© 2011 USPS
On June 1, 2012, in McLean, Virginia, the Postal Service™ will issue a Four Flags First-Class Mail® stamp (Forever® priced at 45 cents), in four designs in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) booklet of 10 stamps (Item 688300).
The stamps will go on sale June 1, 2012.
Previously issued Four Flags stamps include the following:
n PSA Booklet of 20 Stamps (Item 688100).
n PSA Coil of 100 Stamps (Item 788700).
Stamp distribution offices (SDOs)/stamp distribution centers (SDCs) will not make a subsequent automatic distribution to Post Offices of this stamp issue. Post Offices requiring quantities of Item 688300 must requisition them from their designated SDO/SDC using PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition/Stamp Return. SDOs requiring these stamps must order them from the appropriate SDC using PS Form 17. SDOs must not distribute this stamp to Post Offices before May 18, 2012.
All Post Offices should maintain a sufficient inventory level of this item until the stamp is officially withdrawn from sale. If supplies run low, Post Offices must reorder additional quantities using their normal ordering procedures.
Customers have 60 days to obtain the first day of issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office™, at The Postal Store® website at www.usps.com/shop, or by calling 800-STAMP-24. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:
Four Flags Stamp
McLean West Branch
1544 Springhill Road
McLean, VA 22102-9998
After applying the first day of issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by August 1, 2012.
The Postal Service also offers first day covers for new stamp issues and Postal Service stationery items postmarked with the official first day of issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic Catalog, online at www.usps.com/shop or by calling 800-782-6724. Customers may request a free catalog by calling 800-782-6724 or writing to:
U.S. Postal Service
Catalog Request
PO Box 219014
Kansas City, MO 64121-9014
There is one philatelic product available for this stamp issue:
n 688363*, First Day Cover Set of 4, $3.56.
Items with an asterisk (*) will use the 128 barcode from Stamp Fulfillment Services. All other philatelic products will continue to use barcode series A, with the exception of the Yearbook and the Guide Book.
Issue:
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Four Flags
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Item Number:
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688300
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Denomination & Type of Issue:
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First-Class Mail Forever
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Format:
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Booklet of 10 (4 designs)
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Series:
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N/A
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Issue Date & City:
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June 1, 2012, McLean, VA 22101, Stamp Exhibition (NAPEX)
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Designer:
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Howard E. Paine, Delaplane, VA
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Typographer:
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Howard E. Paine, Delaplane, VA
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Artist:
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Arnold C. Holeywell
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Engraver:
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WRE
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Modeler:
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Avery Dennison, Designed and Engineered Solutions
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Manufacturing Process:
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Gravure
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Printer:
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Avery Dennison (AVR)
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Printed at:
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AVR, Clinton, SC
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Press Type:
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Dia Nippon Kiko (DNK)
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Stamps per Booklet:
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10
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Print Quantity:
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200 million stamps
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Paper Type:
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Prephosphored, Type I
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Adhesive Type:
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Pressure-sensitive
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Processed at:
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AVR, Clinton, SC
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Colors:
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Yellow, Magenta, Cyan, Black
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Stamp Orientation:
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Vertical
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Image Area (w x h):
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0.736 x 0.854 in./18.69 x 21.69 mm
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Overall Size (w x h):
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0.87 x 0.98 in./22.10 x 24.89 mm
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Booklet Size (w x h):
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1.74 x 6.50 in./44.20 x 165.10 mm
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Plate Size:
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500 stamps per revolution
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Plate Numbers:
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“V” followed by four (4) single digits
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Marginal Markings:
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Cover Side:
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USPS logo © 2011 USPS Plate number centered below USPS logo
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Back:
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Header: “Justice, Equality, Freedom, Liberty” • TEN FIRST-CLASS FOREVER STAMPS • Promotional text • Barcode UPC format (015645688308)
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— Stamp Services,
Government Relations and Public Policy, 5-3-12
