Us mail stamps

The United States Postal Service (USPS) has a long history of issuing stamps to commemorate various events, people, and themes. Here are some interesting facts and examples of US Mail stamps:

1. First US Stamp: The first US stamp was issued in 1847, featuring a portrait of George Washington.
2. Commemorative Stamps: The USPS has issued thousands of commemorative stamps over the years, honoring events like the 100th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty (1986) and the 50th anniversary of the moon landing (2019).
3. Definitive Stamps: Definitive stamps are regular-issue stamps that feature a portrait or image of a notable American, such as Abraham Lincoln (1959) or Harriet Tubman (1978).
4. Postal Rate Increases: The USPS has increased the cost of stamps over the years to keep up with inflation and rising postal costs. The current cost of a first-class stamp is $0.55.
5. Specialty Stamps: The USPS has issued specialty stamps, such as:
   • Forever Stamps: These stamps are valid for first-class mail regardless of future rate increases.
   • Priority Mail Stamps: These stamps are used for Priority Mail services.
   • International Stamps: These stamps are used for international mail.
6. Error Stamps: Occasionally, the USPS has issued stamps with errors, such as misprinted dates or incorrect values. These error stamps can be valuable to collectors.
7. Collectible Stamps: Many US stamps are collectible due to their rarity, condition, or historical significance. Some popular collectible stamps include:
   • Inverted Jenny: A 1918 stamp featuring a biplane flying upside down, which was printed with the wrong orientation.
   • Cinderella Stamps: These are unofficial stamps that are not valid for postage but are still collectible.
8. Stamp Collecting: Stamp collecting, also known as philately, is a popular hobby worldwide. The USPS offers resources and tools for collectors, including a stamp catalog and online resources.

Some popular US Mail stamps include:

• American Flag: A series of stamps featuring the American flag, issued from 1940 to 1951.
• Presidents: A series of stamps featuring portraits of US presidents, issued from 1938 to 1963.
• Wildlife: A series of stamps featuring American wildlife, such as birds, mammals, and fish, issued from 1961 to 1974.
• Space Exploration: A series of stamps commemorating US space exploration, including the Apollo 11 moon landing (1969) and the Space Shuttle program (1981).

These are just a few examples of the many interesting and collectible US Mail stamps out there.