Did
you know the National Postal Museum (NPM) has been called the “hidden
jewel” in the family of Smithsonian museums? It’s true! Hidden
because it’s off the Mall, on Capitol Hill. We collectors are so lucky
to have this fabulous museum dedicated to stamps and the hobby of stamp
collecting. I never get tired of visiting the NPM. I’m excited for its
reopening after COVID on August 27. As a collector, please plan a visit to the NPM, or go again if you’ve been.
When
the American Revolution began in 1775, Benjamin Franklin was the
obvious choice to take over the country’s mail system. That’s because
he was previously the Colonies’ postmaster general for the Crown. He
was appointed as America’s first-ever postmaster general on July 26, 1775. (We became the United States in 1776.)
As
Postmaster, Franklin was a dynamo – he standardized rates, surveyed
mail routes, slashed delivery times between major cities by half, and
more. He even donated his $1,000 salary to relief for wounded
Continental soldiers! Franklin’s work in taking over the
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mail system was rewarded in 1847 when he was pictured on the first official US postage stamp. He’s been honored on countless stamps over the years – even more than many former presidents…
Over
the years, there have been countless forgeries, counterfeits, and fakes
that have entered the stamp collecting world. Some people even went to
Federal prison for creating them!
Scott Catalogue defines
forgeries as “stamps produced to defraud collectors,” while
counterfeits are “to defraud stamp-issuing governments.” Counterfeit
stamps are listed in Scott Specialized Catalogue with a (CF--) designation.
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The
Skylab and its crew are to thank for many remarkable space discoveries.
The crew was able to observe the Sun, test human adaptability to
weightlessness, conduct experiments at microgravity, study a broad view
of Earth’s surface, and take full-spectrum photos of the Universe
outside of atmospheric distortion. They also studied the laws of nature
and the effects of weightlessness on plant and animal development.
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The Skylab is an extraordinary chapter in American space exploration. That’s why it’s been honored on multiple US stamps and covers. |
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In
honor of Lawrence Peter “Yogi” Berra, the USPS released a new
commemorative stamp. Art director Antonio Alcalá designed the stamp
with original art by Charles Chaisson. Chaisson first sketched the
image with graphite and pastel oil pencils and finished the design
digitally, adding highlights and more detail. Michael Doret created the
lettering for “Yogi Berra” in blue script underneath him.
Beloved by fans across the
country, Yogi Berra was one of the best and most celebrated MLB players
of his time. Between his baseball skills and famous “Yogi-isms,” his
memory will live on forever. There’ll never be another player quite
like him!
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#NW2111 |
NEW! 2021 Yogi Berra U.S. Stamp |
The United States has created lots of neat stamps using new and unusual printing methods in the modern era. Whether it be including holographic effects, foil accents, plastic instead of paper, and more, the stamps below are just a few examples of special techniques used. Take a look and see which ones your collection is still missing…
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First U.S. Scratch-and-Sniff Stamps |
Although scratch-and-sniff technology dates back to the 1960s, these Frozen Treats stamps were the first US issues to incorporate it. According to the USPS, “The aroma of the Frozen Treats Forever stamps will remind customers of the sweet scent of summer when mailing and receiving letters of love, friendship, party invitations, and other correspondence.” |
Today’s
the day in 1776 when the Second Continental Congress of the United
States officially ratified the Declaration of Independence. The meeting
was held in Independence Hall (then the Pennsylvania State House) and
led to the printing and distribution of copies to the public.
Without
the Declaration of Independence, the United States may never have
existed, and neither would our stamps. So on this July 4th, don’t
forget to pause for a moment during your celebrations and remember the
most important reason we still honor this holiday.
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US #120 |
Sought-After 1869 Declaration of Independence Pictorial |
Today is National Postage Stamp Day!
That’s because America’s first postage stamp was issued on July 1, 1847
– 174 years ago today. As America’s first postage stamp, the 1847 5¢
Franklin is famous throughout the world and in great demand among
collectors everywhere.
Of
all the US postage stamps issued over the years, US #1 is one stamp
every collector hopes of having. I dreamed of adding America’s first
stamp to my collection for many years. I’ll never forget the feeling I
had when that day finally came and I could call it my own.
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US #1 |
