Philately

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 01-05

U.S. Capitol Priority Mail Stamp

The Postal Service will issue a $3.50 U.S. Capitol Priority Mail stamp (Item Number 111900) in Washington, DC, on January 29, 2001. The stamp, designed by Derry Noyes of Washington, DC, and based on a photograph by Robert Llewellyn of Earlysville, VA, goes on sale nationwide January 30, 2001.

The United States Capitol is a widely recognized symbol of American government, housing the chambers of the Senate and House of Representatives. The cornerstone was laid by George Washington in 1793 and was designed and redesigned by several architects over the years. The original building was burned on August 24, 1814, by British troops during the War of 1812. It has since been restored, rebuilt, and extended, becoming the impressive structure it is today.

How to Order the First Day of Issue Postmark

Customers have 30 days to obtain the first day of issue postmark by mail. They may purchase the new stamps at their local post office, affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

U.S. CAPITOL PRIORITY MAIL STAMP
POSTMASTER
900 BRENTWOOD RD NE
WASHINGTON DC 20066-9991

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 February 28, 2001.

Stamp Fulfillment Services (SFS) also offers first day covers for new stamp issues and postal 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. Customers may request a free catalog by telephoning 1 800 STAMP-24 or writing to:

INFORMATION FULFILLMENT
DEPT 6270
US POSTAL SERVICE
PO BOX 219014
KANSAS CITY MO 64121-9014

First day covers remain on sale for at least 1 year after the stamp's issuance.

Philatelic Products

There are no philatelic products associated with this stamp.

Distribution: Item Number 111900, U.S. Capitol Priority Mail Stamp

Stamp distribution offices (SDOs) will receive one and a half times a full distribution of their standard automatic distribution quantities for the U.S. Capitol Priority Mail stamp. Distributions are rounded up to the nearest master carton size of 40,000 stamps.

Initial Supply to Post Offices

SDOs will make a subsequent automatic distribution to post offices for full distribution of their standard automa-tic distribution quantities using PS Form 3309, Advice of Shipment/Stamp Invoice, and PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition. SDOs must not distribute stamps to post offices until 10 days prior to the on sale date.

Additional Supply

Post offices requiring additional stamps must requisition them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17. SDOs requiring additional stamps must order them from the appropriate accountable paper depository (APD) using PS Form 17.

Sales Policy

All post offices must acquire and maintain a supply of each new definitive stamp until the stamp is officially withdrawn from sale. If supplies run low, post offices must reorder additional quantities using their normal ordering procedures.

- Stamp Services,Public Affairs and Communications, 1-25-01

CORRECTION

Stamp Announcement 01-01 - American Illustrators (Item 560400)

The following are corrections to Postal Bulletin 22041 (1-11-01).

The illustration of the stamps was a preliminary design. The correct value of each stamp is $0.34.

Catalog Item Number(s):

560462 First Day Cover (Full pane cancelled) - $8.80
560484 Press Sheet - $27.20

There is no Item 560488 Art Prints.

- Stamp Services,Public Affairs and Communications, 1-25-01

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 01-06

Washington Monument Express Mail Stamp

The Postal Service will issue a $12.25 Washington Monument Express Mail stamp (Item Number 112000) in Washington, DC, on January 29, 2001. The stamp, designed by Derry Noyes of Washington, DC, is based on a photograph by Patricia Fisher of Washington, DC, and goes on sale nationwide January 30, 2001.

The stamp art is a color photograph of the Washington Monument at sunrise taken by Patricia Fisher.

The Washington Monument rises 550 feet above the city of the District of Columbia as a great tribute to the first American President, George Washington, in recognition of his leadership in the cause of American independence. Construction of the monument was started in 1848 based on the Egyptian obelisk design of Robert Mills and was finally completed in 1884. Completion was delayed until 1884 due to lack of funding and the advent of the Civil War. One can detect where the construction started again in 1876 when different marble was used.

How to Order the First Day of Issue Postmark

Customers have 30 days to obtain the first day of issue postmark by mail. They may purchase the new stamps at their local post office, affix the stamps to envelopes of their

choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

WASHINGTON MONUMENT EXPRESS MAIL STAMP
POSTMASTER
900 BRENTWOOD RD NE
WASHINGTON DC 20066-9991

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 February 28, 2001.

