2000–Present US Sets & Series

American Scientists

According to the USPS, the American Scientists Series commemorates “great researchers whose explorations into tiny molecules and grand galaxies shifted the paradigms of science.” After World War II, von Neumann worked to develop large scale, high-speed electronic computers with stored programs. His design of the IAS computer – the von Neumann Architecture – became the model … Read more

American Design Series

The USPS introduced the American Design series in 2002. In it, “form meets function in works of decorative art: Chippendale chairs, toleware coffeepots, and banjo clocks. The first in the American Design Series, the American Toleware coil stamp shows traditional Pennsylvania folk art hand painted on a tin coffeepot. Toleware was also seen on the 1979 … Read more

Traditional Christmas Series

The fifth U.S. Christmas stamp (and first traditional design) illustrates the “Madonna and Child With Angels” by painter Hans Memling, which hangs in the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.

Legends of Hollywood

In 1995, the USPS introduced a new stamp series honoring “famous Golden-Age film stars whose performances electrified the big screen and enamored the public.” Monroe starred in such box office hits as Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Some Like It Hot, and The Seven Year Itch. Not content to be seen as merely a typical blonde however, she … Read more

Art of Disney Series

In 2004, a new U.S. stamp series debuted that featured the art of Walt Disney Studios. It was a marriage of childhood memories and much sought-after artwork – all rolled into very affordable collectibles. While some critics dismissed the stamps as crass commercialism, it’s clear the designs capture the magic of Disney.

World War II 50th Anniversary

World War II was one of the most significant events of the 20th century. The U.S. Postal Service began planning for the war’s 50th anniversary in 1985. It wanted to honor the key events of the war effort as well as the various aspects of national endeavor that contributed to Allied victory. But how to … Read more

Distinguished Americans

Introduced in 2000, this stamp series honors U.S. citizens who have “left their mark on the American conscience.” Honored on the first Distinguished Americans series stamp is General Joseph W. Stilwell (1883-1946). A 1904 graduate of the United States Military Academy, Stilwell was sent to Burma in 1942 to assist Chinese and British troops who were defending … Read more

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