Philately

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 05-34

Love: True Blue Nondenominated Definitive Stamp

The Postal ServiceTM will issue a First-Class® nondenominated definitive stamp Love: True Blue on January 3, 2006, in Washington, DC. The stamp, designed by Craig Frazier of Mill Valley, California, goes on sale nationwide January 3, 2006. The stamp will be issued in a pressure- sensitive adhesive (PSA) convertible booklet of 20 (Item 675100).

Illustrator Craig Frazier arranged paper cutouts into a composition depicting two birds perched on a branch sharing a devoted gaze - the space between them forms a heart. He then created a digital file of the artwork and applied shades of blue to the birds, setting them against a yellow background.

How To Order First Day of Issue Postmark

Customers have 60 days to obtain the first day of issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post OfficeTM, by telephone at 800-STAMP-24, and at the Postal Store Web site at www.usps.com/shop. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

LOVE TRUE BLUE NONDENOMINATED
DEFINITIVE STAMP
POSTMASTER
SPECIAL CANCELLATIONS
PO BOX 92282
WASHINGTON DC 20066-9998

After applying the first day of issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by March 10, 2006.

How To Order First Day Covers

Stamp Fulfillment Services also offers first day covers for new stamp issues and Postal Service stationery items postmarked with the official first day of issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog. Customers may request a free catalog by calling 800-STAMP-24 or writing to:

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

Philatelic Products

There are two philatelic products available for this stamp issue:

• First Day Cover, $0.77 (Item 675161).

• Cancellation Keepsake (Booklet and First Day Cover), $8.57 (Item 675193).

These products will be available while supplies last at postal stores, online at www.usps.com, and by telephone at 800-STAMPS-24.

Distribution: Item 675100, Nondenominated ($7.80 Value) Love: True Blue, PSA Convertible Booklet of 20

Stamp distribution offices (SDOs) will receive approximately one-third their standard automatic distribution quantity for a PSA booklet. Distributions are rounded up to nearest master carton size (4,000 booklets).

Initial Supply to Post Offices

SDOs will make a subsequent automatic distribution to Post Offices for one-fourth their full standard automatic distribution quantity for a PSA booklet using PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition/Stamp Return. SDOs must not distribute stamps to Post Offices before December 27, 2005.

Philatelic Requirement

SDOs will not receive a separate quantity of Item 675100 for their authorized philatelic centers. Philatelic centers must be supplied their quantities from the initial automatic distribution made to SDOs.

Additional Supply

Post Offices requiring additional booklets must requisition Item 675100 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.

For fulfilling supplemental orders from SDOs, Chicago, Memphis, and New York APDs will each receive 1,240,000 additional booklets; the San Francisco APD will receive 1,120,000 additional booklets; and the Denver APD will receive 460,000 additional booklets.

Sales Policy

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

— Stamp Services,
Government Relations, 12-22-05

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 05-35

Lady Liberty and U.S. Flag

The Postal ServiceTM will issue a 39-cent definitive stamp, Lady Liberty and U.S. Flag, in Washington, DC. The stamp will be available in two initial formats:

• Pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) coil of 10,000 (Item 783800), on January 9, 2006, nationwide.

• PSA coil of 3,000 (Item 783700), on February 8, 2006, nationwide.

The stamp, designed by Terrence W. McCaffrey of the U.S. Postal Service®, Washington, DC, features two of the most recognized symbols of the United States: the Statue of Liberty and the American flag. Carl and Ann Purcell of Alexandria, Virginia, took separate photographs of the Statue of Liberty and the American flag and combined them to create the montage used in the stamp art.

How To Order the First Day of Issue Postmark

Customers have 90 days to obtain the first day of issue postmark by mail for the coil of 10,000 (Item 783800), and 60 days for the coil of 3,000 (Item 783700). They may purchase new stamps at their local Post OfficeTM, by telephone at 800-STAMP-24, and at the Postal Store Web site at www.usps.com/shop. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

LADY LIBERTY AND US FLAG DEFINITIVE STAMP
POSTMASTER
SPECIAL CANCELLATIONS
PO BOX 92282
WASHINGTON DC 20066-9998

After applying the first day of issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by March 10, 2006.

How To Order First Day Covers

Stamp Fulfillment Services also offers first day covers for new stamp issues and Postal Service stationery items postmarked with the official first day of issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog. Customers may request a free catalog by calling 800-STAMP-24 or writing to:

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

Philatelic Products

There are no philatelic products available for this stamp issue.

Distribution: Item 783800 PSA Coil of 10,000

Stamp distribution offices (SDOs) will not receive an automatic distribution of Item 783800. Two waves of automatic distributions will be provided to accountable paper depositories (APDs) and Stamp Service Centers (SSCs) only.

The first distribution of 10,000 coils will be completed on December 23, 2005. The second distribution of 10,000 coils will be completed on January 31, 2006.

SDOs requiring quantities of Item 783800 must order them from the appropriate APD using a separate PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition/Stamp Return. For fulfilling orders from SDOs, the San Francisco, Chicago, Memphis, and New York APDs will each receive 2,500 coils; the Denver APD will receive 900 coils. For fulfilling supplemental orders from APDs, the Kansas City SSC will receive 6,000 additional coils.

Initial Supply to Post Offices

Post Offices requiring quantities of Item 783800 must order them from their designated SDO using a separate PS Form 17. SDOs must not distribute these coils to Post Offices before January 4, 2006.