Stamp Fulfillment Services (SFS) also offers first day covers for new stamp issues and postal 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. Customers may request a free catalog by telephoning 1 800 STAMP-24 or writing to:

INFORMATION FULFILLMENT
DEPT 6270
US POSTAL SERVICE
PO BOX 219014
KANSAS CITY MO 64121-9014

First day covers remain on sale for at least 1 year after the stamp's issuance.

Philatelic Products

There are no philatelic products associated with this stamp.

Distribution: Item Number 112000, Washington Monument

Stamp distribution offices (SDOs) will receive one-half of their standard automatic distribution quantities for the Washington Monument Express Mail stamp. Distributions are rounded up to the nearest master carton size of 40,000 stamps.

Initial Supply to Post Offices

SDOs will make a subsequent automatic distribution to post offices for one-quarter of their standard automatic distribution quantities using PS Form 3309, Advice of Shipment/Stamp Invoice, and PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition. SDOs must not distribute stamps to post offices until 10 days prior to the on sale date.

Additional Supply

Post offices requiring additional stamps must requisition them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17. SDOs requiring additional stamps must order them from the appropriate accountable paper depository (APD) using PS Form 17.

Sales Policy

All post offices must acquire and maintain a supply of each new definitive stamp until the stamp is officially withdrawn from sale. If supplies run low, post offices must reorder additional quantities using their normal ordering procedures.

- Stamp Services,Public Affairs and Communications, 1-25-01

CORRECTION

Stamp Announcement 01-02 - Statue of Liberty (Item 773700)

The following is a correction to Postal Bulletin 22041 (1-11-01).

Print Quantity: 400 million stamps

- Stamp Services,Public Affairs and Communications, 1-25-01

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 01-07

Love Letters Special Stamps

The Postal Service will issue 34-cent and 55-cent Love Letters special stamps in Lovejoy, GA 30250, on February 14, 2001. The 34-cent stamp will be issued in a vending booklet of 20 (Item Number 666100) and a convertible booklet of 20 (Item Number 664100). The 55-cent stamp will be issued in a pane of 20 (Item Number 561200).

The stamps, designed by Lisa Catalone of Washington, DC, and based on photographs by Renée Comet of Washington, DC, go on sale nationwide February 15, 2001.

These stamps celebrate the art of letter writing and the centuries-old tradition of expressing love in letters. The stamps are intended for use on Valentine's Day correspondence, as well as on wedding invitations, announcements, and RSVPs.

The vertically formatted 34-cent stamp bearing the First- Class, one-ounce rate depicts a red rose superimposed on the script of a handwritten letter from John Adams to Abigail Smith during their courtship. John Adams, who was President from 1797 to 1801, and Abigail Smith were married in 1764.

The horizontally formatted 55-cent stamp bearing the First-Class, two-ounce rate depicts a pink rose superimposed on a love letter written by Abigail Smith to John Adams on August 11, 1763.

How to Order the First Day of Issue Postmark

Customers have 30 days to obtain the first day of issue postmark by mail. They may purchase the new stamps at their local post office, affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

LOVE LETTERS COMMEMORATIVE STAMP
POSTMASTER
PO BOX 9998
LOVEJOY GA 30250-9991

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 March 16, 2001.

Stamp Fulfillment Services (SFS) also offers first day covers for new stamp issues and postal 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. Customers may request a free catalog by telephoning 1 800 STAMP-24 or writing to:

INFORMATION FULFILLMENT
DEPT 6270
US POSTAL SERVICE
PO BOX 219014
KANSAS CITY MO 64121-9014

First day covers remain on sale for at least 1 year after the stamp's issuance.

Philatelic Products

There are no philatelic items for this stamp.

Distribution: Item 664100 Love Letters Booklet of 20

Stamp distribution offices (SDOs) will receive three distributions. The first wave is approximately one-quarter of the standard automatic distribution quantities for PSA booklets. The first wave distribution ended January 8, 2001. The second wave distribution will end February 6, 2001, and the third wave distribution will end April 2, 2001. Distributions are rounded up to the nearest master carton size (4,000 stamps).

Initial Supply to Post Offices

To obtain an initial supply of Item Number 664100, 34-cent Love Letters convertible booklet of 20, post offices must submit PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition, to their designated SDO. SDOs must not distribute stamps to post offices before February 5, 2001.

