Philately

Effective May 26, 2005, Chapter 2, Philately, of the Postal Operations Manual (POM) is revised to reflect changes to philatelic policies and procedures.

We will incorporate this revision into the next printed edition of the POM into the online version available on the Postal ServiceTM PolicyNet Web site:

• Go to http://blue.usps.gov.

• Under "Essential Links" in the left-hand column, click on References.

• Under "References" in the right-hand column, under "Policies," click on PolicyNet.

• Click on MANUALS.

(The direct URL for the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site is http://blue.usps.gov/cpim.)

Postal Operations Manual (POM)

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2 Philately

[Revise chapter 2 to read as follows:]

21 Philatelic Policies and Procedures

211 Policy

Employees should familiarize themselves with the national policies governing the release, sale, and discontinuance of postage stamps and postal stationery. These policies are established by Stamp Services at Headquarters. The policies governing philatelic products are also administered by Stamp Services. Uniform application of these policies provides a high degree of integrity to the entire program. All Postal Service employees and contractors must comply with the policies and procedures in this chapter. The guidelines are as follows:

a. Postage stamps and postal stationery items depict the cultural and historical heritage of the United States. They describe the nation's achievements; portray the country's natural wonders; instill pride in America; and focus attention on causes, issues, and interests of national concern. The Postal Service encourages the widespread use of these stamps and stationery items to promote national ideals, progress, and heritage.

b. Stamp products are designed and promoted to expand interest in both the use of the mail and the hobby of philately (stamp collecting) by demonstrating the fun of stamp collecting and historic value of stamps.

c. Postal Service employees should refrain from intentionally creating philatelic rarities.

212 Stamp and Stationery Subjects

212.1 Selection

Subjects for postage stamps and postal stationery items may be proposed by the public through written correspondence to the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC). The committee is responsible for evaluating the merits of all stamp proposals. CSAC is composed of individuals from outside the Postal Service whose backgrounds reflect a wide range of educational, artistic, historical, and professional expertise. CSAC members are appointed by the postmaster general. After reviewing suggestions submitted by the public, CSAC recommends both subjects and designs for stamps and postal stationery items to the postmaster general, who makes the final selections.

212.2 Criteria for Eligibility

The Postal Service and the members of the CSAC use the following criteria to determine the eligibility of subjects for commemoration on U.S. stamps and stationery items:

a. U.S. postage stamps and stationery items primarily feature American or American-related subjects.

b. No living person is honored by portrayal on U.S. postage.

c. Commemorative stamps or postal stationery items honoring individuals usually are issued on or in conjunction with significant anniversaries of the individual's birth, but no postal item is issued sooner than 10 years after the individual's death. The only exception to the 10-year rule is the issuance of stamps honoring deceased U.S. presidents. They may be honored with a memorial stamp on the first birth anniversary following death.

d. Events of historical significance are considered for commemoration only on anniversaries in multiples of 50 years.

e. Only events and themes of widespread national appeal and significance are considered for commemoration. Events or themes of local or regional significance may be recognized by a philatelic postmark, which may be arranged through the local postmaster.

f. Stamps or stationery items are not issued to honor fraternal, political, sectarian, or service and charitable organizations. Stamps or stationery items are not issued to promote or advertise commercial enterprises or products. Commercial products or enterprises might be used to illustrate more general concepts related to American culture.

g. Stamps or stationery items are not issued to honor cities, towns, municipalities, counties, primary or secondary schools, hospitals, libraries, or similar institutions. Due to the limitations placed on annual Postal Service programs and the vast number of such locales, organizations, and institutions, it would be difficult to single out any one program or locale for commemoration.

h. Requests for observance of statehood anniversaries are considered for commemorative postage stamps only at intervals of 50 years from the date of the state's first entry into the Union. Requests for observance of other state-related or regional anniversaries are considered only as subjects for postal stationery, and again only at intervals of 50 years from the date of the event.

i. Stamps or stationery items are not issued to honor religious institutions or individuals whose principal achievements are associated with religious undertakings or beliefs.

j. Stamps or postal stationery items with added values, referred to as semipostals, are issued in accordance with federal law. Semipostals are not considered part of the commemorative program and separate criteria apply.

k. Requests for commemoration of universities and other institutions of higher education are considered only for stamped cards and only in connection with the 200th anniversaries of their founding.

l. No stamp will be considered for issuance if a stamp treating the same subject has been issued in the past 50 years. The only exceptions to this rule are traditional themes such as national symbols and holidays.

212.3 Submission

Ideas for stamp and stationery subjects should be submitted at least 3 years in advance of the proposed date of issue. This allows the committee enough time to consider the idea and to design and produce the stamps, if the subject is approved. Send ideas for stamp subjects that meet the criteria to the following address:

CITIZENS STAMP ADVISORY COMMITTEE
C/O STAMP DEVELOPMENT
US POSTAL SERVICE
1735 N LYNN ST RM 5013
ARLINGTON VA 22209-6432

212.4 Approval and Design

Once a subject is approved, the Postal Service relies on design coordinators to help select artists who will then execute the designs. The Postal Service does not review or accept unsolicited artwork from the public.

213 Distribution and Requisition of Accountable Paper

213.1 Stamp Distribution Offices

All Post Offices generally receive initial supplies of new stamp issues without having to requisition them. Stamp products, such as the annual commemorative stamp yearbooks and the Postal Service Guide to U.S. Stamps, are generally distributed automatically to stamp distribution offices (SDOs). These distribution destinations must:

a. Establish a program for distributing new stamp products to associate Post Offices and replenishing existing stamp products.

b. Ensure that less-than-bulk quantities of stamps are supplied to all Post Offices so the stamps can be placed on sale in accordance with instructions issued in the Postal Bulletin. SDOs requiring additional stamp products should requisition them from their accountable paper depository. All other Post Offices should requisition stamp products from their SDO or their usual source of supply for less-than-bulk orders.

