2026 New Issue Stamps

Keep your collection up to date with the 2026 new issue stamps from the US Postal Service. From continuing series to stamps commemorating important anniversaries, enjoy the artistry and storytelling that make stamps so special. We’ll keep adding more 2026 new issue options as we get them in stock, which may take a couple weeks after their issue date.

Read on to learn more about the latest stamps, or click here to shop the 2025-26 new issues now.

4-Cent Angel’s Trumpets – Friday, January 9, 2026

This 4-cent stamp follows the 2024 release of other Low-Denomination Flower stamps: the 1-cent Fringed Tulip, 2-cent Daffodils, 3-cent Peonies, 5-cent Red Tulips and 10-cent Poppies and Coneflowers. Low-denomination stamps are available in panes of 20 and coils of 10,000. To create these images, photographer Harold Davis backlit the flowers on a lightbox and combined multiple photographic exposures, resulting in a luminous, transparent look. Ethel Kessler, an art director for USPS, designed these stamps.

Love – Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Inspired by both mid-century American design and Japanese children’s book illustrations, James Yang created the art for this year’s Love stamps. His illustrations show pairs of stylized birds in a colorful world in which hearts appear, like love itself, in sweet and surprising ways. Ethel Kessler, an art director for USPS, designed the stamps.

Muhammed Ali – Thursday, January 15, 2026

Known as “The Greatest,” Muhammad Ali (1942-2016) was a three-time world heavyweight boxing champion. He challenged the best fighters in the world — and the world itself. As a boxer, activist, and humanitarian, he defied expectations to become a globally celebrated cultural icon. The stamps feature a 1974 Associated Press photo. The name “ALI,” alternating top to bottom, suggests aspects of his career: promotional posters, his legendary movement in the ring, and the chants that greeted him when he traveled the world. Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, designed the stamps.

Colorado Statehood – Saturday, January 24, 2026

In 2026, Colorado will be honored with a stamp for its 150th anniversary. Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and the awe-inspiring beauty of the Rocky Mountains, our 38th state joined the Union 100 years after the United States declared independence from the United Kingdom. The Colorado Statehood stamp features a photograph of Jagged Mountain, located in the Weminuche Wilderness area of the San Juan National Forest. Derry Noyes, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp with an existing photograph by Colorado nature photographer John Fielder (1950-2023).

Black Heritage: Phillis Wheatley – Thursday, January 29, 2026

The 49th Black Heritage stamp commemorates Phillis Wheatley (circa 1753-1784), the first author of African descent in the American Colonies to publish a book. As an enslaved woman with an education and prominent social connections, Wheatley occupied a unique and remarkable place in Colonial Boston, and she is often called “the mother of African American literature.” Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp with a portrait of Wheatley by internationally acclaimed artist Kerry James Marshall.

Lunar New Year: Year of the Horse – Tuesday, February 3, 2026

In 2026, USPS will honor the Year of the Horse with the seventh stamp in the current Lunar New Year Series. Lunar New Year — also referred to as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival — is one of the most widely celebrated cultural holidays in the world. Beginning in 2020, the Postal Service introduced its latest Lunar New Year Stamp Series, the third in the organization’s history. This collection features paper-cut masks by artist Camille Chew depicting each of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp using a photograph of the mask by Sally Andersen-Bruce.

Bruce Lee – Wednesday, February 18, 2026

As the first Asian leading man in American film, Chinese American martial artist, actor, and filmmaker Bruce Lee (1940-1973) captivated audiences with his skill, charisma, and screen presence and inspired generations of fans. The stamp artwork by Kam Mak features a painting of Lee executing his iconic flying kick. It is set against what Antonio Alcalá, the art director for USPS who designed the stamp, calls “a calligraphic yellow brushstroke,” a reference to the iconic yellow tracksuit Lee wore in Game of Death. On the right side of the stamp, BRUCE LEE and USA FOREVER are printed vertically and angled to appear as if Lee’s kick were breaking them in half.

Crab Nebula (Priority Mail) – Tuesday, February 24, 2026

This new Priority Mail stamp celebrates America’s continued exploration of deep space with a breathtaking image captured by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope. One of the most frequently observed celestial bodies, the Crab Nebula is one of the brightest remnants of an exploded star in the night sky. Located 6,500 light-years away in the constellation Taurus, Webb captured this new Crab Nebula image in vivid infrared detail revealing previously unseen features that contribute to our broader understanding of stellar life cycles. Greg Breeding, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp using a photo courtesy of NASA.

