. 1333) and 1970 Fort Snelling stamp (Sc. 1409), and is the Exhibit Chair for Minnesota Stamp Expo, a World Series of Philately show.

Ronnei and his family live in a Minneapolis suburb. He has been the AFDCS.org webmaster for a number of years and also served on its board of directors, five years as its chairman.

The AFDCS presents unique awards in special categories at its Americover shows, created by Kerry Heffner, and Randy Smith distributes a general AFDCS award to shows upon request. “Todd will pull together these efforts, while adding others and encouraging more FDC collectors to try their hand at exhibiting,” said AFDCS president Lloyd A. de Vries.

The AFDCS, a 501(c)(3) educational not-for-profit organization, also recently reorganized its Education Department and is putting more emphasis on those programs.

The society publishes its award-winning journal First Days six times a year, as well as handbooks and directories, and is a co-sponsor of the big U.S. summer philatelic event, Great American Stamp Show (Aug. 12-15 in the Chicago area) or its equivalent virtual show.

For more information on the AFDCS, visit its website www.afdcs.org, email afdcs@afdcs.org or write to the society at Post Office Box 246, Colonial Beach, VA 22443-0246.

Todd Ronnei’s Winston Churchill exhibit can be seen here.

2021 U.S. Postal Rates

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Effective as of January 9th.

Product
Letters (1 oz.)
Letters (metered 1 oz.)
Letters additional ounce(s)
Domestic Postcards
Flats (1 oz.)
International Letters		 Prices
58 cents
53 cents
20 cents
40 cents
$1.16
$1.30

Priority Mail:

Product
Small Flat-Rate Box
Medium Flat-Rate Box
Large Flat-Rate Box
APO/FPO Large Flat-Rate Box
Regular Flat-Rate Envelope
Legal Flat-Rate Envelope
Padded Flat-Rate Envelope		 Prices
$9.45
$16.10
$21.50
$20.00
$8.95
$9.25
$9.65

Express Mail:

Product
Flat-Rate Envelope
Legal Flat-Rate Envelope
Padded Flat-Rate Envelope		 Prices
$26.95
$27.10
$27.50

“The Postal Service has some of the lowest letter-mail postage rates in the industrialized world and continues to offer a great value in shipping. Unlike some other shippers, the Postal Service does not add surcharges for fuel, residential delivery or regular Saturday delivery.

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

U.S. Adds 3 to Stamp Advisory Panel

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[press release]
New Members Appointed to Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service announced the appointment of three members to the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC).

Created in 1957, the CSAC selects subjects for recommendation as future stamp issues, made with all postal customers in mind, including stamp collectors. Committee members, appointed by the Postmaster General, provide expertise on history, science and technology, art, education, sports and other subjects of public interest.

The new members are:

Kevin Butterfield
Dr. Kevin Butterfield is the executive director of the Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington at Mount Vernon, the premier center for the study of our first president. In his role, Butterfield oversees Mount Vernon’s efforts to safeguard original Washington books and manuscripts, while fostering new scholarly research about George Washington and the Founding Era. He is the author of “The Making of Tocqueville’s America: Law and Association in the Early United States” and a historian of the post-Revolutionary United States.

Prior to joining the Fred W. Smith National Library, Butterfield was a tenured Associate Professor of Classics and Letters at the University of Oklahoma, where he taught early American history for eight years and directed a program for the study of the U.S. Constitution.

Dr. Butterfield received a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Missouri, a Master of Arts in History from the College of William and Mary, and a doctoral degree in History from Washington University in St. Louis.

Joseph Kelley
Dr. Joseph L. Kelley is a gynecologic oncologist and Professor Emeritus in Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh. He is recognized as an accomplished clinician, surgeon, educator, researcher and administrator. Under his tenure as director, the gynecologic oncology division at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) became a top-ranked program. He is board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology. Kelley has additional expertise in the management of breast cancer and allied diseases.

Dr. Kelley has authored or co-authored over 150 articles, abstracts, and book chapters and has been recognized annually as one of Pittsburgh’s Top Doctors since 1996.

