1950–1999 US Stamp Sets & Series

American Architecture Series

The first in the series, this block of four illustrates examples of early American architecture. Each of the buildings was selected for its enduring beauty, strength, and usefulness. Pictured are the Philadelphia Exchange, the Boston State House, the Baltimore Cathedral, and the Rotunda of the University of Virginia, which was designed by Thomas Jefferson.

American Folk Art

The American Folk Art series ran from 1977 to 1995. Folk Art is loosely defined as the art of the everyday, rooted in traditions that come from community and culture and expressing cultural identity by conveying shared community values and aesthetics. This set of four stamps commemorates the pottery skills of the Pueblo Indians of Arizona and New … Read more

American Arts

Over the course of its two year existence – 1973 to 1975 – seven stamps were added to the American Arts series. George Gershwin rose to fame on Broadway during the 1920s with musical comedies including Lady, Be Good; Tip-Toes; Oh, Kay!; Funny Face; and Girl Crazy. In Strike Up the Band, Of Thee I Sing, … Read more

Olympic Games

A new stamp series was unveiled in 1932, designed as a “spotlight on the sports, athletes, and host cities that carry the torch for global unity.” Olympic Games stamps quickly became collector favorites. The 1932 2¢ Winter Olympic Games stamp is the first U.S. stamp issued to commemorate the international competition. Voters chose U.S. #716 as … Read more

Lunar New Year Series

For the first time ever, the Postal Service issued a special stamp for the New Year in 1992. Printed in a new and experimental format; panes of 20 that are four-stamps-wide and five-stamps-deep, the stamp depicts a stylized rooster, referring to the Chinese year which began on January 23, 1993. Based on Chinese paper cut-outs, the … Read more

Artists Series

Entitled simply “Artists,” this series honors “painters and sculptors whose distinctive brush strokes and compositions made an indelible impression.” One of America’s leading artists, Georgia O’Keeffe is known for her sensitive, semi-abstract paintings derived from nature. Linked with the first generation of American modernists, her impressive career spanned the entire history of modern art. While much of … Read more

American Sports Personalities Series

Since its introduction in 1981, the American Sports Personalities series has honored “world-champion athletes and Hall of Famers who changed the game and won over hearts. Honors the great female athlete who set new Olympic and world records in the javelin throw and won more than 50 major golf tournaments. Zaharias made one of the … Read more

Hanukkah Series

Hanukkah is a celebration of a miracle that occurred at the Temple of Jerusalem in 165 B.C., when the Maccabees revolted against Syrian King Antiochus IV. The temple was reclaimed, but only enough purified oil was on hand to keep its light burning for one night. Yet the lamp burned for eight days, allowing the … Read more

Loony Tunes

Introduced in 1997, the Loony Tunes series showcases some of the most loved cartoon characters of all time.