Galaxy Pair (Priority Mail Express) – Tuesday, February 24, 2026

This new Priority Mail Express stamp features another astounding image captured by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope. The stamp features a composite image from the Webb and Hubble Space Telescopes titled Galaxy Pair. It reveals a view of two interacting galaxies, IC 2163 and NGC 2207, located approximately 80 million light-years from Earth, offering a glimpse into the dynamic processes that shape our universe. Greg Breeding, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp, using a photo courtesy of NASA.

Harriet Powers – Saturday, February 28, 2026

Quiltmaker Harriet Powers (1837-1910), who learned to sew while enslaved on a plantation near Athens, GA, stitched works that are celebrated as masterpieces of American folk art and storytelling. Derry Noyes, an art director for USPS, designed the stamps and pane using details from Powers’s 1898 “Pictorial Quilt,” with its biblical scenes and depictions of local lore.

Lowriders – Friday, March 13, 2026

Low and slow: that’s the lowrider. Outfitted with smaller-than-factory wheels, a fancy paint job, and a special hydraulic system, these customized automobiles trace their roots to the 1940s-era working-class Mexican American/Chicano communities of the American Southwest. Five models grace the stamps: a blue 1946 Chevrolet Fleetline named Let the Good Times Roll/Soy Como Soy; a blue 1958 Chevrolet Impala named Eight Figures; a red 1963 Impala named El Rey; an orange 1964 Impala named the Golden Rose; and a green 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme named Pocket Change. The Gothic-style typography and the pinstriping on the stamps and pane evoke the detailed decoration that is a hallmark of the most celebrated lowrider cars. Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, designed the stamps using photographs by Philip Gordon and Humberto “Beto” Mendoza.

Sunflowers – Saturday, March 14, 2026

Available in booklets of 20, this issuance offers the public an attractive stamp for mail use and pays homage to the sunflower, prized by both gardeners and pollinators as a dependable source of nectar and seeds for birds, bees, and butterflies. Illustrator Nancy Stahl, who has created more than 40 stamp designs for the Postal Service, says she used as few colors as possible to enhance the brilliance of the sunflowers within the small frame of the stamp. Greg Breeding, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp using Stahl’s original digital art.

Figures of the American Revolution – Friday, April 10, 2026

Commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States, this pane pays tribute to 25 individuals whose ideas, leadership, and sacrifices were vital to achieving American independence and shaping the new nation. Representing a range of roles and perspectives, from political thinkers and military leaders to writers, diplomats, and everyday citizens, the honorees reflect the collective effort that defined the Revolution. Ethel Kessler, an art director for USPS, designed the pane, which features original artwork by 13 contemporary artists.

Happy Birthday – Saturday, April 18, 2026

For the first time since 2021, the Postal Service will issue a stamp designed especially for birthday invitations, cards, letters and packages. “I am excited that we are issuing new Happy Birthday stamps. Many customers have submitted ideas for occasion-specific stamps such as these and we are pleased to be able to fulfill this request from the public,” said Lisa Bobb-Semple, USPS stamp services director. Lisa Congdon designed the stamp using her own artwork. The project was art directed by Greg Breeding.

A Day at the Beach – Friday, April 24, 2026

For millions of Americans, the beach is the ultimate vacation. Derry Noyes, an art director for USPS, says these stamps were inspired by her annual summertime trips to beaches in New England. “These little snapshots are reminiscent of those experiences — a break from busy lives and demands throughout the year,” she says. Noyes was drawn to the vitality and “fresh, bold spontaneity” that Gregory Manchess brings to the oil paintings shown on the stamps. “He captures the essence of the subject, even at a very small scale,” she says. “Greg has managed to make these scenes instantly recognizable with just the right amount of visual information.”

Route 66 – Tuesday, May 5, 2026

With these stamps, the Postal Service celebrates the 100th anniversary of Route 66, the legendary highway that originally stretched about 2,400 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles. Dubbed “The Mother Road” by author John Steinbeck, Route 66 forever changed how Americans travel and became a symbol of freedom and adventure. The pane of 16 stamps includes photographs by David Schwartz from each of the eight states Route 66 passes through, with each one repeated twice. The selvage features a photo by Schwartz of the open road rolling through hills in Crookton, AZ, along the longest continuous drivable stretch of Route 66 in the state.