Dr. Kelley earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Colgate University, a Master of Science in Physiology from Rutgers University, and a Medical Degree from St. Louis University. His post-graduate training included a residency at the Magee-Womens Hospital and a fellowship at the MD Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas. He was a faculty member of the department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine from 1991 until his recent retirement. Kelley now serves on the board of directors of Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC.

Roger Ream
Roger R. Ream is president and CEO of the Fund for American Studies (TFAS), an educational organization founded in 1967 to prepare young people for leadership. During his tenure, TFAS has expanded its educational programs to four continents.

Prior to joining TFAS, Mr. Ream was a founding staff member and vice president at Citizens for a Sound Economy, served as special assistant to two members of Congress and was a senior staff member at the Foundation for Economic Education.

Mr. Ream also serves on the boards of Donor’s Capital Fund, the U.S. Air Force Academy Foundation, and the International Freedom Educational Foundation.

Mr. Ream received a Bachelor of Arts from Vanderbilt University.

Submitting Stamp Suggestions
Due to the time required for research and approval in the stamp selection process, ideas for stamp subjects should be received at least three years prior to the proposed issuance. Each submission should include pertinent historical information and important dates associated with the subject. Proposals must be in writing and submitted by U.S. Mail. No in-person appeals, phone calls or e-mails are accepted. Mail your suggestion (one topic per letter) to the address below:

Stamp Development
Attn: Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee
475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 3300
Washington, DC 20260-3501

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

2021 U.S. Inauguration Postmarks

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Here are the two postmarks available: The pictorial measures 2.68″x1.25″. Also available: The dimensions were not given, but the standard “killerbar” postmark is approximately 3.25″x1.00.

The address to send cancellation requests for these is:

USPS SFS Cancellation Services – Presidential Inauguration
8300 NE Underground Drive, Ste 300
Kansas City, MO 64144-9900

From the USPS: “Please be sure to include cancellation instructions for your request so we are sure of which postmark you would prefer. As always, the first 50 cancellations are free, if you have more than 50 cancellations there will be a fee of 5¢ per cancel assessed.”

Black History: Pioneering Settlements (Canada 2021)

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From Details philatelic catalogue, mid-January:

Issue date January 22, 2021
Willow Grove, NB, and Amber Valley, AB

Settlers faced immense challenges forging a new life in the rugged Canadian wilderness. But few were as harsh as those endured by many early Black settlers who fled the United States in the early 19th and early 20th centuries to escape the cruelty of enslavement and racial discrimination.

These stamps – the 13th issue in our Black History Month series – tell the stories of two Black communities nearly one hundred years and thousands of kilometres apart. Both rose from hardship to survive and grow for a time and served as stepping stones for the success of future generations of Black Canadians.

In 1817, a group of Black refugees from the War of 1812 – most of them formerly enslaved – founded the tiny settlement of Willow Grove, New Brunswick. They received licences to live on land that turned out to be of poor farming quality, and when they tried to support themselves temporarily in nearby Saint John, they were met with racist restrictions.

Nearly a century later, Amber Valley, Alberta, was established by 30 Black families who had journeyed from the American South to flee the escalating violence and segregation laws. They faced many of the same challenges as Willow Grove: bone-chilling winters, inhospitable land and the racial discrimination they had hoped to leave behind. Through perseverance and hard work, both communities overcame many obstacles. They actively challenged racial discrimination and built schools, churches and other community organizations. Amber Valley became a vibrant community whose baseball team was famous throughout the province, while the opening of Willow Grove Baptist Church in 1878 anchored the growing community of Willow Grove.

Although their populations eventually declined as subsequent generations pursued education and employment elsewhere, there is no doubt that these Black settlers and their descendants have enriched Canada’s economic and social fabric.

Designed by Lara Minja of Lime Design Inc. and illustrated by Rick Jacobson, this issue features depictions based on archival photos of community members, maps of the two locations and images of the seafaring ship and covered wagons that carried the settlers to their new homes.