Additional Supply

Post offices requiring additional booklets must requisition them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17. SDOs requiring additional booklets must order them from the appropriate accountable paper depository (APD) using PS Form 17.

Philatelic Requirement

SDOs with authorized philatelic centers must provide subsequent distribution of these booklets to each philatelic center from the initial automatic distribution.

Sales Policy

All post offices must acquire and maintain a supply of each new booklet as long as customer demand exists, until inventory is depleted, or until the stamp is officially withdrawn from sale. If supplies run low, post offices must reorder additional quantities using their normal ordering procedures.

Distribution: Item 561200 Love Letters PSA Pane of 20

SDOs will receive three-quarters of their standard automatic distribution quantities for the Love Letters PSA pane of 20. Distributions are rounded up to the nearest master carton size (40,000 stamps).

Initial Supply to Post Offices

SDOs will make a subsequent automatic distribution to post offices for one-quarter of their standard automatic distribution quantities using PS Form 3309, Advice of Shipment/Stamp Invoice, and PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition. SDOs must not distribute stamps to post offices before February 5, 2001.

Additional Supply

Post offices requiring additional stamps must requisition them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17. SDOs requiring additional stamps must order them from the APD using PS Form 17.

Philatelic Requirement

SDOs with authorized philatelic centers will receive an automatic distribution of these stamps in six positions for subsequent distribution to each philatelic window.

Sales Policy

All post offices must acquire and maintain a supply of each new commemorative stamp as long as customer demand exists, until inventory is depleted, or until the stamp is officially withdrawn from sale. If supplies run low, post offices must reorder additional quantities using their normal ordering procedures.

Distribution: Item 666100 Love Letters Vending Booklet

SDOs will receive an automatic distribution of Item Number 666100. Distribution began January 15, 2001, and will be completed January 22, 2001. Distributions are rounded up to the nearest master carton size (4,500 stamps).

Initial Supply to Post Offices

To obtain an initial supply of Item Number 666100, 34-cent Love Letters vending booklet, post offices must submit PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition, to their designated SDO. SDOs must not distribute stamps to post offices before February 5, 2001.

Additional Supply

Post offices requiring additional stamps must requisition them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17. SDOs requiring additional stamps must order them from the APD using PS Form 17.

Philatelic Requirement

SDOs with authorized philatelic centers must provide subsequent distribution of these booklets to each philatelic center from the initial automatic distribution.

Sales Policy

All post offices must acquire and maintain a supply of each new booklet as long as customer demand exists, until inventory is depleted, or until the stamp is officially withdrawn from sale. If supplies run low, post offices must reorder additional quantities using their normal ordering procedures.

- Stamp Services,Public Affairs and Communications, 1-25-01

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 01-08

Lovebirds Stamped Envelopes

The Postal Service will issue two 34-cent Lovebirds stamped envelopes, #10 (Item Number 217700) and #6-3/4 (Item Number 268200), in Lovejoy, GA 30250, on February 14, 2001. The stamped envelopes, designed and illustrated by the late Robert Brangwynne formerly of Boston, MA, go on sale nationwide February 15, 2001.

This First-Class envelope features a line drawing that depicts two birds in a mirror image, heart-shaped design.

How to Order the First Day of Issue Postmark

Customers have 30 days to obtain the first day of issue postmark by mail. They may purchase the new stamped envelopes at their local post office, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

LOVEBIRDS STAMPED ENVELOPE
POSTMASTER
PO BOX 9998
LOVEJOY GA 30250-9991

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 March 16, 2001.

Stamp Fulfillment Services (SFS) also offers first day covers for new stamp issues and postal 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. Customers may request a free catalog by telephoning 1 800 STAMP-24 or

writing to:

INFORMATION FULFILLMENT
DEPT 6270
US POSTAL SERVICE
PO BOX 219014
KANSAS CITY MO 64121-9014

First day covers remain on sale for at least 1 year after the stamp's issuance.

Philatelic Products

There are no philatelic products associated with this stamped envelope.

Distribution: Items 217700 and 268200, Lovebirds Stamped Envelopes

Stamp distribution offices (SDOs) will receive three automatic distributions of the Lovebirds stamped envelopes based on the automatic distribution schedule for commemorative envelopes. The shipments began January 8, 2001, and will be completed by March 23, 2001.

