COLUMBUS, OH — The U.S. Postal Service today dedicated four Forever stamps celebrating dragons — the high-flying, fire-breathing mythological creatures that have roamed our imaginations for millennia — at the American Philatelic Society (APS) national summer convention and stamp show co-hosted by the American Topical Association in Columbus, OH.

“Just like the animals in legends and fairy tales, the brilliant Dragons stamps are a triumph of the imagination," said Joshua Colin, vice president, Area Operations, Eastern Area, U.S. Postal Service, who dedicated the stamps. “The APS national summer convention and stamp show is one of the premier stamp events in America and serves as an excellent platform to showcase these magnificent Dragons Forever stamps as they take flight today through the mail to millions of homes and businesses.”

Colin was joined to unveil the stamps by Scott English, executive director, American Philatelic Society; and Mary-Anne Penner, director, Stamp Services, U.S. Postal Service.

The stamps are being issued as a pane of 16 stamps, four of each design, showcasing a green fire-breathing dragon towering over a medieval-inspired castle; a purple dragon with orange wings and sharp black armor on its back snaking around a white castle; a black dragon with green wings and green armor on its back swooping past a ship on the sea; and a wingless orange dragon weaving its way around a pagoda.

The stamps feature digital illustrations created by artist Don Clark of Invisible Creature studio. Art director Greg Breeding designed the stamps. News of the stamps can be shared using the hashtag #DragonStamps.

Background

Throughout history and across the globe — from Europe to the Middle East to Asia to the Americas — people have enjoyed tales of mythological creatures such as the dragon. Though these legendary animals vary in shape, size and color, they’re most often described as lizard-like with four legs, sharp claws, scales, wings and spiky tails. The pane of 16 stamps features four colorful dragon sets against four unique backgrounds.

In the Far East, dragons are ubiquitous. The wingless orange dragon weaving its way around a pagoda is inspired by creatures found in Asian art, architecture, folk religion and ancient lore. The Chinese, in particular, have venerated the dragon for thousands of years.

European folklore inspired the dragons on two other stamps. The purple dragon with orange wings and sharp black armor on its back snakes around a white castle that evokes Camelot. The green fire-breathing dragon towers over a medieval-inspired castle. The fierce beasts have even become part of the identity of many countries.

Customers may purchase the Dragons Forever stamps at The Postal Store at usps.com/shop, by calling 800-STAMP-24 (800-782-6724) and at Post Office facilities nationwide. A variety of stamps and collectibles also are available at ebay.com/stamps.

Ordering First-Day-of-Issue Postmarks
Customers have 120 days to obtain first-day-of-issue postmarks by mail. They may purchase new stamps at local Post Office facilities, at The Postal Store usps.com/shop or by phone at
800-STAMP-24. They must affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes to themselves or others and place them in envelopes addressed to:

FDOI – Dragons Stamps
USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Suite 300
Kansas City, MO  64144-9900

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for postmarks up to a quantity of 50. For more than 50, customers are charged 5 cents each. All orders must be postmarked by Dec. 9, 2018.

Ordering First-Day Covers
The Postal Service also offers first-day covers for new stamps and stationery items postmarked with the official first-day-of-issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the USA Philatelic publication and online at usps.com/shop. Customers may register to receive a free USA Philatelic publication online at usps.com/philatelic.

Postal products are available for purchase at Post Office locations, mail order through USA Philatelic, the Postal Store at usps.com/shop or by toll-free phone order at 800-STAMP-24 (800-782-6724). Also, a variety of stamps and collectibles are available at ebay.com/stamps.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

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