Postal History

On January 28, 1999, the USPS issued its first stamps to be cut in the shape of the image. The stamps were die-cut in the shape of Victorian Valentines.

On January 26, 1973, the USPS issued its first Love stamp. It was years before the next Love stamp was issued and even longer before the USPS officially declared it a series.

On January 23, 1986, the USPS issued its first commemorative booklet, which honored stamp collecting. Promoting the upcoming AMERIPEX, it was also a joint issue with Sweden that honored 100th anniversary of the American Philatelic Society.

On January 20, 1960, the US Post Office Department issued the first stamp in the American Credo Series. The stamps feature quotes from notable Americans, honoring “the ideals upon which America was founded.”

The first US Airmail coil stamp was issued on January 15, 1948, in Washington, DC. Only a few more coil stamps would be issued over the next 30 years, but the DC-4 SkyMaster would appear on more than a dozen postal items.

On January 12, 1983, Official Mail stamps were issued for the first time in 72 years. They were created to increase government postage accountability and remained in use until 2009.

On January 10, 1964, Mr. Zip first appeared in the selvage of a stamp sheet honoring Texas icon Sam Houston. Created to help promote the use of ZIP Codes, he appeared in the selvage of more than 350 stamp sheets over 20 years.

On January 9, 1963, the US Post Office issued its first definitive stamp to feature the US flag as its main subject, flying over the White House.  This began a long-running tradition of “flag over…” stamps. 

On January 3, 1911, America issued its first Postal Savings stamps. The Postal Savings System was established to serve small investors living in rural communities. Under the program, lower- and middle-income individuals were able to deposit funds at their local post office.