213.2 Accountable Paper Custodians

The accountable paper custodian or other individual in charge of the stamp stock at each Post Office is responsible for requisitioning and maintaining an adequate inventory of stamps, postal stationery items, and other stamp products required for efficient and effective operation. This individual should periodically evaluate demand and, when necessary, forward a requisition for additional stock to the designated supply source. All requisitioning must be in accordance with the procedures given in Handbook F-1, Post Office Accounting Procedures, section 420. When necessary, accountable paper custodians may reduce the quantity of stamps received automatically to reduce costly overstocking and subsequent destruction. To request a change for quantities of stamps, send a memorandum to the designated SDO.

22 Retail Sales Policy

221 General

221.1 Sales Channels

Stamps, postal stationery items, and stamp products are sold at Post Offices and various postal retail facilities described in this section. Most of these facilities have regular stamp windows, and some are designated as philatelic centers. Philatelic centers sell current stamps and philatelic products. Some Post Offices provide specialized philatelic services and sell the full range of stamps and philatelic products offered by the Postal Service. These facilities, as well as Stamp Fulfillment Services (SFS), are referred to collectively as philatelic centers. SFS in Kansas City, Missouri, is a central facility that services mail, telephone, and Internet orders for postage stamps, including philatelic quality stamps and other philatelic products.

221.2 First Day of Issue Sales

Only the Post Office or offices designated as official first day of issue offices or as first day of sale offices may sell new stamps and stationery items on the first day of sale. New issues will be placed on sale nationwide on the next business day following the first day of sale; although, there are special cases where new issues are placed on sale nationwide on the first day of issue.

221.3 Withdrawal From Sale

Notices about the withdrawal of stamp, stationery items, and philatelic products are published in the Postal Bulletin. The notices give effective dates for removing the items from sale.

221.4 Stamps for Philatelic Products

Stamps that are withdrawn from sale but are incorporated into philatelic products, such as mint sets or stamp collecting kits, may be sold at philatelic windows, Postal Service stores, philatelic centers, and SFS.

221.5 Exceptions to Sales Policies

Stamp Services may, at its discretion, establish exceptions to the sales policies. Exceptions applicable to Postal Service outlets are announced in the Postal Bulletin.

222 Regular Stamp Windows

222.1 Definition

Regular stamp windows are retail stations in Post Offices that accept mail and sell stamps, stamped stationery, and stamp-related products. They also may offer other services, such as money order sales, meter setting, and parcel shipments.

222.2 Sales Policy

222.21 Commemorative Stamps

Commemorative stamps are printed in limited quantities, and Postal Service outlets should strive to sell all commemorative stamp stock. Commemorative stamps may not remain on sale after the official date of withdrawal from sale. Stamp Services announces withdrawal dates in the Postal Bulletin.

222.22 Plate Number Blocks and Marginal Markings (All Stamps)

222.221 Description

Plate number blocks are generally located on each corner of a pane of stamps with a plate number or numbers printed in the margin (selvage). Plate number blocks may include as few as four stamps where a single number appears, or as many as 20 where interest extends to other marginal markings. Various kinds of markings may appear on the selvage of stamps printed in sheets in addition to the plate number, such as the Postal Service copyright notice, or other subject-related informational inscriptions or other Postal Service slogans.

222.222 Setting Aside Plate Number Blocks

Retail associates must break panes of stamps for regular sale purposes as follows:

a. Tear stamps from the edge of the pane farthest from the plate number or marginal markings in order to preserve the plate block for collectors. Whenever possible, tear stamps from sheets of a single stamp design on an as-needed basis, one at a time.

b. Set aside quantities of plate blocks or marginal markings as the panes are broken during regular sales transactions, but do not set them aside in advance.

222.223 Minimum Purchase Requirements and Sales Limitations

The following is a list of the minimum purchase requirements and sales limitations for plate number blocks and marginal markings:

a. When the retail associate has a broken pane of stamps from which the plate block or other marginal marking has been sold and when no plate block or other marginal marking has been set aside, the following minimum purchases must be made by customers wanting the plate block or other marginal marking:

b. Limitations to sales are as follows: Each customer for whom a pane is broken is limited to one marginal strip ($0.01 to $0.50), a half marginal strip ($0.51 to $0.99), or a block of four stamps ($1.00 and above) for each stamp subject, per day. It is necessary to place a limit on individual sales of plate blocks and other marginal markings so that the philatelic stock available at Post Office windows may accommodate as many collectors as possible each day.

c. Customers requesting more than the maximum permissible purchase in denominations of the single- ounce, First-Class Mail rate and below or in denominations higher than the single-ounce, First-Class Mail rate should be asked to inquire on another day or to contact SFS (1-800- STAMP-24).

222.23 Coil Stamps

Regular retail windows should not open and break coils of stamps, except for newly issued stamp coils, which may be opened and sold in less-than-full coil quantities, subject to the following limitations:

a. Sales of newly issued coil stamps in less-than-full coils are restricted to a 1-month period beginning with the authorized first day of sale for each particular stamp issue.

b. These sales are further restricted to a single stamp window at each location designated by the postmaster to conduct such sales.

c. Coil stamps bearing fractional denominations must be sold in multiples that reach full-cent amounts.

d. Stamps remaining in partial coils after the sales period expires are sold at regular windows for postage.

222.24 Precanceled Stamps

Stamp collectors may buy precanceled postage for philatelic purposes. There is no limitation on the sale to collectors of full coils of each of the precanceled denominations available. Purchases may be made in person or by mail by nonpermit holders for philatelic purposes only. Collectors may not mail matter bearing precanceled postage if they do not have a permit to use precanceled postage at the Post Office where the mail is presented.

222.25 Meter Postage

Customers may buy meter postage and postage-due meter postage for philatelic purposes from Post Offices that have been assigned postage meters. Meter postage and postage-due meter postage may not be issued for any amount less than the First-Class Mail, single-piece rate. Postage and mailing center (PMC) strips may be sold for philatelic purposes at the current, First-Class Mail rate only. Postage validate imprinter (PVI) strips are not meter stamps and may not be sold for philatelic purposes.