Bald Eagle: Hatchling to Adult – Thursday, May 14, 2026

Since the early days of the republic, these magnificent raptors have appeared on numerous stamps. For a new take on this American icon, the Postal Service will issue a pane of stamps featuring realistic illustrations of bald eagles at different stages of life. Derry Noyes, an art director for USPS, designed the stamps using original paintings by ornithologist and illustrator David Allen Sibley. “While the bald eagle is known to virtually all Americans as our national bird, few people know much about them,” says Sibley. “Showing the series of life stages in these stamps is a simple and visual way to emphasize that the familiar adult eagle has already lived through a series of transitional plumages, finding food, migrating, and surviving all of life’s challenges. I hope these stamps spark curiosity and a greater appreciation for the lives of eagles.”

Treasures of the Revolutionary Era – Saturday, May 23, 2026

To mark the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the US Postal Service presents this 20-stamp prestige booklet as part of a broader USPS initiative commemorating 250 years of American independence. Centered on 10 compelling objects from the era, the booklet offers a vivid connection to the symbols and stories that helped shape the United States. Reflecting the booklet’s focus on tangible history, the featured objects range from simple tools to powerful symbols of national purpose drawn from museum collections and historical archives. To complement the stamps, the booklet also includes images and background text that place each object in historical context, connecting everyday experiences to the larger forces at work during the Revolutionary era. Ethel Kessler, an art director for USPS, designed the booklet and stamps.

USPS Stamp Encore Issue – Sunday, May 24, 2026

To celebrate the US Postal Service’s 250th anniversary and gear up to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary, the USPS invited the public to help select a stamp pane from the past for reprinting as part of the 2026 stamp program. The postal service chose 25 stamp panes from some of its bestselling and most popular releases of the recent past. The Postal Service plans to announce the winning stamp design in May 2026 at the Boston 2026 World Expo philatelic show to coincide with America’s 250th anniversary celebrations. Until then, the results will be a secret.

American Bison – Monday, May 25, 2026

The buffalo’s epic story has played an enduring role in shaping America’s identity. Honoring our national mammal while saluting historic philately, this unique stamp features a contemporary photograph of a bison, inset with artwork evoking a 1923 stamp issued when the species was beginning to rebound from near extinction. Greg Breeding, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp using Tom Murphy’s existing photograph and artwork from the century-old stamp, now printed in intaglio.

Postcrossing – Tuesday, May 26, 2026

These stamps recognize Postcrossing for highlighting the fun of receiving real, personalized mail and promoting greater understanding across countries and cultures. Since 2005, Postcrossing has inspired more than 805,000 people in more than 200 countries and territories to send more than 85 million postcards to eager recipients around the world. These stamps may be used to send a postcard or letter from the United States to any country to which First-Class Mail International service is available. These stamps will have a postage value equivalent to the price of the single-piece First-Class Mail International first-ounce machinable letter at the time of use. Issued in panes of eight, these triangular stamps’ colorful illustrations by Jackson Gibbs playfully acknowledge the great distances postcards often need to travel and the efforts of the dedicated workers who help them reach their far-off destinations. Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, designed the stamps.

International Peace – Wednesday, May 27, 2026

Celebrating the goal of international peace, this stamp features a photograph of an origami crane — a global symbol of hope, peace, and healing. The crane was folded by artist and Peace Crane Project founder Sue DiCicco and photographed by Sally Andersen-Bruce. Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp.

North American Soccer – Thursday, May 28, 2026

Excitement is high as players and fans await the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The United States alone will host 76 World Cup matches in 11 locations, including the final match in New Jersey. Soccer has become especially popular with younger Americans, with millions playing at the youth level and more than 800,000 participating in high school, and our nation’s role as a host could again reshape the future of soccer in the United States. Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp.

American Icons – Tuesday, June 9, 2026

For nearly 60 years, Ralph Lauren has influenced American style with his enduring creative vision that is deeply rooted in the tapestry of American heritage, landscapes, cultures and artistry. A 2025 recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Lauren is a profound testament to the boundless possibilities of creativity, determination and the American dream. Born in 1939 in the Bronx NY, Mr. Lauren began his remarkable journey by selling his first line of neckties from a single drawer in the Empire State Building and subsequently built one of the most iconic global lifestyle brands in the world. Throughout his life, he has been dedicated to protecting America’s cultural traditions, most notably through his commitment to preserve and conserve the 1813 flag that inspired the nation’s national anthem and became the national symbol — “The Star-Spangled Banner” — for generations to come.