Post-issuance press release, added January 27th:

[press release]
Early communities honoured in 13th Black History Month series
Stamps tell of the struggle and strength of two Black Canadian settlements

SAINT JOHN, NB and ATHABASCA, AB – The challenges faced by two waves of Black immigrants from the United States in the early 19th and early 20th centuries come to light in a pair of stamps issued this month by Canada Post. These stamps – the 13th issue in our Black History Month series – celebrate the hope and perseverance of the Black pioneers who founded Willow Grove, New Brunswick, and Amber Valley, Alberta.

About the Communities
Willow Grove was founded in 1817 by Black refugees. Most had been enslaved African Americans who were offered their freedom and land in exchange for supporting the British in the War of 1812. They were issued licences to live on land that turned out to be of poor farming quality and received little assistance. When they tried to support themselves temporarily in nearby Saint John, they were met with racist restrictions. But the residents fought for their rights and formed a thriving community.

The Black settlers who founded Amber Valley around 1910 had journeyed from the American south to escape escalating violenceand segregation laws. Seeking a better life for their families, they carved a living from the dense bush and muskeg but continued to endure ongoing racial discrimination, including government measures that prevented other people of African descent from settling in Canada. The residents, however, were determined to succeed, and the community they built flourished.

Although separated by nearly a hundred years, the two communities experienced similar hardships and triumphs, and both served as stepping stones for the success of future generations of Black Canadians.

About the Stamps
Designed by Lara Minja of Lime Design Inc. and illustrated by Rick Jacobson, these stamps feature illustrations based on archivalphotos of community members, maps showing the location of each settlement, and images of the different means of transportation that carried the pioneers to their new life in Canada.

Printed by Lowe-Martin, this issue includes a booklet of 10 Permanent™ stamps featuring both designs and two Official First Day Covers – one for each stamp.

Stamps and collectibles are available at canadapost.ca/shop.

[en Francais]
Hommage aux premières communautés dans le 13e volet de la série consacrée au Mois de l’histoire des Noirs
Les timbres illustrent le courage de deux groupes d’immigrants noirs au Canada

SAINT JOHN, NB et ATHABASCA, AB, le 27 janv. 2021 /CNW/ – Les difficultés auxquelles ont fait face deux groupes d’immigrants noirs en provenance des États-Unis au début du 19e et du 20e siècle sont illustrées sur une paire de timbres émis ce mois-ci par Postes Canada. Le 13e volet de la série sur le Mois de l’histoire des Noirs rend hommage à l’espoir et à la persévérance des pionniers noirs qui ont fondé Willow Grove, au Nouveau-Brunswick, et Amber Valley, en Alberta.

À propos des communautés
Willow Grove est fondée en 1817 par des réfugiés noirs. La plupart d’entre eux sont d’anciens esclaves afro-américains à qui on offre la liberté et des terres pour avoir combattu les Britanniques pendant la guerre de 1812. Ils reçoivent des permis pour vivre, avec peu de soutien, sur des terres qui s’avèrent peu cultivables. Lorsqu’ils tentent de subvenir temporairement à leurs besoins à Saint John, qui se trouve à proximité, ils se heurtent à des restrictions racistes. Mais les résidants défendent leurs droits et forment une communauté florissante.

Les pionniers noirs qui ont fondé Amber Valley vers 1910 atteignent le Nord après avoir échappé aux lois racistes et à la violence du sud des États-Unis. Remplis d’espoir pour leur famille, ils parviennent à gagner leur vie au cœur d’une végétation dense et marécageuse, mais continuent à subir une discrimination raciale, notamment les mesures gouvernementales qui empêchent d’autres personnes d’origine africaine de s’établir au Canada. Grâce à la persévérance et au travail acharné de ses résidants, Amber Valley devient toutefois une communauté florissante.

Malgré le siècle qui les sépare, les deux communautés surmontent des obstacles et remportent des victoires similaires, et contribuent toutes les deux au succès des Canadiens noirs des générations futures.

