1950–1999 US Stamp Sets & Series

American Scenes

According to the USPS, the American Scenes series is a “colorful renderings of mountains, buttes, wetlands, and seascapes, set apart for nonprofit mail use.” This five-cent stamp was issued for use on bulk rate (third class) non-profit mail. It depicts a colorful butte scene and is the first entry in the new “American Scenes” series. … Read more

Nature of America

This series – which ended in 2010 – captures the unique beauty of America. Each sheet is an artistic masterpiece revealing nature’s majesty in a different geographic region of the U.S. Every semi-jumbo stamp has at least one identifiable plant or animal that is native to the environment being showcased. The stamps are laid out in … Read more

Priority and Express Mail

Priority Mail offers fast domestic package delivery – usually 1-3 days. Express Mail is the fastest service, with guaranteed next day delivery to most destinations. Originally, this stamp was issued for the USPS Express Mail Next Day service for packages up to two pounds. It became the costliest postage stamp in U.S. history, however, when … Read more

American Poets Series

Among the lesser known of all U.S. stamp series, the American Poets issues commemorate these masters. Masters was born in Garnett, Kansas. He wrote novels, poetry, plays, biography, and history. Masters is chiefly remembered for his “Spoon River Anthology,” a collection of 200 poems in free verse. Spoon River is an imaginary Midwestern village, and each poem … Read more

Classic Collections

In 1994, the USPS introduced the Classic Collections series. Each sheet in the series features 20 face-different designs. Broadly-defined Americana themes, exceptional artwork, a banner printed on the selvage of the sheet, and descriptive text on the back of each stamp made them a favorite with collectors. The series received a lot of publicity with the … Read more

Wildlife Conservation Series

Over a period of 22 years, the USPS issued stamps devoted to educating the public about the need to preserve our natural resources. U.S. #1077 was issued to emphasize the importance of wildlife conservation in America. It was the first of three stamps with a similar theme; each one showing a different species. This stamp showcases wild … Read more

American Culture Series

This 15¢ Automobile Tail Fin coil stamp, which features the fin of a 1959 Cadillac, met the need for the first-class, presort postcard rate. This stamp, along with the 25¢ Juke Box coil stamp, was the first edition of the new “American Culture” series. Bulk mailers were able to use the non-denominated stamp at various … Read more

Scenic American Landscapes

Introduced in 1993, the Scenic American Landscapes picture the “mountains, canyons, and swamps that comprise our country’s diverse and majestic terrain,” according to the USPS. Each stamp was issued to satisfy the International Rate applicable at the time of its release. This stamp was issued in 1999 to pay the international postage rate. It is the first stamp … Read more

Contemporary Christmas

Since their 1962 introduction, Christmas stamps have become a perennial favorite with the public. More recently, the USPS has issued traditional (religious-themed) designs as well as contemporary Christmas stamps.