The American Icons stamp collection features 13 photographs selected from Ralph Lauren’s archive and from visuals that have inspired him and that reflect the unique fabric of the nation, representing freedom, independence, equality, opportunity and the pursuit of happiness. This marks the first time the Postal Service has invited an individual to curate a complete official USPS stamp issuance. The designs include:

• The American Flag, our standard for freedom, resilience, unity, and bravery.
• The Baseball Glove, used by Jackie Robinson is an enduring symbol of equality, teamwork, and perseverance.
• The Pickup Truck, worn and weathered, evokes the honesty of hard work.
• The Faithful Dog, always steadfast in loyalty and trust.
• The Empire State Building stands tall as a landmark of possibility and ingenuity.
• The Barn, forever a metaphor for utility, purpose, and community.
• The Diné (Navajo) Blanket, woven by Naiomi Glasses, celebrates the beauty of traditional artistry.
• The Teddy Bear represents compassion, kindness, and comfort.
• The Lighthouse shines as a beacon of guidance, hope, and optimism.
• The Hamburger, a centerpiece of the American family cookout and the celebrations that unite us.
• The Racing Sailboat captures the passionate energy of competition.
• The Horses, running wild, embody the spirit of independence and the freedom we all strive for.

In the center of the stamp pane, surrounded by blue denim and framed by the other 12 stamps, the 13th stamp shows a knit flag designed by Ralph Lauren.

U.S. Flag – Tuesday, June 9, 2026

Inspired by the artistry of the American Icons collection, the 2026 US Flag mail use stamp will feature a detailed photograph of a knitted interpretation of the US flag taken from Ralph Lauren’s iconic Flag Sweater. One of the most enduring and widely used stamp themes in the US postal system, it will be available in panes, booklets and coils in a smaller, definitive format for widespread mail use.

Summer Sunset – Thursday, June 25, 2026

Summer Sunset is a new nondenominated, nonprofit-price stamp intended for bulk mailings by authorized nonprofit organizations. The stamp features an oil painting of a sunset in Menemsha, a small fishing village in the town of Chilmark, MA, on Martha’s Vineyard by local artist Rachael Cassiani. “Sunsets are universally appealing,” said Derry Noyes, an art director for USPS who designed the stamp. “A postage stamp that celebrates looking out over a body of water at the end of a summer day seems to fit well for a nonprofit organization.” Summer Sunset will be sold in self-adhesive coils of 3,000 and 10,000.

Declaration of Independence – Saturday, July 4, 2026

As the nation marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the Postal Service pays tribute to the document that gave voice to America’s founding ideals. Designed and created by Juan Carlos Pagan, the stamp art features a typographic treatment of “1776,” the year the declaration was adopted. Each numeral takes the shape of a feather quill pen, a nod to the instruments used to sign the nation’s founding document. Pagan worked under the direction of Greg Breeding, an art director for USPS.

Barbie – Saturday, July 11, 2026

Created by Mattel Inc., a global play and family entertainment company, and introduced in 1959 as “The Original Teenage Fashion Model,” Barbie quickly became an icon and symbol of limitless possibilities for generations of children. During more than 65 years as a staple of imaginative childhood play, the best-selling doll of all time has represented more than 250 careers.

From surgeon to astronaut, paleontologist to soccer player, sign language teacher to music star, Barbie fans can dream big and explore a huge range of possibilities.

Ethel Kessler, an art director for USPS, collaborated with Mattel on the design of the stamps and pane. To best showcase the dolls and their career attire, the stamps employ a rarely used format, a third taller than the usual vertical commemorative stamp. Kessler says the team approached the project “with a spirit of fun,” using bright, energetic shades — predominantly the famous “Barbie Pink” — to evoke a feeling of joy.

Sarah Orne Jewett – TBA

The 35th stamp in the Literary Arts Series honors Sarah Orne Jewett (1849-1909), a lifelong resident of Maine and a foundational figure in American literary regionalism. Her strong female characters have led to a renewed interest in her work, which includes hundreds of short stories as well as novels, poetry, and essays. Ethel Kessler, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp using an original portrait of Jewett by Mark Summers, with the Maine coast as background, broken by a large ray of sunshine that evokes a scene from her best-known novel, “The Country of the Pointed Firs” (1896).

Squirrels & Chipmunks in Winter – TBA

This booklet of 20 stamps features three of winter’s most spirited small mammals: two eastern chipmunks, an eastern gray squirrel, and an American red squirrel. The designs capture the resourcefulness and adaptability that help these animals thrive when temperatures drop. From busy foragers to cozy hibernators, they remind us that winter can be full of charm. “When you see the booklet as a whole, the animals’ faces popping up from the snow has a playful effect,” explains Derry Noyes, an art director for USPS who designed the issuance. “The stamps are fun and uplifting. I hope they make people smile, especially in the heart of winter.”