À propos des timbres
Conçus par Lara Minja, de Lime Design inc., et illustrés par Rick Jacobson, ces timbres s’appuient sur des photos d’archive des membres des deux communautés, sur des cartes de leurs emplacements respectifs et sur des images des différents moyens de transport utilisés par les pionniers pour voyager vers leur nouvelle vie au Canada.
Imprimée par Lowe-Martin, cette série comprend un carnet de 10 timbres PermanentsMC de chaque motif et deux plis Premier Jour officiels, un pour chaque vignette.

Les timbres et les articles de collection sont disponibles en ligne à postescanada.ca/achat.

N’hésitez pas à utiliser les images, les entrevues et les renseignements qui se trouvent dans nos courtes vidéos pour les médias sociaux (Willow Grove, Amber Valley), la publication En détail et le Magazine de Postes Canada.

Canada’s 2021 Stamp Programme

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Pre-New Year’s Overview story is here.

Updated November 22nd, subject to change. Canada Post announced in late September that “other stamps originally slated for release in September will now be issued later this fall.” Not all of the information here is confirmed by Canada Post.

January 15
January 22
February 16
March 1
March 7
April 8
April 15
April 22
April 29
June 7
June 29
July 21
September 20
Oct 8
October 14
October 19
October 20
October 21
October 29
November 1
November 1
November 8
November 18
November 25		 Lunar New Year
Black History Settlements
Snow Mammals
Crabapple Blossoms
Concordia University of Edmonton env.
Junos awards anniversary
Discovery of Insulin
Eid
Legends of Canadian Ballet
Prime Minister John Turner
Schooner Bluenose
Stan Rogers
Community Foundation
Editorial Cartoonists
Christopher Plummer
Diwali
Royal Canadian Horse Artillery env.
Valour Road WWI Heroes
Remembrance Poppy
Christmas Angels
Christmas Characters
Hanukkah
Buffy Sainte-Marie
Margaret Atwood

Canada Post’s 2022 stamp programme preview

Britain’s Strengths, Accomplishments (UK 2021)

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[press release]
ROYAL MAIL REVEALS IMAGES OF SPECIAL STAMPS THAT CELEBRATE THE UNITED KINGDOM’S STRENGTHS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

    • Four stamps celebrate some of the United Kingdom’s greatest strengths and accomplishments
    • Sporting achievement, technological innovation, creative industries and a strong sense of community spirit are all represented
    • The four stamps are printed within a miniature sheet in a colourful interpretation of the Union Flag
    • Royal Mail has a rich history of celebrating national accomplishments with issues such as: British Explorers; Women of Distinction; Eminent Britons; British Humanitarians; Great Britons; and Inventive Britain
    • The stamps will be on general sale on 26 January 2021
    • The full set of four stamps, available in a Presentation Pack, retails at £6.00
      They will be available at www.royalmail.com/ukacelebration, by phone on 03457 641641 and 7,000 Post Offices across the UK

Royal Mail today reveals images of four Special Stamps to be issued in celebration of the United Kingdom’s greatest strengths and accomplishments. The stamps explore just some of the ways in which Britain leads the way. From sporting achievement to technological innovation, and from creative excellence to our strong sense of community spirit, the UK excels in a host of different ways. The four stamps are printed within a miniature sheet in a colourful interpretation of the Union Flag.

Sport:
Britain is a proud and passionate sporting nation. It is the birthplace of football and cricket, and, in 1948, hosted the first organised competition for disabled athletes. The UK has also produced 10 Formula 1 champions – more than any other country.

Industry and Innovation:
Elsewhere, in the fields of science and technology, Britain stands tall. For example, DNA fingerprinting was perfected in the UK and Britain played a central role in the sequencing of the first draft of the human genome. The UK is a leading light in the digital technology sector, which contributes around £149 billion per year to the economy. The country is also a world leading centre for financial services.

Creative industries:
In the creative industries too, the UK is a world leader. Britain is renowned for the originality and quality of its contemporary music, with the music industry worth around £5.2 billion annually. The UK has also become one of the world’s leading centres for film and TV production. In the sphere of architecture, cities around the world are being reshaped by British architects. And in the field of literature, British writers are world-renowned.