223 Dedicated Philatelic Windows

223.1 Definition

A dedicated philatelic window is a lobby window designated to sell stamps, stationery, and other related philatelic products. Other postal services are ordinarily not available at these dedicated philatelic windows, which are to be identified as such, so that customers desiring other services are directed to the appropriate windows. Many of the same items sold at designated philatelic centers are also sold at dedicated philatelic windows. For philatelic centers, see part 224.

224 Philatelic Centers

224.1 Definition

Philatelic centers are retail areas or self-contained facilities separate from the lobby window positions. These centers display and sell, with a few exceptions, all current postage stamps, stamped stationery, and related philatelic products, including commemorative stamps, definitives, regular-issue stamps, coils, international rate stamps, booklets and booklet panes, packets of stamped embossed envelopes, postal cards, message reply cards, and aerogrammes. The SFS is also a philatelic center.

224.2 Sales Policy

224.21 Plate Number Blocks/Marginal Markings (All Stamps)

The sales and disposition policies described in 222.22 apply except as follows:

a. Retail associates may sell to each customer one matched set of four marginal strips for any stamp in stock. There are no limitations on the sale of plate blocks of stamps having denominations greater than 1 dollar.

b. SFS may, however, sell at face value any quantity of marginal strips of stamp issues.

224.22 Coil Stamps

Philatelic centers may open coils of stamps as requested. To guarantee receipt of a plate number on coils, the following minimum purchases are required:

a. Precanceled stamps: 25 stamps.

b. $1 denominations or greater: 5 stamps.

SFS may offer plate numbers on coil strips that vary from the minimums noted above.

224.23 Precanceled Stamps

The sales policy described in 222.24 applies except that coils of precanceled stamps may be opened for the sale of individual stamps to collectors.

224.24 Meter Postage

Customers may buy meter postage and postage-due meter postage for philatelic purposes from Post Offices that are assigned meters. Meter postage and postage-due meter postage may not be issued for any amount less than the First-Class Mail, single-piece rate of postage. PMC strips may be sold for philatelic purposes at the current First-Class Mail rate only. PVI strips are not meter stamps and may not be sold for philatelic purposes.

224.25 Stamp Credit (Accountability)

224.251 Stock Levels

Philatelic centers should maintain a good working level of stamp stock, stationery, and stamp products to meet the needs of collectors and to encourage interest in philately. Therefore, postmasters may maintain a postage stock of up to $125,000 for each philatelic outlet at their office. This stock may be in excess of normal authorized stock limits. This inventory level does not apply to SFS.

224.252 Special Authorization

Special authorization for postage stock exceeding $125,000 requires these steps:

a. If operating requirements require postage stock in excess of $125,000, written notification must be submitted to the appropriate area marketing or retail manager, requesting special authorization.

b. The area marketing or retail manager, with concurrence of the local Inspector in Charge, may authorize postage stock up to $250,000. The total amount of annual sales at the philatelic outlet must be included with any request for authorization to maintain a postage stock in excess of $125,000 for that outlet. Such requests are approved only when the total sales justify the increase in stock level. If approved at the area office level, the request should be forwarded to Headquarters for concurrence by the manager, Stamp Distribution.

224.253 Stamp Credit

Responsibility for stamp credit is as follows:

a. All retail associates working in philatelic centers are fully accountable for their own stamp credit.

b. Postmasters are responsible for providing adequate security equipment for secure storage of these credits at all times.

225 Temporary Philatelic Stations

225.1 Definition

Post Offices may establish temporary stations to provide philatelic services and to sell stamps and stamp products. These stations may include specially constructed counters or mobile retail units. Temporary stations are most frequently located at stamp shows or exhibitions, stamp dedications, state fairs, conventions, parades, or other activity sites of significant public or philatelic interest.

225.2 Requests for Temporary Stations

Requests for temporary Postal Service stations should be made by the sponsors or organizers to the local postmaster.

225.21 First Day of Issue Events

All first day of issue ceremonies are conducted under the direction of Events and Promotions, Public Affairs and Communications, Headquarters. Requests for first day of issue or other special support that must come from the national level should be directed to Events and Promotions. Once a postmaster has agreed to participate in an event, a unilateral withdrawal from such a commitment may not be made without the approval of Events and Promotions. Any such withdrawal must be based upon a showing of good cause.

225.3 Authorization

Temporary philatelic stations may be authorized by postmasters. Postmasters may participate at events where admission fees are charged by the sponsor if the same pictorial postmark used at the event is available on request to those not attending the event.

225.4 Ceremonies

Postmasters and other local officials are encouraged to participate in opening ceremonies for stamp exhibitions or other stamp ceremonies arranged by philatelic groups, whether or not a temporary philatelic station is authorized.

225.5 Announcement and Publicity

225.51 Posters

An announcement of the temporary philatelic station and any event postmark may be posted on the main Post Office lobby bulletin board and may be posted in other Post Offices within a 10-mile radius of the event so that collectors will be advised of the Postal Service's participation. For larger events, the posting may occur throughout the district or as requested by Headquarters. Posters should be placed on display at least 15 days before the event but in no case more than 30 days before the event. All announcements must emphasize the temporary philatelic station. The announcements should mention the name of the event, pictorial or standard postmark (if any), dates and hours open to the public, and the location. Promotional material for the event itself must not be incorporated.

225.52 Press Releases

The postmaster should also announce through press releases to local newspapers, the planned establishment of the temporary philatelic station. The Post Office, however, must not distribute free flyers to s, sell or distribute tickets, exchange ticket coupons, or authorize the use of Post Office facilities for direct event promotion.

225.6 Participation in Events

225.61 Planning

Postmasters should ensure that detailed planning begins well in advance of the event so that participation brings credit to the Postal Service and provides a wide range of stamps and stamp products to collectors and other customers. Particular attention should be taken in selecting sales personnel who are knowledgeable about philately and who have retail experience. All retail associates should be fully trained in stamp sales and pictorial postmark policies.