Initial Supply to Post Offices

All post offices must requisition an initial supply of envelopes from their SDO by submitting a separate PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition. SDOs must not distribute stamps to post offices before February 7, 2001.

Additional Supply

Post offices requiring additional stamped envelopes must requisition them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17. SDOs requiring additional stamped envelopes must order them from the appropriate accountable paper depository (APD) using PS Form 17. Lovebird envelopes are available in the styles listed below.

Additional Supply

SDOs and authorized CAG A-G post offices requiring additional bulk quantities of envelopes should submit PS Form 3205, Requisition for Plain Envelopes, to:

STAMP FULFILLMENT SERVICES
PO BOX 219178
KANSAS CITY MO 64179-0988

PS Forms 3205 should be submitted according to the following schedule:

Personalized Stamped Envelopes

Lovebirds envelopes also are available with a preprinted return address. Customers should indicate envelope styles, correct item numbers, quantities, and price on PS Form 3203, Personalized Envelopes Order Form. Mail the form to:

7231 STAMP FULFILLMENT SERVICES
PO BOX 7247
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19170-7247

Customers must pay by check, money order, or credit card (VISA, MasterCard, or American Express). Orders will be mailed 3 to 4 weeks from receipt.

- Stamp Services,Public Affairs and Communications, 1-25-01

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 01-09

Community Colleges Stamped Envelopes

The Postal Service will issue four 34-cent Community Colleges stamped envelopes in Joliet, IL 60431, on February 20, 2001: #10 regular envelope (Item Number 217800), #10 window envelope (Item Number 217900), #6-3/4 regular envelope (Item Number 268300), and #6-3/4 window envelope (Item Number 268500). The stamped envelopes, designed by Howard Paine of Delaplane, VA, and illustrated by Steve McCracken of Washington, DC, go on sale nationwide February 21, 2001.

Using as a benchmark the 1901 founding of Joliet Junior College, considered the first publicly funded and continuously operating 2-year college in the United States, the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) will celebrate 100 years of community colleges in 2001. The U.S. Postal Service will issue a First-Class stamped envelope in commemoration of this important achievement in education.

Popularized after World War II, the term community college is meant to convey the strong community connection and the breadth of services these institutions provide, from professional and career programs to community service and adult education opportunities. To sustain their commitment to the public, community colleges emphasize cultural diversity, broad and ongoing community interaction, affordable tuition, and quality education. Of more than 1,100 community, junior, and technical colleges, nearly 1,000 are public institutions. According to the AACC, more than five million students, nearly half of all undergraduates in the United States, attend a community college each fall. An additional five million students are enrolled in noncredit courses.

How to Order the First Day of Issue Postmark

Customers have 30 days to obtain the first day of issue postmark by mail. They may purchase the new stamped envelopes at their local post office, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

COMMUNITY COLLEGES STAMPED ENVELOPE
POSTMASTER
2000 MCDONOUGH ST
JOLIET IL 60436-9991

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 March 22, 2001.

Stamp Fulfillment Services (SFS) also offers first day covers for new stamp issues and postal 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. Customers may request a free catalog by telephoning 1 800 STAMP-24 or writing to:

INFORMATION FULFILLMENT
DEPT 6270
US POSTAL SERVICE
PO BOX 219014
KANSAS CITY MO 64121-9014

First day covers remain on sale for at least 1 year after the stamp's issuance.

Philatelic Products

There are no philatelic products associated with this stamped envelope.

Distribution: Items 217800, 217900, 268300, and 268500

Stamp distribution offices (SDOs) will receive one automatic distribution of the Community College envelopes based on the automatic distribution schedule for commemorative envelopes. The shipments begin January 22, 2001, and will be competed by February 16, 2001.

Initial Supply to Post Offices

All post offices must requisition an initial supply of envelopes from their SDO by submitting a separate PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition. SDOs must not distribute stamps to post offices before February 12, 2001.

Additional Supply

Post offices requiring additional stamped envelopes must requisition them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17. SDOs requiring additional stamped envelopes must order them from the appropriate accountable paper depository (APD) using PS Form 17. Community Colleges stamped envelopes are available in the styles listed below.

