Mystic Stamp Learning Hub

Top Stories and Guides

Want to start collecting stamps? Want tips on maintaining your collection? Start here.

  • 2-Cent Reds Explained: Why Were So Many 2-Cent Stamps Printed in Red?

    When stamp collectors speak of “2¢ Reds,” they’re referring to a colorful chapter in American philatelic history that spans decades of commemorative issues. But why were so many 2-cent stamps printed in red? The answer lies in an international agreement that standardized stamp colors around the world.

    Read More
  • Cape of Good Hope Triangle Stamps: The World’s First Triangular Postage Stamps

    Few classic issues combine smart design, real colonial history, and collector appeal like the Cape of Good Hope triangle stamps. First released in 1853, these iconic triangles became the first triangular postage stamps in the world, and they remain some of the most recognizable stamps of the 19th century.

    Read More
  • Happy Birthday Stamps Make A Come Back in 2026

    The US Postal Service announced Tuesday, February 17, two new stamps to be released later in 2026: Happy Birthday and a nonprofit-price stamp featuring a summer sunset.

    Read More
  • Lunar New Year Stamps: A Collector’s Guide to USPS Chinese Zodiac Issues and Series

    The Lunar New Year is a major seasonal holiday observed across many Asian cultures and communities, marking the start of a new year on lunisolar calendars. The US Postal Service first recognized the Lunar New Year with the issuing of a stamp honoring the Year of the Rooster on December 30, 1992.

    Read More
  • The 2026 Winter Olympics

    The 2026 Winter Olympics begin on February 6th in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Athletes from around the world will compete across 16 disciplines, from alpine skiing and figure skating to the newest additions like ski mountaineering.

    Read More
  • Mint Stamps, Fresh From Sheet

    If you love stamps that look like they just came off the post office counter, Mint Stamp, Fresh From Sheet is a simple upgrade that makes a real difference. These stamps start out in full sheets, and we carefully separate them so you get a single stamp that still feels “fresh” and crisp—without the extra handling that many singles pick up over time.

    Read More
  • Skip the Paperwork and Build Your Collection Faster with AutoPay!

    It’s quicker and easier than ever to get your monthly club shipments. If you already charge shipments to your credit card, you know it makes life easier. But collecting is…

    Read More
  • Explore the History of Spaceflight with Stamps

    Collecting space-related stamps and coins is a fascinating way to explore the story of spaceflight around the world, from early rocket experiments and pioneering astronauts to satellites, moon landings, space stations, and deep-space missions. These stamps and coins feature dramatic artwork, detailed spacecraft designs, and major milestones in exploration, making them a favorite theme for collectors at every level.

    Read More
  • Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement on Stamps

    Martin Luther King Jr., born January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, GA, remains one of the most recognized leaders of the Civil Rights Movement. Collecting Martin Luther King Jr. and related Civil Rights stamps is one way to honor the people, communities, and sacrifices that shaped the struggle for equality in the US.

    Read More

This Day in History

Learn about the history of US stamps with a daily snapshot of this day in US stamp history.

  • February 20, 2026

    San-Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge

    On February 20, 1931, Congress approved the San-Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge project, setting in motion construction of a permanent crossing that would reshape travel across San Francisco Bay. That decision launched one of the most complex bridge systems ever attempted in the United States and created a transportation link that millions would rely on every year.
    Read More