Community spirit:
Equally as significant is the UK’s long-held sense of community spirit. British people have often come together in celebration, in remembrance and also in hope during times of uncertainty. Indeed, street parties, parades and celebrations for royal anniversaries, major sporting occasions and other national and local events have characterised the British way of life for centuries.

Royal Mail has a rich history of celebrating national accomplishments with issues such as: British Explorers; Women of Distinction; Eminent Britons; British Humanitarians; Great Britons; and Inventive Britain.

Philip Parker, Royal Mail, said: “There are so many great things about the UK, not least our contribution to the wider world. This stamp issue pays tribute to just a few of the things for which the UK is best known – sporting achievement, technological innovation, creative industries and a strong sense of community spirit. These colourful stamps are a celebration of these islands and the people who call them home”.

The stamps will be on sale from 26 January 2021. The full set of four stamps, available in a Presentation Pack, retails at £6.00 and will be available at www.royalmail.com/ukacelebration, by phone on 03457 641 641 and in 7,000 Post Offices across the UK.

Technical Details:
Number of stamps: 4
Value of Stamps: 2 x 1st
2 x £1.70
Design: hat-trick design
Acknowledgements: background image – illustration of Union flag by hat-trick design; Great Sport stamp – wheelchair athlete composite image © David Madison/Getty Images and © Image Source/Getty Images; cricket ball © Bootzilla/Getty Images; playing football © Sumetee Theesungnern/EyeEm/Getty Images; racing car © CAIA Image/Science Photo Library; Great Community stamp – Virgin London Marathon 2011 © Oli Scarff/Getty Images; hands making heart shape © martin-dm/Getty Images; nurse reassuring patient © Science Photo Library; rainbow illustration by Daisy James © Royal Mail Group Limited 2021; Great Industry and Innovation stamp – 3D illustration rendering of binary code © MR.Cole_Photographer/Getty Images; carbon fibre material © DaveAlan/Getty Images; 3D illustration of DNA molecules © Design Cells/Getty Images; London skyline composite image © Gary Yeowell/Getty Images and © Davy Larkins/EyeEm/Getty Images; Great Creativity stamp – microphone stand silhouette © ilbusca/Getty Images; office building glass façade © Musketeer/Getty Images; book pages, photograph by Joe Howat © Royal Mail Group Limited 2021; TV studio composite image © AskinTulayOver/Getty Images and © rasslava/Getty Images
Stamp Format: landscape
Stamp Size: 60mm x 30mm
Printer: International Security Printers
Print Process: Lithography
Perforations: 14.5 x 14.5
Phosphor: All over
Gum: PVA

Federal Duck Stamp (U.S. 2021)

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The design of the 2021-22 stamp will not be released until the date of issue. However, a version was in the USPS Postal Bulletin:Updated August 2nd:
Here are the Scott catalogue numbers for this issue:
RW88, and RW88A for the souvenir sheet of 1

Updated June 20th:
Here is the first-day cancel:It measures 3.3″ x 1.1″

Updated June 3 from the Postal Bulletin:
On June 25, 2021, in Spanish Fort, AL, the U.S. Department of the Interior will issue the $25 Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation stamp for the 2021–2022 waterfowl hunting season. The pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) stamp will go on sale nationwide June 25, 2021, and is valid through June 30, 2022.

No distribution at all of Item 336600, 2021–2022 $25.00 Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, PSA Pane of 20. It will only be available through Stamp Fulfillment Services and Amplex Corporation.

Technical Specifications (pane of 1):

Issue: Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp
Item Number: 336500
Denomination &Type of Issue: $25.00, Special
Format: Pane of 1 (1 design)
Series: Federal Duck
Issue Date & City: June 25, 2021, Spanish Fort, AL 36527
Art Director: Suzanne Fellows, FWS
Artist: Richard Clifton
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Flexographic, Offset, Microprint “FWS”
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Pane: 1
Print Quantity: 2,406,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Invisible Fluorescent
Stamp Orientation: Horizontal
Image Area (w x h): 1.762 x 1.289 in./44.755 x 32.741 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 1.89 x 1.417 in./48.006 x 35.992 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 6.125 x 2.625 in./155.575 x 66.675 mm
Plate Size: 36 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: N/A
Marginal Markings:
Front: Selvage Text: 2021–2022 Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp • U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service • Celebrate Our Waterfowl and Hunting Heritage • informative text • Artist: Richard Clifton, Lesser Scaup© • If applicable, sign your stamp.
Back: Verso-text • Ordering information • Barcode • U.S. Department of the Interior logo • U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service logo

