On average, the United States Postal Service (USPS) issues
approximately 25 to 30 new stamp subjects each year. This figure refers to
distinct stamp subjects or themes, such as commemorative issues honoring
historical events, cultural icons, or natural landmarks. Each subject may be
released in various formats or denominations, leading to a higher total number
of individual stamp designs annually. For instance, in 2023, the USPS issued
132 different stamps, including 80 commemoratives and 42 definitives. In stamp
collecting and postal terminology, a definitive stamp is a regular-issue
postage stamp intended for everyday use over an extended period. An example is
the American Flag.
In 2025, the USPS plans to continue this tradition with a
variety of new stamp releases. These include stamps commemorating the 250th
anniversaries of the U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, as well as stamps
featuring cultural icons and natural wonders.
To me the most interesting part of stamp collection is/are
First Day Covers. When the Post Office issues a new stamp, people like to put
the new stamp on an envelope and get it postmarked on the first day of issue. The
envelopes have usually been created to celebrate the occasion with special art
work and/or images. One of my favorite FDCs is shown below. I found the art
work delightful. If you are into stamp collecting please let me know in the
comments.
Click on the image for a better view.
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| The First Day Cover for the Celebrate stamp issued on March 25, 2011. This particular one was postmarked in Cleveland, Ohio And, yes, I do like the art work! 😊 |
Thanks for stopping by John's Island!
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I saw an interesting one the other day. I think it was Betty White. They issued one for her, didn't they?
ReplyDeleteThere is indeed a Betty White stamp. I've got the FDC and a mint stamp as well. Will see if I can find them and include in a future post. Thanks for the comment.
Delete...when I was in grade school a group pf us met each for our stamp club. Over time it morphed into just a club.
ReplyDeleteTom, Yes stamp collecting is often a hobby of youngsters and not too often for adults. My take on it is: Who has time to fool with stamps when you're trying to earn a living. I've gotten back in to it during retirement. Thanks for your comment.
DeleteSo many stamps … Somewhere in my files I have some international stamps on the theme Birds.
ReplyDeleteI've known a few stamp collectors. It is an admirable hobby. I wasn't familiar with the first day covers, so you have taught me something new!
ReplyDeleteYou have much information for someone like me who's had nothing to do with stamps.
ReplyDeleteJohn, the FDC above is a great one. FDCs however, will never beat your poems, my friend. Thank you for each one! They are special!
ReplyDeleteI received a card today from a friend with a very interesting stamp on it. She used a "Forever Stamp" but then added this one with a Yellow School Bus it says additional ounce under the bus. I thought it very unusual.
ReplyDeleteI collected stamps as a kid, probably more because my best friend at the time did than for any real interest. But I do hate when mail is just rubber stamped and there is no 'real' stamp. It feels wrong.
ReplyDeleteYou do have a way of highlighting the unusual and the interesting, John. I am always thrilled when I get an unused stamp depicting any aspect of nature, and I am keen to display them in ways meaningful to me. It’s amazing how many different countries feature the same animals or birds that have universal appeal (doves, for example), in addition to the unique flora and fauna of their territories. Some countries, (Bhutan, for example) have made a whole industry out of this, and have stamps for sale at the airport in Paro so visitors can stock up before leaving. I can only imagine how fascinating it would be to visit your house and have you give us a guided tour of all your treasures. We’d need to set aside a week or two! With my very best wishes - David
ReplyDeleteMy Dad had a stamp collection. I think my sister has it now. I will have to find out. I bet my grandsons would like a look at it...
ReplyDeleteThanks for reminding me!
I feel like I learned something interesting today, thanks John. I did a little bit of stamp collecting in the early 1970s, I miss those innocent, "no technology needed" days.
ReplyDeleteHi John,
ReplyDeleteI loved learning about how stamps work in your country.
The post office is used less and less here in Brazil.
Technology is taking the place of some institutions.
I find it a bit sad; I used to buy a lot of letter paper at the post office but I notice that it is becoming increasingly rare to find post offices in the big cities.
Have a good week ahead.
Janice.
This is such an interesting post about First Day Covers! I’ve always been fascinated by how these special envelopes capture a unique moment in postal history—the very first day a stamp is issued. They’re like tiny time capsules that tell stories about culture, heritage, and important events.
ReplyDeleteCollecting First Day Covers adds a whole new layer of meaning to stamp collecting, turning it into a deeper, more personal experience. The designs, cancellations, and themes make each cover a unique piece of art and history combined.
Thanks for sharing this insightful overview—I’m inspired to start paying more attention to First Day Covers in my own collection!
Writing letters was part of our life and this was our only way to see stamps dear John . My father would share little bit about the stamps if was curious to see something particular. I knew then that there were people in the world who love to stamp collection even in my country as well and I had learned that while listening interviews of different people belong in different professions I skills. In short I feel happy to learn more about the topic 😊👍🥰🙏
ReplyDelete