{"id":18660,"date":"2024-11-29T14:35:24","date_gmt":"2024-11-29T19:35:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/?p=18660"},"modified":"2025-02-28T15:35:17","modified_gmt":"2025-02-28T20:35:17","slug":"priority-mail-express-us-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/?p=18660","title":{"rendered":"Star Cluster (Priority Mail Express) (US 2025)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>As predicted by <span style=\"color: #914c94;\"><strong>VSC<\/strong>,<\/span> the USPS announced a new Priority Mail stamp on December 16<sup>th<\/sup>:<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/s_starcluster.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-18704\" src=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/s_starcluster-300x237.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"237\" srcset=\"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/s_starcluster-300x237.png 300w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/s_starcluster-150x119.png 150w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/s_starcluster-379x300.png 379w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/s_starcluster.png 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><span style=\"color: #914c94;\">Featuring an image captured by NASA\u2019s James Webb Space Telescope, this stamp shows a star cluster approximately 1,000 light-years from Earth. Hidden within the cloud of celestial dust are floating brown dwarfs \u2014 objects too small to be stars but larger than most planets. Studying these brown dwarfs will help scientists explore how star-formation processes operate for very small masses. Greg Breeding, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp with an image provided by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the European Space Agency, the Canadian Space Agency, the Space Telescope Science Institute, Kevin Luhman (Penn State University) and Catarina Alves de Oliveira (European Space Agency). Upon favorable review by the Postal Regulatory Commission, the stamp will be denominated at the new Priority Mail Express Flat Rate Envelope rate.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>The stamp will be issued January 21 in Big Sky, Montana, with a &#8220;local ceremony.&#8221; Additional information will be posted below the line, with the most recent information at the top.<\/p>\n<hr width=\"50%\" \/>\n<p><span style=\"color: #914c94;\"><strong>Updated February 28<sup>th<\/sup>:<\/strong><\/span><br \/>\nThe Scott catalogue number for this issue is 5955.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #914c94;\"><strong>Updated January 17<sup>th<\/sup>:<\/strong><\/span><br \/>\nThe DCP postmark was revised due to an &#8220;artist correction.&#8221; The illustration in the next item has been replaced with the new version. The dimensions are the same.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #914c94;\"><strong>Updated January 13<sup>th<\/sup>:<\/strong><\/span><br \/>\nHere are the first-day postmarks for this issue:<a href=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/starcluster_dcp_vsc.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-18888\" src=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/starcluster_dcp_vsc.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1235\" height=\"837\" srcset=\"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/starcluster_dcp_vsc.png 1235w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/starcluster_dcp_vsc-300x203.png 300w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/starcluster_dcp_vsc-1024x694.png 1024w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/starcluster_dcp_vsc-150x102.png 150w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/starcluster_dcp_vsc-443x300.png 443w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1235px) 100vw, 1235px\" \/><\/a>The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.99&#8243; x 1.50&#8243;<a href=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/spiralgalaxy_bw_vsc.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-18866\" src=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/spiralgalaxy_bw_vsc.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1066\" height=\"309\" srcset=\"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/spiralgalaxy_bw_vsc.png 1066w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/spiralgalaxy_bw_vsc-300x87.png 300w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/spiralgalaxy_bw_vsc-1024x297.png 1024w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/spiralgalaxy_bw_vsc-150x43.png 150w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/spiralgalaxy_bw_vsc-500x145.png 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1066px) 100vw, 1066px\" \/><\/a>This is the standard &#8220;killerbar&#8221; postmark.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #914c94;\"><strong>Updated January 9<sup>th<\/sup>:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>On January 21, 2025, in Big Sky, MT, the United States Postal Service\u00ae will issue the $31.40 Star Cluster Priority Mail Express\u00ae stamp, in one design, in a pressure-sensitive <a href=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/s_starcluster.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-18704\" src=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/s_starcluster-300x237.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"237\" srcset=\"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/s_starcluster-300x237.png 300w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/s_starcluster-150x119.png 150w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/s_starcluster-379x300.png 379w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/s_starcluster.png 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>adhesive (PSA) pane of four stamps (Item 129400). This stamp will go on sale nationwide January 21, 2025, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.