225.62 Stamp Stock

The postmaster should secure a wide range of stamp products and current postage, using the USA Philatelic catalog as a guide. No stamps, stationery, or products that have been withdrawn from sale may be sold. Sales withdrawals are noted in the Postal Bulletin. Postmasters should requisition philatelic stock not already available in their Post Office from their SDO or usual source of supply on PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition/Stamp Return, indicating the quantity required to sell at the stamp show, exhibition, or other purpose as described in 225.1. For these events, stamps with denominations greater than $1 may be requisitioned in plate blocks of four, as noted in 222.221. At the conclusion of the event, excess philatelic stock, including remainders from commemorative sheets, should be sold at the regular stamp windows for postage purposes.

225.63 Philatelic Products

Postmasters should display, promote, and sell philatelic products such as the commemorative stamp yearbooks, the Postal Service Guide to U.S. Stamps, stamp collecting keepsakes or kits, and topical stamp sets.

225.64 Sales Restrictions

The sales policies about plate blocks and marginal markings are described in 222.22.

225.65 Security and Facilities

Postmasters should ensure that sufficient security for the stamp stock is provided at the event site and that all other facilities are adequate.

225.66 Appearance

Postmasters should ensure that the appearance of the temporary philatelic station brings credit to the Postal Service by using attractive signs and by having enough space for satisfactory service. The hours that the station is open must be posted.

225.67 Prompt Service

At exhibitions where a large number of collectors are expected, postmasters should consider using a speedy line, distributing customer numbers that can be announced, or employing another method that would provide quick service to customers and reduce waiting.

225.68 Sales Report

An event sales report showing both gross and net revenue must be submitted to the district manager or designee within 1 week of the close of every temporary philatelic station.

226 Mail Order

SFS handles mail, telephone, and Internet orders for postage stamps, philatelic quality stamps, and other philatelic products. Customers may request a catalog listing items available by calling 1-800-STAMP-24, or by writing to:

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

Note: Post Offices may not fill mail orders for stamps and other philatelic items other than mail orders under the Stamps by Mail program and orders for local philatelic postmarks. Customers must furnish a self-addressed, stamped envelope for return of precanceled stamps. Postmasters may not order precanceled postmarking devices solely to satisfy collector demands.

23 Philatelic Postmarks

231 General

231.1 Definition

A philatelic postmark, used for collecting purposes, is an official postal postmark that contains the Post Office name, city, state, ZIP Code, and date (month, day, and year) of the canceling Post Office that accepted custody of the mailpiece(s), except as provided in 231.61 and 231.7. Other postal markings are made by validators, obliterators, or special-purpose cancellers. Postmarking for philatelic purposes is provided at the request of collectors or philatelic cover servicers for postmarking outside ordinary mail processing. This service requires special procedures and arrangements so that other Postal Service operations and services are not disrupted. This service may entail hand- stamping requests, either on a hand-back or mail-back basis, and the holding of mail for postmarking.

231.2 Policy

231.21 Publicity

The Postal Service makes all philatelic postmarking services widely known to customers and collectors through advance national publicity to avoid such postmarks being available only to a small number of people.

231.22 Backdating and Predating

It is Postal Service policy to prohibit backdating of mail except:

a. When Postal Service operating requirements and public demand necessitate that postmarking operations commence before or continue after the date contained in the postmark.

b. When replacements are made for damaged, defective, or missing postmarks.

c. When all requirements for postmarking are met by customers, and postmarks are not applied because of errors of Postal Service personnel.

d. As noted in references to first day of issue postmarks provided in sections 231.4b, 231.63d, 231.7, and 232.4.

231.23 Retail Associate Availability and Training

A sufficient number of retail associates should be available to provide speedy service. Retail associates should be trained in advance to provide hand-stamped postmarks of philatelic quality. Refer to 231.3 for philatelic postmarking procedures.

231.3 Cooperation With Collectors

231.31 Postmarks

Employees should strive to furnish clear and legible postmarks to stamp collectors by ensuring that postmarking machines and hand-stamp devices are properly inked. Postal Service employees must give special attention to mail bearing an endorsement that is of philatelic value or to requests for light postmarks, and they should avoid canceling stamps by pen or illegible smudging. However, stamps must be canceled sufficiently to protect Postal Service revenue.

231.32 Special Attention

The Postal Service cannot provide special attention to a philatelic cover if it has been routinely entered into the mailstream by the sender.

231.33 Postmarking Devices

Postmarking devices may be used only under the supervision of authorized Postal Service personnel.

231.34 Hand-Stamped Postmarks

All hand-stamped postmarks are made with black ink unless authorized by Stamp Services. For more information, refer to Handbook PO-230, Pictorial Cancellations.

231.35 Philatelic Covers

Employees should exercise care in handling all philatelic covers to ensure that they are not damaged in mail handling. These covers are generally identifiable by a design (cachet) on the left side of the envelope.

231.36 Defacing Philatelic Covers

Postal Service employees should ensure that philatelic covers are not over-canceled; back-stamped, marked "received this date," or otherwise defaced on front or back; used as a top piece in a bundle for destination-package labeling purposes; or bent, folded, mutilated, or damaged by rubber bands.

231.4 Hand-Back and Mail-Back Service

Postmarks, rather than other obliterations, should be used to provide the following philatelic services whenever they are available:

a. Hand-back service

(1) When a customer personally presents an addressed or unaddressed envelope, postal card, or other item described in 231.63 to a Postal Service clerk for postmarking with the current day's postmark, the Post Office must postmark the item and return it or hand it back to the customer.

(2) The envelope, card, or other item does not enter the mailstream. All such materials must bear uncanceled postage at the applicable First-Class Mail rate.

(3) This service may be provided for special die hub or regular machine postmarks only when the particular postmarking machine is readily accessible to the Postal Service clerk, and only when providing such service does not interfere with other sales or mail processing operations and does not inconvenience other customers.

b. Mail-back service

Mail-back service refers to pictorial postmark service for stamp dealers and philatelic cover servicers that permits envelopes, cards, or other items submitted for servicing to be returned in bulk through the mail. Mail-back service is not to be provided for special die hub or regular machine postmarks.

