Washington-Franklin Series
On November 16, 1908, the first stamp in the Washington-Franklin Series was issued. A series that was meant to simplify postage, it resulted in 220 major and 99 minor stamp varieties over 13 years.
Postal History
First U.S. Se-Tenant
On November 9, 1964, the US Post Office issued its first se-tenant, which was also America’s third Christmas issue. Today, the USPS issues at least one se-tenant every year.
Mail During World War I
On November 2, 1917, the first class mail rate was raised from 2¢ to 3¢ to help cover the cost of the war effort. The extra 1¢ per ounce was charged as a war tax.
Start of the Americana Series
On October 31, 1975, the USPS issued the first stamp in the Americana Series. The patriotically themed stamps picture symbols of our nation as well as Revolution-era objects and buildings.
Microprinting in US Stamps
On October 22, 1992, the USPS issued its first stamps that incorporated microprinting in the design. These were also the first stamps to have microprinted text. Today, most US stamps include microprinting as a security feature.
America’s First Automated Post Office
On October 20, 1960, America’s first automated post office opened in Providence, Rhode Island. Issued that same day, this stamp was so popular it inspired the Post Office to continue producing stamps with postal themes.
National Defense Issue
On October 16, 1940, the US Post Office Department issued a set of three stamps to raise support for a strong national defense. Conceived and designed by President Roosevelt, more than 19 billion stamps were sold, more than any other US stamp series up to that time.
Start of the America Series
On October 12, 1989, the USPS issued the first stamp in the America Series. The stamp series was a collaboration between the 24 Western Hemisphere countries in the Postal Union of the Americas and Spain (PUAS).
First U.S.-China Joint Issue
On October 9, 1994, the USPS released its first joint-issue stamps with China. The stamps picture two different species of cranes – one from each country.