Additional Supply

SDOs and authorized CAG A-G post offices requiring additional bulk quantities of envelopes should submit PS Form 3205, Requisition for Plain Envelopes, to:

STAMP FULFILLMENT SERVICES
PO BOX 219178
KANSAS CITY, MO 64179-0988

PS Form 3205 should be submitted according to the following schedule:

Personalized Stamped Envelopes

Community Colleges stamped envelopes also are available with a preprinted return address. Customers should indicate envelope styles, correct item numbers, quantities, and price on PS Form 3203, Personalized Envelopes Order Form. Mail the form to:

7231 STAMP FULFILLMENT SERVICES
PO BOX 7247
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19170-7247

Customers must pay by check, money order, or credit card (VISA, MasterCard, or American Express). Orders will be mailed 3 to 4 weeks from receipt.

- Stamp Services,Public Affairs and Communications, 1-25-01

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 01-10

Badlands Stamped Card

The Postal Service will issue a 70-cent Badlands stamped card (Item Number 220800) in Wall, SD 57790, on February 22, 2001. The stamped card, designed by Ethel Kessler of Bethesda, MD, and based on a photograph by David Muench of Santa Barbara, CA, goes on sale nationwide February 23, 2001.

Badlands National Park is located in southwestern South Dakota. The landscape is continually being changed and sculpted by the forces of wind and water and is a place of extremes in temperature and weather. The Badlands consist of nearly 244,000 acres of eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires combined with the largest protected mixed grass prairie in the United States. The Badlands Wilderness Area covers 64,000 acres. The Oglala Sioux Tribe co-manages an area called the Stronghold Unit.

How to Order the First Day of Issue Postmark

Customers have 30 days to obtain the first day of issue postmark by mail. They may purchase the new stamped cards at their local post office, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

BADLANDS STAMPED CARD
POSTMASTER
529 MAIN ST
WALL SD 57790-9991

After applying the first day of issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the stamped cards through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by March 24, 2001.

Stamp Fulfillment Services (SFS) also offers first day covers for new stamp issues and postal 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. Customers may request a free catalog by telephoning 1 800 STAMP-24 or writing to:

INFORMATION FULFILLMENT
DEPT 6270
US POSTAL SERVICE
PO BOX 219014
KANSAS CITY MO 64121-9014

First day covers remain on sale for at least 1 year after the stamp's issuance.

Philatelic Products

There are no philatelic products associated with this stamped card.

Distribution: Item 220800, Badlands Stamped Card

Distribution information will be supplied at a later date.

- Stamp Services,Public Affairs and Communications, 1-25-01

Distribution Information for Stamp Announcement 01-03 - Flowers

The following distribution information is for Postal Bulletin 22041 (1-11-01).

Distribution: Item 776900 Flowers PSA
Coil of 100

Stamp distribution offices (SDOs) will receive three waves of distribution quantities for Flowers PSA coil. The first wave will be completed January 31, 2001; the second wave will be completed February 15, 2001; and the third wave will be completed February 28, 2001. Distributions are rounded up to the nearest master carton size (800 stamps).

Initial Supply to Post Offices

To obtain an initial supply of Item Number 776900, 34-cent Flowers PSA coil of 100, post offices must submit PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition, to their designated SDO. SDOs must not distribute stamps to post offices before January 31, 2001.

Additional Supply

Post offices requiring additional stamps must requisition them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17. There will be no back-up quantities available at accountable paper depositories (APDs) for fulfilling subsequent orders from SDOs. There will be another distribution of these stamps at a later date.

Philatelic Requirement

SDOs with authorized philatelic centers must provide subsequent distribution of these coils to each philatelic center from the initial automatic distribution.

Sales Policy

All post offices must acquire and maintain a supply of each new coil stamp as long as customer demand exists, until inventory is depleted, or until the stamp is officially withdrawn from sale. If supplies run low, post offices must reorder additional quantities using their normal ordering procedures.

Distribution: 669400 Flowers Vending Booklet

SDOs will receive a wave of Item Number 669400. Distribution begins January 22, 2001, and will be completed February 28, 2001. Distributions are rounded up to the nearest master carton size (4,500 stamps).

Initial Supply to Post Offices

To obtain an initial supply of Item Number 669400, 34-cent Flowers vending booklet, post offices must submit PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition, to their designated SDO. SDOs must not distribute stamps to post offices before January 31, 2001.

Additional Supply

Post offices requiring additional stamps must requisition them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17. SDOs requiring additional stamps must order them from the APD using PS Form 17.

