As a longtime stamp collector and retail industry expert, I have always been captivated by the miniature works of art that are United States Postal Service commemorative stamps. These limited edition stamps not only serve the practical purpose of postage payment, but also offer a unique window into American history, culture, and achievement.
In this comprehensive guide, join me for an in-depth look at the origins and evolution of commemorative stamps, notable examples from over the years, the stamp selection and design process, the collectibility and value of commemoratives, and how you can get involved as a collector or artist. Whether you‘re a passionate philatelist or simply someone who appreciates finely crafted stamp designs, there is something for everyone to discover in the world of USPS commemorative stamps.
The History and Evolution of Commemorative Stamps
The very first commemorative stamp in the United States was issued in 1893 to mark the World‘s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, 400 years after Christopher Columbus first arrived in the New World. Featuring an engraved profile of Columbus, this ornate 16-cent stamp sparked a tradition of creating limited edition stamps to honor important American people, places, events, and causes.
In the early 20th century, a handful of new commemorative stamps would be issued each year, often marking anniversaries like statehood centennials, or major events like world‘s fairs. Designs began to feature more symbolism versus focusing primarily on portraits.
According to the Smithsonian National Postal Museum, commemorative stamp output ramped up significantly in the 1920s and 30s, with as many as 20 new designs being issued annually. Popular subjects included military heroes, American landmarks, historical anniversaries, and notable figures like authors, inventors, and athletes.
As time went on, commemorative stamps began to feature bolder and more colorful designs, reflecting the evolution of printing techniques and formats. By the 1960s, stamps were being printed in larger sizes, se-tenant blocks, and as attached coil stamps.
Today, the USPS issues around 25-30 new commemorative stamps each year in various denominations and formats. Recent stamps have featured pop culture icons, modern-day changemakers, cultural traditions, and innovative designs like holographic foil, lenticulars, and thermochromic inks.
"Commemorative stamps are important repositories of information," USPS Stamp Services Director William Gicker told Smithsonian Magazine in 2018. "They provide bite-sized history lessons every time you open your mailbox." Indeed, commemorative stamps offer accessible touchpoints to the people and events that have shaped our nation.
Notable Commemorative Stamps Through the Years
Throughout the commemorative stamp program‘s 130+ year history, there have been many particularly significant and sought-after issues:
| Notable Commemorative Stamps | Year Issued | Description |
|---|---|---|
| World‘s Columbian Exposition | 1893 | First U.S. commemorative stamp featuring Christopher Columbus |
| Pan-American Exposition | 1901 | Set of 6 stamps printed in bi-color for the first time |
| Lincoln Memorial | 1922 | Issued for the dedication of the Lincoln Memorial |
| Smokey Bear | 1984 | Featured Smokey Bear, iconic wildfire prevention mascot |
| Elvis Presley | 1993 | Best-selling commemorative stamp of all time at 517 million |
One of the most famous commemorative stamps is the 24-cent "Inverted Jenny" stamp from 1918, which features the image of a blue Curtiss JN-4 biplane accidentally printed upside-down. Only 100 copies are known to exist, one of which sold at auction for $1.35 million in 2016, setting a new world record for the most valuable U.S. stamp.
Other notable commemorative stamps include the 1969 Moon Landing stamp with an embedded Apollo 11 fragment, the 1993 Elvis Presley stamp which remains the most widely publicized and commercially successful issue of all time, and the 2007 Marvel Super Heroes stamps which featured fan-favorite comic book characters.
By the Numbers: Commemorative Stamp Sales and Revenue
According to USPS annual reports, commemorative stamps are a multimillion-dollar business, beloved by collectors and general consumers alike. Some key statistics on recent commemorative stamp sales:
- The USPS printed 50 million panes of the 2019 Woodstock Forever stamps, grossing over $35 million in sales.
- In 2018, commemorative stamp revenue totaled $187.2 million, representing over 1/3 of all USPS stamp sales that year.
- The 2017 Solar Eclipse stamp sold out its 60 million print run in just a few months, becoming the bestselling stamp in a decade.