<\/p>\n<p>This new Priority Mail Express\u00ae stamp celebrates America\u2019s continued exploration of deep space with another remarkable image captured by NASA\u2019s James Webb Space Telescope. The stamp features star cluster IC 348, a formation approximately 1,000 light-years from Earth within the constellation Perseus. Hidden within the cloud of celestial dust are tiny, free-floating brown dwarfs \u2014 objects too small to be stars but larger than most planets. Studying these brown dwarfs will help scientists explore how star-formation processes operate for very small masses. Art director Greg Breeding designed the stamp with an image provided by NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), ESA (European Space Agency), CSA (Canadian Space Agency), STScI (Space Telescope Science Institute), Kevin Luhman (Penn State University), and Catarina Alves de Oliveira (ESA).<\/p>\n<p>No automatic distribution.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #914c94;\"><strong>How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:<\/strong><\/span><br \/>\nCustomers have 120 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office\u00ae or at The Postal Store\u00ae website at usps.com\/shop. They must affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the <a href=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/s_starcluster.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-18704\" src=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/s_starcluster-150x119.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"119\" srcset=\"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/s_starcluster-150x119.png 150w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/s_starcluster-300x237.png 300w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/s_starcluster-379x300.png 379w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/s_starcluster.png 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #914c94;\"><strong>FDOI \u2013 Star Cluster Stamp<br \/>\nUSPS Stamp Fulfillment Services<br \/>\n8300 NE Underground Drive, Suite 300<br \/>\nKansas City, MO 64144-9900<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service\u2122 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 21, 2025.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #914c94;\"><strong>Technical Specifications:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Issue: Star Cluster Stamp<br \/>\nItem Number: 129400<br \/>\nDenomination &amp;Type of Issue: $31.40 Priority Mail Express Rate<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/s_starcluster.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-18704\" src=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/s_starcluster-150x119.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"119\" srcset=\"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/s_starcluster-150x119.png 150w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/s_starcluster-300x237.png 300w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/s_starcluster-379x300.png 379w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/s_starcluster.png 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>Format: Pane of 4 (1 design)<br \/>\nSeries: N\/A<br \/>\nIssue Date &amp; City: January 21, 2025, Big Sky, MT 59716<br \/>\nArt Director: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA<br \/>\nDesigner: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA<br \/>\nExisting Photo: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, Kevin Luhman (PSU), Catarina Alves de Oliveira (ESA)<br \/>\nModeler: Sandra Lane \/ Michelle Finn<br \/>\nManufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/s_starcluster.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-18704\" src=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/s_starcluster-150x119.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"119\" srcset=\"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/s_starcluster-150x119.png 150w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/s_starcluster-300x237.png 300w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/s_starcluster-379x300.png 379w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/s_starcluster.png 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>Printer: Banknote Corporation of America<br \/>\nPress Type: Gallus RCS<br \/>\nStamps per Pane: 4<br \/>\nPrint Quantity: 600,000 stamps<br \/>\nPaper Type: Phosphor, Block Tag<br \/>\nAdhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive<br \/>\nColors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black<br \/>\nStamp Orientation: Horizontal<br \/>\nImage Area (w x h): 1.4200 x 1.0850 in. \/ 36.0680 x 27.5590 mm<br \/>\nOverall Size (w x h): 1.5600 x 1.2250 in. \/ 39.6240 x 31.1150 mm<br \/>\nFull Pane Size (w x h): 4.1200 x 3.4500 in. \/ 104.6480 x 87.6300 mm<br \/>\nPlate Size: 80 stamps per revolution<br \/>\nPlate Number: \u201cB\u201d followed by four (4) single digits<br \/>\nMarginal Markings:<br \/>\nFront: Plate number in two corners<br \/>\nBack: \u00a9 2024 USPS \u2022 USPS Logo \u2022 Four barcodes (129400) \u2022 Plate position diagram (10) \u2022 Promotional text<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As predicted by VSC, the USPS announced a new Priority Mail stamp on December 16th: Featuring an image captured by NASA\u2019s James Webb Space Telescope, this stamp shows a star cluster approximately 1,000 light-years from Earth. Hidden within the cloud &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/?p=18660\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[113],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-18660","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-us-2025"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18660","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=18660"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18660\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19043,"href":"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18660\/revisions\/19043"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=18660"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=18660"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=18660"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}