231.5 Permissible Postmarking Devices

231.51 Hand-Stamped Postmarking for Collectors

The postmark devices shown in Exhibit 231.51 may be used to provide hand-stamped postmarks for collectors.

Exhibit 231.51
Hand-Stamped Postmarks

231.52 Obliterators

The devices (obliterators) shown in Exhibit 231.52 may be used for philatelic postmarking when the postmarks or postmarking devices described in 231.51 are not available.

Exhibit 231.52
Obliterators

231.6 Philatelic Postmark Policy

231.61 Date and Place of Postmarking

Post Offices may provide postmarking for philatelic purposes before the actual date of the postmark and may continue after that date when demand, processing capability, or other requirements of the Postal Service dictate. However, under no circumstances may any postmarked materials be released before the date of the postmark. The manager, Customer Service, or designee, may determine that local processing capability requires philatelic postmarking services be performed at an office other than the Post Office of the official postmark. In this case, all materials to be postmarked must be received at or deposited in the Post Office where the postmark is being used or at the office designated by the manager, Customer Service, or designee.

231.62 Preparation Requirements

Postcards, postal cards, and envelopes submitted through the mail must bear postage at the applicable First-Class Mail first-ounce rate and complete addresses, except as provided in 231.4. Materials submitted for hand-back service need not be addressed.

231.63 Special Materials on Which Postmarks May Be Requested

Photographs, postcards, or other materials having a glossy-coated or hard-calendered surface, or any material that does not readily accept ink, are submitted for pictorial postmarks at the customer's risk. The Postal Service is not responsible for smudged postmarks or offsetting where the impression appears on the preceding item. The following materials may be canceled as indicated:

a. Plain Cards, Slips of Paper, and Blank Envelopes. Postal Service employees may not place postmarks for customers on plain slips of paper, plain cards, or blank envelopes without unused postage equaling or exceeding the First-Class Mail first-ounce rate.

b. Picture Postcards (Maximum Cards). Picture postcards with the stamp placed on the face of the card rather than on the address side are known as maximum cards. Minimum First-Class Mail postage must be placed on the address side. Postmasters may cancel these cards and hand them back to the person presenting them. For mail-back service, refer to 231.4b.

c. Posters, Portfolios, and Other Memorabilia. These items with the stamps placed thereon may be canceled when presented in person for hand-back service. Submittal and return through the mail is not permitted, except as provided in 231.4b.

d. Previously Canceled Stamps and Multiple Pictorial Postmarks. Items bearing previously canceled stamps and postmarks are acceptable for additional postmarks when uncanceled postage equaling or exceeding the First-Class Mail first-ounce rate is affixed. Return under separate cover is allowed only as specified in 241 and 243. First day of issue postmarks may not be provided on a hand-back basis after the first day of issuance. Mint stamps to cover the First-Class Mail first-ounce rate must be affixed for each postmark. Any covers submitted for servicing and return through the mailstream will not be entered into the mailstream until the date appearing on the postmark.

e. Currency. Currency bearing unused postage stamps of First-Class value or items bearing currency with stamps affixed or adjacent thereto may be canceled when presented in person for hand-back service. Submittal and return through the mail is not permitted. The Postal Service does not accept responsibility for currency in its possession in conjunction with philatelic services.

f. Backs of Envelopes. Post Offices may cancel unused stamps when they are affixed to the reverse side of envelopes bearing already canceled stamps. This service is available only for envelopes presented for hand-back service. They may not be returned through the mail even when outer envelopes are provided. Such a pictorial postmark denotes only that the item was presented to the Post Office for postmarking on that date; it does not denote that the envelope was carried by the Postal Service.

g. Foreign Postage Stamps. Unused foreign postage stamps may be canceled with a U.S. Postal Service postmark only when unused First-Class Mail first- ounce U.S. postage is canceled with the same stroke. The only exception is when contractual agreements are made with the postal administrations of other countries.

231.7 Holding the Mail

Post Offices may hold mail to comply with customers' requests that the mail be postmarked on a specified date. Post Offices may not, however, hold mail for an event where the date of occurrence is not certain or where it is subject to change or for postmarking on a day when the office will be closed, except as authorized by the manager, Stamp Services. In these latter instances, the envelopes submitted should be returned to the customer unserviced and in an outer envelope with an explanation of why the requested service cannot be provided. No more than 50 covers per customer may be held for pictorial postmarks.

231.8 Machine Postmarks

Post Offices must not machine-cancel mail with the regular postmark when the envelopes are unaddressed or when the customer requests hand-back service, except as provided in 231.4. Bulk orders requesting mail-back service is not provided, but pictorial postmarks may be provided on addressed envelopes or postal cards that are mailed to the addressee.

231.9 Hand-Stamped Postmarks

Circular hand-stamped postmarks with or without killer bars may be provided upon request at Post Offices, stations, and branches. These postmarks are available each day that the office is open for business. No slogan or pictorial material may be included. Requests made by mail for these postmarks must be at the Post Office offering the service on the date of the postmark to qualify for service.

232 First Day of Issue

232.1 First Day of Issue Sales Policy

A particular Post Office or Postal Service facility is usually designated to have the exclusive sale of a new issue stamp or stationery item on the day that it is being issued. No other Postal Service facility may sell the new issue until the following business day unless otherwise authorized by the manager, Stamp Services. For purposes of this section, the word "issue" means postage stamp, stamp booklet, booklet pane, postal card, postal stationery, stamped envelope, or aerogramme.

232.2 Notification

New stamps and other issues are announced by notices displayed in Post Office lobbies, in the Postal Bulletin, through news releases distributed to the press and philatelic periodicals, and by print, radio, and television advertising.