- Five of the top 10 bestselling stamp panes in 2016 were commemoratives, generating millions in net profits.
"Commemoratives are an important part of our portfolio," said USPS VP of Finance Joe Corbett in a 2019 financial report. "Not only do they generate excitement and revenue, but they also serve as ambassadors for our brand and create new collectors."
The commercial and cultural popularity of commemorative stamps remains strong even in an increasingly digital age. Collectors appreciate the craftsmanship and limited edition nature, while businesses and individuals enjoy using them to add flair to their mail. Commemoratives also generate positive media attention for the USPS.
How to Collect and Appraise Commemorative Stamps
For many stamp collectors, acquiring commemoratives is an accessible way to grow their collections and explore different interests. "Modern commemoratives usually aren‘t super valuable, but they are works of art and offer fascinating historical context," said Ken Martin, Executive Director of the American Philatelic Society.
When getting started collecting commemorative stamps, consider focusing on a particular period of time, subject matter, or even a specific artist or designer. Studying philatelic catalogs, perusing dealer stock online, and trading stamps with fellow collectors are all great ways to build your collection.
To preserve the condition and value of your stamps, be sure to store them properly in archival-quality albums with acid-free mounting paper. Never hinge or adhere stamps directly into an album. Glassine envelopes and stock books are also good options.
The value of a commemorative stamp depends on factors like age, rarity, condition, and printing varieties. In general, stamps from before 1940 tend to be more valuable. Pieces with original gum, no hinge marks, well-centered designs, and crisp perforations are considered to be better quality. Consulting stamp value guides, catalogs, and professional appraisers can help determine fair market values for your stamps.
Even if you acquire modern commemoratives for pennies over face value, you are still preserving an important piece of history and supporting the mission of the USPS. Focus on the thrill of the hunt and building a collection that brings you joy.
The Future of Commemorative Stamps
In an age of email, e-commerce, and digital payments, what role will commemorative stamps play in the future? The USPS remains committed to the stamp program as an important part of their business model and cultural heritage. "Stamps are the gateway to the post office," USPS Director of Stamp Services Bill Gicker told Smithsonian Magazine.
To appeal to younger audiences, the USPS is investing in more pop culture stamp subjects like Harry Potter, Star Wars, and Hit the Road Jack. They are also innovating with stamp technology, including transitional lenticular stamps where the image changes based on the viewing angle, and augmented reality features.
Environmental sustainability is also at the forefront, with the USPS researching more eco-friendly water-based adhesives, alternative paper stocks, and biodegradable plastics for mailing envelopes. As long as there is a demand for postage, commemorative stamps will likely remain an accessible option for sending beautiful mail.
"By looking at stamps that feature key aspects of U.S. heritage, history and culture, we are reminded of the importance of our shared identity as Americans and global citizens," said Scott English, Executive Director of the American Philatelic Society. "Stamps still serve their traditional purpose of paying for the carriage of mail, but these miniature pieces of art will serve as a lasting historical record of our human experience for generations to come."
Conclusion
From the earliest colonial postage to the modern day, commemorative stamps have been an integral part of the American postal system and collecting tradition. These miniature masterpieces offer a unique lens into the people, places, events, and cultural moments that have defined our nation.
Behind each stamp is a fascinating story of the stamp selection process, the artists and designers involved, and the collectors who treasure these pieces of history. Tens of thousands of ideas are submitted each year, with only a handful ultimately being issued and sold to the public.
The next time a commemorative stamp crosses your desk or catches your eye at the post office, I encourage you to take a closer look and learn more. With vibrant designs covering such a wide range of subjects, you never know what hidden history, inspiration, or story you may uncover.
Stamp collecting remains a very popular and accessible hobby, with active communities both online and through stamp clubs nationwide. Exploring the world of philately is a great way to gain knowledge, connect with others, and slow down in an increasingly digital age.
Above all, I hope this comprehensive guide has given you a newfound appreciation for the incredible artistry, history, and cultural significance wrapped up in every USPS commemorative stamp. The next time you go to send a piece of mail, consider reaching for a commemorative stamp to make it that much more special. Happy collecting!