Technical Specifications (pane of 20):

Issue: Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp
Item Number: 336600
Denomination & Type of Issue: $25.00, Special
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: Federal Duck
Issue Date & City: June 25, 2021, Spanish Fort, AL 36527
Art Director: Suzanne Fellows, FWS
Artist: Richard Clifton
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Flexographic, Offset, Microprint “FWS”
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 60,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Invisible Fluorescent
Stamp Orientation: Horizontal
Image Area (w x h): 1.762 x 1.289 in./44.755 x 32.741 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 1.89 x 1.417 in./48.006 x 35.992 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 8.25 x 8.25 in./209.55 x 209.55 mm
Plate Size: 180 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “P” followed by five (5) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Selvage Text: “Artist: Richard Clifton” (4 positions) • “Department of the Interior 20 x $25.00” (2 positions) • Silhouetted Image of duck printed in Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Invisible Fluorescent (2 positions) • Plate number (4 positions)
Back: Verso-text behind each stamp • Barcodes (4 positions)Updated May 20th:
The Fish & Wildlife Service tells The Virtual Stamp Club the stamp will be issued Friday, June 25th, with a first-day city of Spanish Fort, Alabama. A first-day ceremony may or may not be held; plans are still “fluid.”

From earlier:

[press release; no picture available]
Delaware Artist Richard Clifton Wins 2020 Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest
Federal Duck Stamp Supports Wildlife Conservation

After two days of competition, Richard Clifton of Milford, Delaware, emerged as the winner of the 2020 Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest with his painting of a single lesser scaup drake. The announcement was made via live stream at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters in Falls Church, Virginia.

Clifton’s acrylic painting will be made into the 2021-2022 Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, or “Duck Stamp”, which will go on sale in late June 2021. The Service produces the Federal Duck Stamp, which sells for $25 and raises approximately $40 million in sales each year. These funds support critical conservation to protect wetland habitats in the National Wildlife Refuge System for the benefit of wildlife and the enjoyment of people.

This year, the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, chaired by U.S. Secretary of the Interior David L. Bernhardt, approved the allocation of more than $48 million from the fund, made up partly of Duck Stamp dollars, to support the acquisition of lands from willing sellers for the Refuge System. The new areas provide additional access to the public to some of the most spectacular places available for hunting, fishing, birdwatching, hiking and other outdoor activities.

“Hunters and anglers are the backbone of American conservation, and the Duck Stamp is one of the many ways they contribute to conserving America’s waterfowl and wetlands throughout the country,” said Secretary Bernhardt. “I encourage everyone, including those who do not hunt, to buy a Duck Stamp as it makes a real impact in conserving wildlife species and wetlands habitat.”

Since it was first established in 1934, sales of the Duck Stamp to hunters, bird watchers, outdoor enthusiasts and collectors have raised more than $1 billion to conserve over six million acres of habitat for birds and other wildlife and provide countless opportunities for hunting and other wildlife-oriented recreation on our public lands.

“For more than 80 years, millions of waterfowl hunters have made a difference in protecting our nation’s birds and their habitats,” said Aurelia Skipwith, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “The Trump Administration has prioritized protecting our wildlife and their habitats and provided access to some of the most spectacular places available for hunting, fishing, birdwatching, hiking and other outdoor activities.”

Waterfowl hunters age 16 and older are required to purchase and carry the current Federal Duck Stamp. Many non-hunters, including birdwatchers, conservationists, stamp collectors and others also purchase the stamp in support of habitat conservation. Additionally, a current Federal Duck Stamp can be used for free admission to any national wildlife refuge that charges an entry fee.

This is Clifton’s second Federal Duck Stamp Contest win. His art previously appeared on the 2007-2008 Federal Duck Stamp.