232.3 First Day of Issue Postmarks

This type of postmark is provided by the Post Office when a new stamp or stationery item is first placed on sale. The postmark reflects the issuance date and location. First day of issues postmarks may be either metal die, rubber composition, or digitally produced in color and the words "First Day of Issue" appear in the postmark design. Requests for first day of issue postmarks must be postmarked no later than the date specified in the Postal Bulletin to qualify for service, except in the case of the digitally produced color version of the first day of issue postmark. This product may only be purchased through SFS. Customer-provided covers will not be serviced with this postmark. Bull's-eye postmarks are used when the conventional first day of issue postmark cannot cancel all the unused stamps on an item presented for postmarking.

232.4 Ordering Procedures

All covers must bear addresses to the right side of the envelope and at least 5/8 inch up from the bottom of the envelope. Requests must be postmarked no later than the date specified in the media announcement (see 232.2) to qualify for postmark service. As a free service, this is limited to 50 postmarks, except for covers presented in person by the customer in first day of issue cities. Customers who want first day of issue postmarks of new stamps have two additional options:

a. They may buy stamps at local Post Offices, affix the stamps to their own envelopes, and mail them to the postmaster at the city of issuance for postmarking. Envelopes submitted by collectors must be of ordinary letter size and must be properly addressed. Collectors should place a filler of postal card thickness in each envelope and either turn in or seal the flap.

b. They may order first day covers without cachets by mail, telephone, facsimile, and Internet, through SFS. Each cover will have an individual catalog number and will be offered in the USA Philatelic catalog produced by Stamp Services. Item numbers and ordering instructions will also be provided in news releases announcing the new stamps. The price of the Postal Service's first day covers will vary with the denomination and number of stamps affixed. Remittance for mail orders should be made by money order or a cashier's, certified, or personal check made payable to the U.S. Postal Service or by credit card as indicated in the USA Philatelic catalog. Cash must not be sent. Neither postage stamps nor foreign coins and currency are accepted. Any orders containing such remittance will be returned unserviced. Covers remain on sale for at least 1 year after a stamp is issued.

232.5 Bulk Orders

The Post Office that services first day covers will accept only stamp-affixed envelopes.

232.6 Hand-Stamped Postmarks

Hand-stamped postmarks are applied on covers at the location of the first day ceremony and at the designated first day Post Office, as well as on covers that cannot be fully canceled by Postal Service postmarking machines. In all other cases, machine postmarks are supplied, except as provided in subchapter 25.

232.7 Hand-Back Service

Hand-back service for first day postmarks is limited to the first day of issue. Material to be canceled must be presented to the designated first day Post Office or ceremony location.

232.8 Unacceptable Covers

The issuing Post Office must not provide postmarking service on covers submitted through the mail that are unaddressed, bear stamps issued after the requested postmark date, or bear only previously canceled stamps; nor may the Post Office provide hand-back service on any items presented after the first day of issuance.

232.9 Mail Orders for Mint Stamps

The first day Post Office may not accept mail order requests for uncanceled stamps from customers outside its service area, except for philatelic cover servicers as provided in subchapter 25.

232.10 Postmarking Deadlines

Deadlines for submitting covers for first day of issue postmarks are established by Stamp Services. Any exceptions to these deadline dates must be authorized.

232.11 Unofficial First Day Covers

Stamps acquired at the first day Post Office may be canceled at any Post Office. Envelopes containing new stamps canceled on the first day of sale at a Post Office other than the issuing office are known as "unofficial first day covers."

233 Pictorial Postmarks

Pictorial postmarks are offered by the Postal Service to commemorate local events celebrated in communities throughout the nation. These postmarks contain the name of a temporary philatelic station, city, state, ZIP Code, and month, day, and year of the postmark. These postmarks may also feature wording and/or graphics relating to fairs, conventions, or other various types of local celebrations.

233.1 Sponsors

Pictorial postmarks are requested by sponsors or organizers of local events and are authorized to be used only at temporary philatelic stations and at other philatelic outlets.

233.2 Postmarking Methods

Devices used for pictorial celebrations are generally hand stamps, except when volume requires the use of a machine postmarking. There is no charge to the sponsor for the production of the hand stamp or for the Postal Service's staffing of the temporary station. For assistance in machine postmarking, contact the manager, SFS.

233.3 Criteria

Collectors may obtain pictorial postmarks at a temporary philatelic station established at an event or at a philatelic outlet, on the actual date of the requested postmark. Additionally, such postmarks may be requested by mail. Mail-in requests must be postmarked no later than 30 days following the requested postmark date to qualify for this service. Any exceptions beyond the 30 days must be approved by Stamp Services.

233.4 Authorization

Postmasters may request authority from the district manager or designee to provide postmarking service at temporary philatelic stations. Only the standard circular postmark will be provided unless the sponsors or organizers apply to the postmaster for use of a pictorial postmark at least 10 weeks before the event. The sponsors or organizers must also propose a design and finished artwork for a pictorial postmark. Both the postmark service at temporary philatelic stations and pictorial postmark design require the approval of the postmaster and the district manager or designee. Different postmarks for each day of an event are permitted only for international philatelic exhibitions. Any exceptions must be authorized by Stamp Services.

233.5 Requirements

233.51 Required Information and Dimensions

All postmarks must carry the name of the temporary station (the name of the exhibition or event, followed by the word "Station" or "Sta."), month, day, year, and city, state, and ZIP Code of the actual location of the temporary philatelic station. Overall dimensions must not exceed 4 inches horizontally and 2 inches vertically.

233.52 Approved Subject Matter

Illustrations, wording, and designs featured on pictorial postmarks must directly reflect the event to be commemorated. Postmarks that promote the sale or use of private, nonpostal products or that endorse or involve the ideals, policies, programs, products, campaigns, or candidates of religious, antireligious, commercial, political, fraternal, trade, labor, public interest, or special interest organizations may not be approved. However, postmarks may be approved that recognize events such as meetings, exhibitions, or conventions sponsored by or involving such organizations, provided that their designs do not include words, symbols, or illustrations referring to ideals, policies, programs, products, campaigns, or candidates. If there is doubt about whether a proposed postmark meets these requirements, Stamp Services should be consulted before granting approval.