Philatelic Requirement

SDOs with authorized philatelic centers must provide subsequent distribution of these booklets to each philatelic center from the initial automatic distribution.

Sales Policy

All post offices must acquire and maintain a supply of each new booklet as long as customer demand exists, until inventory is depleted, or until the stamp is officially withdrawn from sale. If supplies run low, post offices must reorder additional quantities using their normal ordering procedures.

- Stamp Services,Public Affairs and Communications, 1-25-01

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 01-11

Art Deco Eagle Definitive Stamp

The Postal Service will issue a 55-cent Art Deco Eagle definitive stamp (Item Number 101200) in Wall, SD 57790, on February 22, 2001. The stamp, designed by Carl Herrman of Carlsbad, CA, and illustrated by Nancy Stahl of New York, NY, goes on sale nationwide February 23, 2001.

Eagles like the one featured on this First-Class, two- ounce stamp were popular decorative elements on art deco lobby mailboxes in the 1920s and 1930s. These letter boxes were made of a variety of metals including bronze, brass, and cast aluminum alloys.

How to Order the First Day of Issue Postmark

Customers have 30 days to obtain the first day of issue postmark by mail. They may purchase the new stamps at their local post office, affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, along with additional stamps so that the total postage is equal to the First-Class rate, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

ART DECO EAGLE DEFINITIVE STAMP
POSTMASTER
529 MAIN ST
WALL SD 57790-9991

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 March 24, 2001.

Stamp Fulfillment Services (SFS) also offers first day covers for new stamp issues and postal 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. Customers may request a free catalog by telephoning 1 800 STAMP-24 or writing to:

INFORMATION FULFILLMENT
DEPT 6270
US POSTAL SERVICE
PO BOX 219014
KANSAS CITY MO 64121-9014

First day covers remain on sale for at least 1 year after the stamp's issuance.

Philatelic Products

There are no philatelic products associated with this stamp.

Distribution: Item 101200, Art Deco Eagle Stamps

Stamp distribution offices (SDOs) will receive one-half of their standard automatic distribution quantities for Art Deco Eagle. Distributions are rounded up to the nearest master carton size (70,000 stamps).

Initial Supply to Post Offices

SDOs will make a subsequent automatic distribution to post offices for one-quarter of their standard automatic distribution quantities using PS Form 3309, Advice of Shipment/Stamp Invoice, and PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition. SDOs must not distribute stamps to post offices before February 11, 2001.

Additional Supply

Post offices requiring additional stamps must requisition them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17. SDOs requiring additional stamps must order them from the appropriate accountable paper depository (APD) using PS Form 17.

Philatelic Requirement

SDOs with authorized philatelic centers will receive an automatic distribution of these stamps in eight positions for subsequent distribution to each philatelic window.

Sales Policy

All post offices must acquire and maintain a supply of each new definitive stamp until the stamp is officially withdrawn from sale. If supplies run low, post offices must reorder additional quantities using their normal ordering procedures.

- Stamp Services,Public Affairs and Communications, 1-25-01

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 01-12

George Washington Definitive Stamp

The Postal Service will issue a 20-cent George Washington definitive stamp in a booklet of 10 (Item Number 666700); in a vending booklet (Item Number 666900); and in a criss-cross vending booklet of 10 (Item Number 666911) in Wall, SD 57790, on February 22, 2001. The stamp, designed and illustrated by Richard Sheaff of Scottsdale, AZ, goes on sale nationwide February 23, 2001.

The stamp art is based on a black-and-white photograph of a bust of George Washington by Jean-Antoine Houdon. The bust - which is signed and dated 1785 - is on display at George Washington's Mount Vernon estate in Virginia.

How to Order the First Day of Issue Postmark

Customers have 30 days to obtain the first day of issue postmark by mail. They may purchase the new stamps at their local post office, affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

GEORGE WASHINGTON DEFINITIVE STAMP
POSTMASTER
529 MAIN ST
WALL SD 57790-9991

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 March 24, 2001.

Stamp Fulfillment Services (SFS) also offers first day covers for new stamp issues and postal 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. Customers may request a free catalog by telephoning 1 800 STAMP-24 or writing to:

INFORMATION FULFILLMENT
DEPT 6270
US POSTAL SERVICE
PO BOX 219014
KANSAS CITY MO 64121-9014

First day covers remain on sale for at least 1 year after the stamp's issuance.