In addition to Clifton, James Hautman of Chaska, Minnesota, placed second with his acrylic painting of a flock of lesser scaup, and Joseph Hautman of Plymouth, Minnesota, took third place with his acrylic painting of a flock of lesser scaup.

This 2020 contest now has a permanent theme of “celebrating our waterfowl hunting heritage” and it will be mandatory that each entry include an appropriate waterfowl hunting scene and/or accessory. Of 138 entries submitted to this year’s competition, seven entries made it to the final round of judging. Eligible species for this year’s Federal Duck Stamp Contest were the gadwall, brant, cinnamon teal, lesser scaup and red-breasted merganser. View the online gallery of the 2020 Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest entries.

The judges for this year’s Federal Duck Stamp Contest were: Donnie Satchell, conservation partner and artist; Jane Lawson, conservation partner and artist; Eric Morris, conservation partner; Scott Penegar, artist; and Paul Wait, conservation partner.

“The Duck Stamp is one of the most successful conservation programs ever created. I am so proud to be a part of this annual tradition that combines the best of talented artwork from around the country with habitat conservation,” said Jerome Ford, Assistant Director for the Service’s Migratory Bird Program. “As the only federally regulated and sponsored art contest, competing artists offer their time and talent to capture the beauty of waterfowl and the tradition of waterfowl hunting.”

You can contribute to conservation and America’s great outdoors tradition by buying Federal Duck Stamps at many national wildlife refuges, sporting goods stores and other retailers, through the U.S. Postal Service, or online at http://www.fws.gov/birds/get-involved/duck-stamp/buy-duck-stamp.php.

Mallard Postcard (U.S. 2021)

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Announced on January 15th:

This new stamped card for 2021 features an illustration of a mallard drake (Anas platyrhynchos) from preexisting artwork by illustrator and designer Dugald Stermer (1936-2011). The full-body, left-facing profile was created in pencil and watercolor. Art director Ethel Kessler designed the stamped card.

Additional information will appear below the line, with the latest at the top

Updated July 5th:
Here are the Scott catalogue numbers for this issue:
UX648 36¢ postal card
UY55 (36¢+ 36¢) Mallard Duck paid reply postal card

Updated May 28th:
There is only one first-day postmark available for this issue, other than the Circular Date Stamp (CDS):No specific size is given by Cancellation Services, but the “Killer Bar” FDOI postmark usually measures about 3.25″ x by 1″. The CDS (the “dial” portion of this postmark) is about 1-inch in diameter.

Updated May 7th:
On June 1, 2021, in Fargo, ND, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Mallard Forever® stamped card priced at 40 cents (36-cent postage plus 4-cent surcharge) in one design. These stamped cards will go on sale nationwide June 1, 2021, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

The Postal Service™ issues a new stamped card for 2021 featuring an illustration of a mallard drake (Anas platyrhynchos) from pre-existing artwork by famed illustrator and designer Dugald Stermer (1936–2011). The full-body, left-facing profile was created in pencil and watercolor. Art director Ethel Kessler designed the stamped card.

The Mallard stamped card will be available in the following formats:

  • Single-cut cards (Item 250600).
  • Double-reply cards (Item 250700).
  • Sheet of 40 cards (Item 250800).

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 – Mallard Stamped Card
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 October 1, 2021.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Mallard Stamped Card
Item Number: 250600
Denomination & Type of Issue: Forever Stamped Card Rate
Format: Single-cut Card
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: June 1, 2021, Fargo, ND 58102
Art Director: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Designer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Existing Art: Dugald Stermer
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Heidelberg Speedmaster
Print Quantity: 3,480,000 stamped cards
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: N/A
Stamp Orientation: Horizontal
Card Size (w x h): 5.5 x 3.5 in./139.70 x 88.90 mm
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
Plate Size: 40 cards per revolution
Plate Number: N/A
Marginal Markings: ©2021 USPS, Recycling logo

