2000–Present US Sets & Series

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

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

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.

Literary Arts Series

According to the USPS, “These skillful wordsmiths spun our favorite tales — and American history along with them.” The series began in 1979 and continues today. Steinbeck (1902-68) was born in Salinas, California, and based a great deal of his work in and around this area. His most famous novel, The Grapes of Wrath, won the … Read more

Black Heritage Series

In 1978, the U.S.P.S. introduced the Black Heritage Series. Today, it’s one of the longest-running and most popular U.S. stamp series. Harriet Tubman was born a slave in Bucktown, Maryland. Tubman escaped to Philadelphia in 1849 via the Underground Railroad, a network of Quakers and abolitionists. In a series of daring trips, Tubman helped lead members of … Read more

How to Identify the Stamps in the Flag Over City Series

Although stamps like the Flag Over City series may look alike at first glance, there are minor differences which make each stamp unique. Once you know what these differences are, identifying the stamps is a snap.