Philatelic Products

There are no philatelic products associated with this stamp.

Distribution: Items 666700, 666911, and 666900

Distribution information for this stamp issue will be provided at a later date.

- Stamp Services,Public Affairs and Communications, 1-25-01

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 01-13

Bison Definitive Stamp

The Postal Service will issue a 21-cent Bison definitive stamp in a self-adhesive coil of 100 (Item Number 774700) and pane of 20 (Item Number 101100) in Wall, SD 57790, on February 22, 2001. The stamp, designed by Carl Herrman of Carlsbad, CA, and illustrated by Tom Nikosey of Bell Canyon, CA, goes on sale nationwide February 23, 2001.

Bison, long a symbol of the Wild West, had roamed the western United States from the Mississippi River to west of the Rocky Mountains. Many Native American tribes relied on the bison for survival and used the entire animal for food, clothing, thread, bowstrings, cups, and spoons.

The herds were large and the numbers were in the millions. Bison were nearly eliminated from the plains and prairies of the United States at the end of the 19th century due to extensive hunting and governmental policy. A small herd of Bison was finally protected in Yellowstone National Park early in the 1900s. More than 40 Native American tribes have recently joined together to restore the herds of bison on tribal lands in South Dakota and Montana. They have been successful in creating a collective herd of almost 10,000 animals from the survivors in Yellowstone.

How to Order the First Day of Issue Postmark

Customers have 30 days to obtain the first day of issue postmark by mail. They may purchase the new stamps at their local post office, affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

BISON DEFINITIVE STAMP
POSTMASTER
529 MAIN ST
WALL SD 57790-9991

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 March 24, 2001.

Stamp Fulfillment Services (SFS) also offers first day covers for new stamp issues and postal 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. Customers may request a free catalog by telephoning 1 800 STAMP-24 or writing to:

INFORMATION FULFILLMENT
DEPT 6270
US POSTAL SERVICE
PO BOX 219014
KANSAS CITY MO 64121-9014

First day covers remain on sale for at least 1 year after the stamp's issuance.

Philatelic Products

There are no philatelic products associated with this stamp.

Distribution: Item 101100

Stamp Distribution Offices (SDOs) will receive four distributions of the Bison booklet. The first distribution will end January 26, 2001; the second distribution will end February 23, 2001; the third distribution will end March 12, 2001; and the fourth distribution will end March 22, 2001. Distributions are rounded up to the nearest master carton size (4,000 booklets).

Initial Supply to Post Offices

SDOs will make a subsequent automatic distribution to post offices for one-quarter of their standard automaticdistribution quantities using PS Form 3309, Advice ofShipment/Stamp Invoice, and PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition. SDOs must not distribute stamps to post offices before February 12, 2001.

Additional Supply

Post offices requiring additional stamps must requisition them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17. Additional quantities will not be available at accountable paper depositories (APDs) for supplemental ordering.

Philatelic Requirement

Post offices with authorized philatelic centers must order Item 666700 from their designated SDO.

- Stamp Services Public Affairs and Communications, 1-25-01

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 01-14

Hattie Caraway Definitive Stamp

The Postal Service will issue a 76-cent Hattie Caraway definitive stamp (Item Number 101400) in Little Rock, AR 72202, on February 21, 2001. The stamp, designed by Richard Sheaff of Scottsdale, Arizona, and illustrated by Mark Summers of Waterdown, Ontario, Canada, goes on sale nationwide February 22, 2001.

With this third issuance in the Distinguished Americans series, the U.S. Postal Service honors Hattie Wyatt Caraway (1878-1950), the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate. Artist Mark Summers - well-known for his scratchboard technique - created this portrait for the stamp using as reference a black-and-white photograph of Senator Caraway taken on October 21, 1943. Mark Summers also created the stamp art for the first two issues in the Distinguished Americans series - Joseph W. Stilwell (2000) and Claude Pepper (2000).

Mrs. Caraway was appointed to the Senate on November 13, 1931, a few days after the death of her husband, Senator Thaddeus Caraway. On January 12, 1932, she won a special election to fill the remaining months of his term. Subsequently elected to two 6-year terms, she served in the Senate until January 1945. In 1933, Senator Caraway - a Democrat from Arkansas - became the first woman to chair a Senate committee. On October 19, 1943 - in the absence that day of the Vice President

and the president pro tempore (the Senate's presiding officer) - Senator Caraway was appointed acting president pro tempore, the first woman to preside formally over the Senate.