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Mallard Stamped Card
Item Number: 250700
Denomination & Type of Issue: Forever Stamped Card Rate
Format: Double-reply Card
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: June 1, 2021, Fargo, ND 58102
Art Director: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Designer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Existing Art: Dugald Stermer
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Heidelberg Speedmaster
Print Quantity: 50,000 Double-cut Cards
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: N/A
Stamp Orientation: Horizontal
Card Size (w x h): 5.5 x 7.0 in./139.70 x 177.80 mm
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
Plate Size: 20 cards per revolution
Plate Number: N/A
Marginal Markings: ©2021 USPS, Recycling logo

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Mallard Stamped Card
Item Number: 250800
Denomination & Type of Issue: Forever Stamped Card Rate
Format: Sheet of 40 Cards
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: June 1, 2021, Fargo, ND 58102
Art Director: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Designer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Existing Art: Dugald Stermer
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Heidelberg Speedmaster
Print Quantity: 1,000 sheets of 40 cards
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: N/A
Stamp Orientation: Horizontal
Card Size (w x h): 5.5 x 3.5 in./139.70 x 88.90 mm
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
Plate Size: 40 cards per revolution
Plate Number: N/A
Marginal Markings: ©2021 USPS, Recycling logo

Updated April 30th:
In reply to an inquiry from The Virtual Stamp Club, the USPS says this will be issued as a single card, a double reply card, and in sheets of 40.

Updated March 17th:
This postcard will be issued June 1. The first day city is Fargo, ND, but no ceremony will be held.

Tap Dance (U.S. 2021)

Posted on by

Announced on January 15th:

Celebrating tap dancing as a uniquely American contribution to world dance, these five stamps feature photographs of different tap dancers performing against brightly colored backgrounds that highlight their form and movement. Art director Ethel Kessler designed the stamps with photographs by Matthew Murphy.

These stamps will be issued July 10th with a ceremony in New York City. The issue date had previously been reported as July 8th. 

Additional information will appear below the line, with the latest at the top

Updated August 2nd:
Here are the Scott catalogue numbers for this issue:

5609 Max Pollak (buff “TAP”)
a. Imperforate
5610 Michela Marino Lerman (rose “TAP”)
a. Imperforate
5611 Derick Grant (greenish blue “TAP”)
a. Imperforate
5612 Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards (light blue “TAP”)
a. Imperforate
5613 Ayodele Casel (bister “TAP”)
a. Imperforate
b. Horiz. strip of 5, #5609-5613
c. Imperforate horiz. strip of 5, #5609a-5613a

Updated June 17th:
Here are the postmarks for this issue: The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.69″ x 1.25″ The B&W Pictorial Postmark measures 2.74″ x 1.31″

Updated June 3rd from the Postal Bulletin:
On July 10, 2021, in New York, NY, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Tap Dance stamps (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in five designs, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 480900). These stamps will go on sale nationwide July 10, 2021, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue. The Tap Dance commemorative pane of 20 stamps may not be split and the stamps may not be sold individually.

With these stamps, the Postal Service™ celebrates tap dancing as a uniquely American contribution to world dance. The five stamps each feature a photograph of a different tap dancer performing his or her craft against a brightly colored background that highlights the dancer’s form and movement. Art director Ethel Kessler designed the stamps with photographs by Matthew Murphy.

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 – Tap Dance 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 November 10, 2021.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Tap Dance Stamps
Item Number: 480900
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (5 designs)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: July 10, 2021, New York, NY 10199
Art Director: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Designer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Photographer: Matthew Murphy, New York, NY
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd (APU)
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 18,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Custom Spot Grey
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 8.35 in. / 150.368 x 212.09 mm
Press Sheets Size (w x h): 11.84 x 25.30 in. / 300.736 x 642.62 mm
Plate Size: 240 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “P” followed by four (4) single digits in two corners
Marginal Markings:
Front: Header: TAP • Plate number in bottom two corners
©2021 USPS • USPS logo • 2 barcodes (480900) • Plate position diagram (6) • Promotional text

Updated February 20th:
As reported below by VSC member Arthur von Reyn, “An article by Lisa Traiger in the February 18, 2021 issue of Dance Magazine indicates these stamps will be issued July 8, 2021, during the New York City Tap Festival.” You can read the article here.