Stamp Collecting
Accomplishments in Space Issue
On September 29, 1967, the US Post Office issued its first attached pair of stamps to have a continuous design. Known as the “Space Twins,” the commemorated the 9th anniversary of NASA
First U.S. Combination-Process Coil
On September 2, 1988, the USPS issued its first coil stamp printed by two totally different procedures. The Honeybee stamp was lithographed and engraved.
Modern Imperforates
On July 20, 2012, the USPS issued the first of several modern stamps in imperforate press sheets, which caused quite a stir in the stamp world!
Opening of CIPEX
On May 17, 1947, doors opened on the Centenary International Philatelic Exhibition in New York City. It celebrated the 100th anniversary of America’s first postage stamps with reproductions of America’s first two stamps.
First U.S. Stamp Books
On April 18, 1900, the US Post Office issued its first stamp books. The books proved to be very popular with the general public and several post offices sold out of their supplies on the first day they were placed on sale.
Scarce Circus Souvenir Sheet
On December 10, 2014, the USPS issued the scarce $2 circus souvenir sheet. Issued in two formats, it sold out before it was even issued, and even scarcer errors were later discovered…
The 1916 5¢ Washington & Its Errors
On October 17, 1916, the US Post Office issued a 5¢ Washington stamp. The stamp had small changes from previous issues that went overlooked by collectors, so few were saved. Plus, this stamp spawned some famous errors…
Entirely Microprinted U.S. Stamp
On September 15, 1997, the USPS issued a stamp whose vignette consisted entirely of microprinting. The experimental printing technique was used to discourage and protect against counterfeiting.
U.S. #523 Color Error
US #523, the 1918 $2 orange-red Franklin error stamp, was first used on or around August 19, 1918. However, it would be two years before the error was discovered.