Sanitary Fair Stamps
On February 22, 1864, some of the first Sanitary Fair stamps were issued. These stamps raised millions of dollars in funds and supplies for the Civil War.
Stamp Series
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USS Maine Explodes – Ignites War
On February 15, 1898, the USS Maine mysteriously exploded in Havana Harbor, leading the US to declare war on Spain two months later. Special Revenue stamps depicting the Maine were produced to fund the Spanish-American War and the event had a significant impact on US postage stamps.
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Global Forever Series
On January 28, 2013, the USPS issued the first stamp in its Global Forever Series. These stamps were created to simplify sending international mail.
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Start of the Series of 1902-03
On November 18, 1902, the US Post Office issued the first stamp in the Series of 1902-03. Known as the Second Bureau Issue, it was the first series completely designed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and is recognized for its ornately detailed designs.
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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.
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First Traditional Christmas Stamp
On November 1, 1966, the US Post Office issued its first Traditional Christmas stamp, inspired by the popularity of the first Contemporary Christmas stamp four years earlier. By 1970, both stamp themes were so popular, the Post Office created two separate Christmas series that continue to this day.
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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.
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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.
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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).