233.53 Publicity

The district manager or designee must submit a PS Form 413, Pictorial Postmark Announcement/Report, which includes a reproducible copy of the pictorial postmark (actual size), to Stamp Services, so that national publicity may be arranged. The use of standard circular postmarks at temporary stations must also be reported. All reports should include the dates that the temporary philatelic station is to be open, the sponsor's name, name of the temporary philatelic station, a complete mailing address for customers requesting the pictorial postmark by mail, and a reproducible copy of the pictorial postmark. PS Form 413, along with copies of pictorial postmarks, must be submitted to Stamp Services 2 months prior to the postmarking date, by the first day of each month. Any exceptions to the 2-month notice must be approved by Stamp Services. See Handbook PO-230 for more information.

233.54 Equipment

Pictorial and standard postmarks should be applied by rubber hand stamps purchased by the host Post Office or district office.

233.55 Service Limitations

Hand-stamping as a free service is limited to 50 postmarks for any single individual or group, except for postmarks at first day of issue events. The sponsor may also obtain any reasonable amount of hand-backs free of service charge for its members and special folders or programs prepared by the sponsor may be canceled and made available at the opening of the show. Other individuals or groups not in attendance at the first day ceremony or at the first day Post Office who require more than 50 hand-stamped postmarks may obtain this service only by paying a special fee. Written application for 50 or more postmarks must be made in advance to the postmaster.

233.56 Use and Disposition of Hand Stamps

Pictorial postmark hand stamps, like other canceling devices, may be used only under the supervision of authorized Postal Service personnel and must be returned by the postmaster to the district manager or designee, 65 days after close of the event, allowing enough time to handle replacement requests. The district manager or designee must destroy the postmarking device upon receipt.

233.57 Special Requests to Retain Hand Stamps

Requests from sponsors to retain pictorial postmark hand stamps for purposes of placement in a museum, historical site, or for any other appropriate use, must be approved by the district manager. Before release to the sponsor, the hand stamp must be defaced in such a way that it can be recognized if used improperly. Copies of the original and defaced postmark designs must be kept on file in the local or district office.

234 Special Die-Hub Mail Processing Postmarks

Special die-hub postmarks are cancellations in which a slogan or message publicizing an event is engraved on a die hub. These postmarks are applied by machine to live mail. Bulk requests for mail-back service cannot be provided, but postmarks can be provided on addressed envelopes or postal cards that are delivered to the addressee or addressees through mail delivery. Postmarks of philatelic quality are often not possible. All envelopes must be addressed. Any quantity of envelopes may be submitted, but they are not returned in bulk. See chapter 4 for more information regarding the criteria and use of these mail processing postmarks.

235 Other Special Philatelic Postmarks

235.1 Military Post Offices

Military Post Offices, including Army Post Offices (APOs) and Fleet Post Offices (FPOs), may hand stamp covers both on a hand-back basis and on a mail-order request in conformance with all policies and in accordance with all conditions and procedures stated in this section, except that:

a. The postal chief at each such installation may establish the maximum number of covers individual collectors or dealers may submit.

b. Military Post Offices may establish temporary philatelic stations or provide pictorial postmarks. Requests to establish temporary philatelic stations must be sent at least 90 days in advance of the commemorative event to the responsible postmaster (New York City or San Francisco) for approval and coordination with Stamp Services.

235.2 Special Requests

Requests for postmarks at Postal Service facilities that normally do not cancel mail must be made in writing to the appropriate district manager, at least 60 days in advance to permit area manager authorization and appropriate national publicity. These requirements also apply to requests for postmarks at offices that are inaccessible to the public or to requests for postmarking at any office on dates when mail is not normally canceled (for example, Sundays and holidays). Cover servicers, as described in subchapter 25, must submit their requests for pictorial postmarking to the manager, Stamp Fulfillment Services.

24 Autographs

241 General

Postal Service employees may, at their discretion, accept or refuse requests for autographs. Employees should exercise fairness in handling such requests. Nothing of value may be accepted or requested in exchange for autographs.

25 Philatelic Cover Servicers and Cachet Makers

251 Authorization

Philatelic cover servicers and cachet makers that regularly submit 50 or more envelopes or other items for identical postmarking may contact SFS and request information on how to become a registered dealer.

252 First Day Cover Service

Philatelic cover servicers may purchase mint stamps by mail from the first day of issue Post Office or from SFS on the date of issuance. Postmarks are provided only when stamp-affixed envelopes are submitted.

253 Mail-Back Service

253.1 Service Charges

Mail-back postmarking service for philatelic cover servicers and cachet makers is subject to a service charge established by SFS, which must be paid by check, credit card, or money order before the mail is processed.

253.2 Payment Requirements

Mail-back service or return under cover in bulk are available to registered dealers only when return postage and all other applicable fees are paid to the postmaster at the place of postmarking. Requests that do not include such payment are held until the proper amount is received.

253.3 Acceptable Items

Mail-back service is generally permitted on first day of issue, pictorial, or standard philatelic postmarks on the following materials: envelopes, postal cards or maximum cards, postal stationery, posters, portfolios, or other memorabilia. The Postal Service will not accept for first day of issue postmarking covers that bear stamp(s) issued after the requested date of the postmark.

254 Damaged or Missing Covers

254.1 Requests for Replacements

Requests for replacement of first day postmarks, pictorial postmarks, and standard philatelic postmarks may be accepted at the appropriate Post Office up to 60 days from the actual postmark date. All claims for nonreceipt of covers submitted for servicing by the Postal Service must be sent to the appropriate Post Office no later than 60 days from the date of postmark or from the date postmarks were last applied. Claims for replacement postmarks filed after that time will not be honored and are returned to the customer with a short explanation on why the request cannot be honored.

254.2 Criteria

Replacements are made for poor quality postmarks, damage to the envelope, or other similar defects. Replacements are not made, however, in cases where envelopes were marked on the back by letter-sorting machine code numbers as they moved through the mail system.

