Stamp Series

1917 25¢ War Savings stamp, deep green, unwatermarked
December 1, 1917

War Savings Stamps Issued to Fund WWI

On December 1, 1917, first War Savings Stamp available for immediate use, WS1, was issued. In less than two years, more than $1.1 billion in stamps was sold.

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1965 4¢ Prominent Americans: Abraham Lincoln
November 19, 1965

Start of the Prominent Americans Series 

On November 19, 1965, the U.S. Post Office issued the first stamp in a new series honoring Prominent Americans. The series included several “firsts” and technological changes.

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1962 4¢ Wreathes and Candles
November 1, 1962

First U.S. Christmas Stamp 

On November 1, 1962, the US Post Office issued its first-ever Christmas stamp, starting a popular tradition that continues to this day.

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Bill Pickett error stamp picturing his brother Ben
October 18, 1994

Legends of the West Controversy

On October 18, 1994, the USPS issued a corrected Legends of the West stamp sheet after it was discovered they had made an error in their original design. It was one of the biggest stamp stories in years!

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1962 4¢ Project Mercury
October 7, 1891

Birth of Charles R. Chickering

Renowned stamp artist Charles Ransom Chickering was born on October 7, 1891, Easthampton Township, New Jersey.  During his 15 years at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, he designed 77 US stamp.

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1973 8¢ Rural America: Angus Cattle
October 5, 1973

Rural America Series

On October 5, 1973, the USPS issued the first of three stamps in the Rural America Series, which honored different aspects of rural life in America.

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1922 11c Hayes, blue, perf 11
October 4, 1922

Series of 1922-25

On October 4, 1922, the US Post Office issued the first stamp in Series of 1922-25. This would be the last stamp series printed by the flat plate press.

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1981 18¢ Babe Zaharias
September 22, 1981

American Sports Series

On September 22, 1981, the USPS inaugurated its Sports Series (sometimes called the American Sports Personalities Series), honoring some of America’s most notable athletes. 

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2000 10¢ Distinguished Americans: General Joseph W. Stilwell
August 24, 2000

Start of the Distinguished Americans Series 

On August 24, 2000, the USPS issued the first stamp in the Distinguished Americans Series. Over the course of more than two decades, the series has honored 20 Americans from all walks of life.

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