First Commemorative-Sized Definitive Booklet Stamp
On March 29, 1985, the USPS issued its first definitive booklet stamp in the larger commemorative size. It was created for use in vending machines and to test the popularity of the format.
Stamp Collecting
Spay or Neuter Stamps
On September 20, 2002, the USPS issued the Spay or Neuter stamps in Denver, Colorado. The stamps had been the result of an extensive decade-long letter writing campaign.
First Phosphorescent U.S. Stamps
On August 1, 1963, the U.S. Post Office experimented with luminescent stamps for the first time, in an effort to speed up mail sorting and cancellation.
First U.S. Rotary Stamp
On June 30, 1914, the US issued its very first stamp printed on the rotary press, US #459. It’s also the only imperforate US rotary press coil. Just 21,000 were printed and they went unnoticed for three years.
First US Scratch-and-Sniff Stamps
On June 20, 2018, the USPS issued America’s first scratch-and-sniff stamps. Before they were issued, the stamps faced criticism from the American Lung Association…
Jefferson Counterfeits
On June 16, 1938, the post office issued a 3¢ Jefferson stamp, which was convincingly counterfeited. In fact, the counterfeits are more valuable than the genuine stamp, which rarely happens!
North American Wildlife Sheet
On June 13, 1987, the North American Wildlife sheet became the third US 50-stamp se-tenant. It was also the third stamp issue with a First Day ceremony outside of the US, in Canada.
World Stamp Show 2016
On May 28, 2016, the doors opened on America’s 11th International Stamp Exhibition, World Stamp Show 2016. It marked the show’s return to New York after 60 years.
Scarce Imperforate 1908 Lincoln Stamp
On March 30, 1908, the US Post Office issued an imperforate 5¢ Lincoln stamp that nearly went unnoticed by collectors. It was never intended for public sale and could have been lost to time if not for a group of quick-acting collectors.