254.3 Procedures

The customer must return the unsatisfactory cover or covers to the appropriate Post Office for replacement. Replacement covers must be returned to the customer in a Postal Service postage-paid envelope so that a stale postmark does not appear in the mailstream. Damaged covers must be disposed of in accordance with Handbook F-1, Post Office Accounting Procedures, 450.

254.4 Exceptions

The Postal Service does not replace missing or unsatisfactory die-hub machine postmarks or special die-hub postmarks because these postmarks are made in the course of live mail processing.

254.5 Damaged or Loss of Cachet Covers

The Postal Service is not responsible for damage or loss of cachet covers or of other items of value.

26 Philatelic Products

261 Special Philatelic Products

Special philatelic products produced by the Postal Service for first day Postal Service ceremonies are permitted for major postal events only, such as the opening of a new philatelic center, postal store, or a dedicated philatelic window. All such products must be approved at least 3 months before the event by the appropriate area and Headquarters organizations.

27 Promotions or Presentations

271 General

To obtain canceled or uncanceled stamps, postal stationery items, or philatelic products for information, official Postal Service business, or Postal Service presentations, district managers or postmasters must submit a funded PS Form 7381, Requisition for Supplies, Services, or Equipment, or an eBuy request to the appropriate stock source as defined below. The form must identify the delivery address, contact name and telephone number, item number, quantity, description, amount, and the purpose or justification for the promotion or presentation. The postmaster or district manager must also enter account number 52325, Advertising and Sales Promotion, the finance number, and the account identifier code (AIC) 596, Miscellaneous Advertising Expense, on PS Form 7381 or the eBuy request. Account number 52325 shows as a transaction to line 34, Services, on the requesting office's Financial Performance Report (FPR). The postmaster or district manager has the option of obtaining stock locally or through SFS. Stock requested from SFS must be a minimum of $1,000 face value. Either request requires PS Form 7381 or the eBuy request.

272 Obtaining Stock Locally

To obtain stock locally, the postmaster or district manager authorizes and signs the completed PS Form 7381 or eBuy request. The form is submitted to the retail associate servicing the same finance number shown on the PS Form 7381 or eBuy request. The retail associate fulfills items as requested and retains the PS Form 7381 or eBuy request for submission with PS Form 1412-A, Daily Financial Report, as support for AIC 596. The retail associate records the transaction on PS Form 1412-A and enters the amount in AIC 596, with an offsetting entry to AIC 090, Postage Stock Sales, or AIC 092, Philatelic Product Sales. The PS Form 7381 or eBuy request supports the entry to AIC 596. Offices that use standard field accounting procedures should submit the PS Form 7381 or eBuy request to the appropriate district accounting offices. Statement of account offices should retain this form locally. The accounting office verifies the submitted PS Form 7381 or eBuy request for completeness and retains it as support for AIC 596 on the Statement of Account.

273 Obtaining Stock Through Stamp Fulfillment Services

Stock that is not available locally may be available through SFS. To obtain stock through SFS, a minimum $1,000 face value is required. A completed and signed PS Form 7381 or eBuy request for the face value amount of stock requested and appropriate postage and handling fees must be sent to:

MANAGER
STAMP FULFILLMENT SERVICES
8300 NE UNDERGROUND DRIVE PILLAR 210
KANSAS CITY MO 64144-0001

The postmaster makes no entries to the cash book. SFS fulfills and mails the stock to the delivery address on the PS Form 7381 or eBuy request. SFS enters the amount shown on the order form to AIC 596, with offsetting entries to AIC 090 or AIC 092, and AIC 114, Postage Due Invoices, for the postage and handling charges. SFS accesses the Journal Voucher Transfer System through the Financial Accounting Control Tracking System (FACTS) and enters the account number 52325 and the finance number indicated on the PS Form 7381 or eBuy request. The account number shows as a transaction to line 34, Services, on the postmaster's Postal System Financial Report (PSFR). The postmaster or district manager then sees an adjustment to either the prior period or the current period.

28 Copyright of Stamp Designs

281 Policy

The designs of postage stamps, stamped envelopes, stamped stationery, stamped cards, aerogrammes, souvenir cards, and other philatelic items are copyrighted by the U.S. Postal Service in accordance with Title 17 of the United States Code.

282 Permission for Use

No written permission is required to reproduce the copyrighted stamp images in hard copy printed matter for the following purposes:

a. In editorial matter in newspapers, magazines, and journals for news reporting purposes.

b. In advertising matter, circulars, or price lists for the sale of the postage stamps or philatelic items illustrated.

c. In advertising matter, circulars, or price lists for the sale of philatelic magazines, journals, books, philatelic catalogs, philatelic albums containing illustrations of philatelic designs of the stamp images for sale of the postage stamps or philatelic items illustrated.

d. For incidental, background, nonfeatured use in motion picture films. No print or other reproduction from such films, slides, or tapes may be made except for the uses permitted above.

e. Noncommercial, educational uses limited to classroom instruction.

Note: For uses covered above, users must cite the source of the stamp image, the United States Postal Service, and include language such as: "© United States Postal Service." All permitted uses covered above must consist of the unaltered, original stamp image as issued by the U.S. Postal Service. Any modification or alteration to the stamp image constitutes an unauthorized use.

For uses not covered above, a license from the Postal Service is required. Further digital or electronic reproduction of stamp images for posting on the Internet or in any other electronic forum is not allowed without a license from the U.S. Postal Service.

283 Reproduction of Designs

Illustrations permitted by 282 may be in color or in black and white and may depict items as uncanceled or canceled. When depicting uncanceled items in color, illustrations must be less than 75 percent or more than 150 percent (in linear dimension) of the size of the design of the philatelic items as issued. Color illustrations of canceled items and black and white illustrations of uncanceled or canceled philatelic items may be any size.

284 Requests for Licenses

The U.S. Postal Service may grant licenses for the use of illustrations of its copyright designs outside the scope of the above permission. Requests for such licenses should be addressed to:

LICENSING
US POSTAL SERVICE
475 LENFANT PLAZA SW RM 10-523
WASHINGTON DC 20260-3100

* * * * *

- Stamp Services,
Government Relations, 5-26-05