Senator Caraway, a strong supporter of New Deal legislation, was known for her dedication and diligence. On December 19, 1944, her last day at work in the Senate chamber, Senator Caraway was honored by her colleagues with a standing ovation. She died on December 21, 1950, in Falls Church, Virginia.

How to Order the First Day of Issue Postmark

Customers have 30 days to obtain the first day of issue postmark by mail. They may purchase the new stamps at their local post office, affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

HATTIE CARAWAY DEFINITIVE STAMP
POSTMASTER
600 E CAPITOL AVE
LITTLE ROCK AK 72202-9991

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 March 23, 2001.

Stamp Fulfillment Services (SFS) also offers first day covers for new stamp issues and postal 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. Customers may request a free catalog by telephoning 1 800 STAMP-24 or writing to:

INFORMATION FULFILLMENT
DEPT 6270
US POSTAL SERVICE
PO BOX 219014
KANSAS CITY MO 64121-9014

First day covers remain on sale for at least 1 year after the stamp's issuance.

Philatelic Products

There are no philatelic products associated with this stamp.

Distribution: Item 101400

Stamp distribution offices (SDOs) will receive one-half of their standard automatic distribution quantities for Hattie Caraway. Distributions are rounded up to the nearest master carton size (70,000 stamps).

Initial Supply to Post Offices

SDOs will make a subsequent automatic distribution to post offices for one-quarter of their standard automatic distribution quantities using PS Form 3309, Advice of Shipment/Stamp Invoice, and PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition. SDOs must not distribute stamps to post offices before February 12, 2001.

Additional Supply

Post offices requiring additional stamps must requisition them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17. SDOs requiring additional stamps must order them from the appropriate accountable paper depository (APD) using PS Form 17.

Philatelic Requirement

SDOs with authorized philatelic centers will receive an automatic distribution of these stamps in six positions for subsequent distribution to each philatelic window.

Sales Policy

All post offices must acquire and maintain a supply of each new definitive stamp until the stamp is officially withdrawn from sale. If supplies run low, post offices must reorder additional quantities using their normal ordering procedures.

- Stamp Services,Public Affairs and Communications, 1-25-01

Official Inaugural Keepsake

The Postal Service is offering an Official Inaugural Keepsake (Item Number 446991 at $21.95) to commemorate the 2001 presidential inauguration celebration. This limited edition folio, honoring President George W. Bush and Vice President Richard B. Cheney, includes brief biographies and a silk cachet envelope featuring the President and Vice President, 20 White House stamps, and a specially designed inaugural pictorial cancellation dated January 20, 2001. Only 50,000 commemorative keepsake folios were produced.

Customers may purchase the Official Inaugural Keepsake through the USA Philatelic Catalog or by calling 1 800 STAMP-24. Beginning February 1, 2001, customers may order online by visiting the Postal Service's Web site at www.usps.com and clicking Postal Store.

A unique inaugural pictorial cancellation for January 20 is available through the Washington, DC, Main Post Office. Customers have 30 days to obtain the inaugural pictorial cancellation postmark by mail. They may purchase any stamp of choice at their local post office, affix the stamp to an envelope or postcard (34 cents per envelope or 20 cents per postcard), address the envelope or postcard (to themselves or others), and place it in a larger envelope addressed to:

INAUGURAL STATION
SPECIAL CANCELLATIONS UNIT
PO BOX 92282
WASHINGTON DC 20090-2282

Two additional inaugural pictorial cancellations are being offered for President Bush and will be available in Austin (the capital of Texas) and Crawford (residence of President Bush in Texas). Requests for the special Texas cancellations must be sent to the following Texas addresses:

INAUGURATION DAY STATION
POSTMASTER
510 GUADALUPE ST
AUSTIN TX 78701-9998

INAUGURATION DAY STATION
POSTMASTER
6835 N LONESTAR PKWY
CRAWFORD TX 76638-9998

Items submitted for cancellation may not include postage issued after January 20, 2001. Such items will be returned unserviced.

After applying the inaugural postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelope through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. Requests for inaugural cancellations must be postmarked by February 19, 2001.

- Stamp Services,Public Affairs and Communications, 1-25-01