
Commemorative US postage stamps have been a way to honor significant events, people, and cultural icons for over a century. The first commemorative stamp was issued in 1893 to celebrate the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago.
The first commemorative stamp was the 1893 Columbian Exposition stamp, which was designed by Charles R. Knight and featured a 3-cent denomination. This stamp was a groundbreaking issue, as it marked a shift towards more elaborate and artistic designs on US postage stamps.
Commemorative stamps have been issued to celebrate a wide range of topics, from historic anniversaries to cultural icons. They have become a popular collector's item, with many stamps featuring unique artwork and designs.
US Commemorative Stamps
US Commemorative Stamps have a long history, dating back to 1847 with the "Benjamin Franklin" stamp. This was the first commemorative stamp issued by the US Postal Service.
The US Commemorative Stamps are designed to honor significant events, people, and institutions in the US. The "Wright Brothers" stamp, issued in 1969, is a great example of this.
Over the years, the US Commemorative Stamps have become highly collectible and sought after by philatelists.
First National Stamps
These stamps were printed by the American Bank Note Company and included expensive denominations like the 1-dollar, 2-dollar, 3-dollar, 4-dollar, and 5-dollar stamps that didn't tie to any valid postal rates.
The Columbian series ultimately included sixteen stamps, with the 1-dollar, 2-dollar, 3-dollar, 4-dollar, and 5-dollar stamps being the ones that didn't serve a specific postal function.
The stamps were a marketing success, generating over $40 million in sales, with the entire set costing $16.34, or $353.60 in today's value.
The Columbian stamps were available for purchase only between January 2, 1893, and April 12, 1894, and were a key factor in drawing attention to the fair.
US Year Sets
The US Year Sets are a fantastic way to collect and showcase the commemorative stamps released by the USPS each year. The 2025 collection is particularly exciting, with over 30 issues to look forward to.
One of the highlights of the 2025 collection is the celebration of Native American culture, featuring original paintings of powwow dancers by Cochiti Pueblo artist Mateo Romero. The stamps are a dynamic collection that brings to life the craft and tradition of Native American culture.
The 2025 collection also includes a 48th stamp in the Black Heritage series, dedicated to Allen Toussaint in recognition of his outsize contribution to multiple genres of American music. This stamp is a great addition to the series, which has been a staple of the USPS's commemorative collections for years.
The 2025 collection features a wide range of subjects, from nature and wildlife to history and culture. The stamps are truly beautiful and thoughtful pieces of artwork, making them a great addition to any stamp collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use commemorative postage stamps?
Yes, commemorative postage stamps remain valid for use as postage. They don't need to be replaced or swapped out.
What is the best selling commemorative US stamp?
The best-selling U.S. commemorative stamp is the 29-cent Elvis Presley stamp, issued in 1993. This iconic stamp holds the record for the most sold U.S. commemorative stamp to date.
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