Additional Supply

Post Offices requiring additional coils must requisition them from their designated SDO using a PS Form 17. SDOs requiring additional coils must order them from the appropriate APD using PS Form 17.

Distribution: Item 783700 PSA Coil of 3,000

SDOs will not receive an automatic distribution of Item 783700. An automatic distribution will be provided to accountable paper depositories (APDs) and Stamp Service Centers (SSCs) only. The initial distribution of 35,000 coils will be completed on February 15, 2006.

SDOs requiring quantities of Item 783700 must order them from the appropriate APD using a separate PS Form 17. For fulfilling orders from SDOs, the San Francisco, Chicago, Memphis, and New York APDs will each receive 4,200 coils; the Denver APD will receive 1,200 coils. For fulfilling supplemental orders from APDs, the Kansas City SSC will receive 12,000 additional coils.

Initial Supply to Post Offices

Post Offices requiring quantities of Item 783700 must order them from their designated SDO using a separate PS Form 17. SDOs must not distribute these coils to Post Offices before February 3, 2006.

Additional Supply

Post Offices requiring additional coils must requisition them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17. SDOs requiring additional coils must order them from the appropriate APD using PS Form 17.

— Stamp Services,
Government Relations, 12-22-05

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 05-36

Pikes Peak (200th) Stamped Card

The Postal ServiceTM will issue a 24-cent Pikes Peak (200th) stamped card design on January 9, 2006, in Washington, DC. The card, designed by Carl T. Herrman of Carlsbad, California, goes on sale nationwide January 9, 2006.

The Pikes Peak (200th) stamped card features a photograph of a 1902 lithograph by Illinois artist Edgar Spier Cameron (1862-1944) depicting Capt. Zebulon Montgomery Pike and three members of his expedition standing on a mountaintop. They are looking at the summit of the mountain that would later be named Pikes Peak in his honor.

The Pikes Peak (200th) stamped card will be issued in the following formats:

• Single-Cut Cards (Item 221700).

• Sheet of 40 Cards (Item 221800).

• Double-Cut Reply Cards (Item 221900).

• 5 Cards Banded (Item 223000).

How To Order First Day of Issue Postmark

Customers have 60 days to obtain the first day of issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamped cards at their local Post OfficeTM, by telephone at 800-STAMP-24, and at the Postal Store Web site at www.usps.com/shop. They should address the stamped cards (to themselves or others) and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

PIKES PEAK 200TH STAMPED CARDS
POSTMASTER
SPECIAL CANCELLATIONS
PO BOX 92282
WASHINGTON DC 20066-9998

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 10, 2006.

How To Order First Day Covers

Stamp Fulfillment Services also offers first day covers for new stamp issues and Postal Service stationery items postmarked with the official first day of issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog. Customers may request a free catalog by calling 800-STAMP-24 or writing to:

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

Philatelic Products

There are two philatelic products available for this stamp issue:

• 221761 Pikes Peak First Day Cover, $0.36.

• 221961 Pikes Peak First Day Cover, $0.62.

These products will be available while supplies last at postal stores, online at www.usps.com, and by telephone at 800-STAMPS-24.

Distribution: 24-cent Pikes Peak (200th) Stamped Cards

Stamp distribution offices (SDOs) will receive an automatic distribution of the following 24-cent Pikes Peak (200th) stamped card items: Item 221700, Single-Cut Card; Item 221800, Sheet of 40 Cards; Item 221900, Double-Cut Reply Card; and Item 223000, 5 Cards Banded (for vending use only).

Stamped card items will be distributed in two waves. Wave one shipments began on December 5, 2005, and complete on December 30, 2005. Wave two is scheduled to begin on January 3, 2006, and complete on January 25, 2006.

Initial Supply to Post Offices

Post Offices will not receive an automatic distribution of these stamped cards but should order sufficient quantities of Items 221700, 221800, 221900, or 223000 to meet the initial customer demand. Post Offices must order these stamped cards from their designated SDO using a separate PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition/Stamp Return. SDOs must not distribute stamped cards to Post Offices before December 30, 2005.

Philatelic Requirement

SDOs will not receive a separate quantity of these stamped cards for their authorized philatelic centers. Philatelic centers must be supplied needed quantities from the initial automatic distribution made to the SDO.

Additional Supply

Post Offices requiring additional stamped cards must requisition them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17.

SDOs requiring additional quantities of stamped card Items 221700, 221800, 221900, or 223000 must submit a PS Form 3216, Requisition for Postal Cards - Bulk Quantities, to the Government Printing Office.

— Stamp Services,
Government Relations, 12-22-05

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 05-37

Benjamin Franklin Stamped Envelope

The Postal ServiceTM will issue a 39-cent Benjamin Franklin stamped envelope design on January 9, 2006, in Washington, DC. The envelope, designed by Richard Sheaff of Scottsdale, Arizona, goes on sale nationwide January 9, 2006.

The Benjamin Franklin stamped envelope features a photograph of a famous bust of the founding father by French sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon (1741-1828). The marble bust is part of the collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

The Benjamin Franklin stamped envelope will be issued in the following formats:

• #10 regular envelope (Item 217100).

• #10 window envelope (Item 217200).

• #9 security envelope (Item 217400).

• #9 security window envelope (Item 217500).

• #6 3/4 regular envelope (Item 267100).

• #6 3/4 window envelope (Item 267200).

How to Order First Day of Issue Postmark

Customers have 60 days to obtain the first day of issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new envelopes at their local Post OfficeTM, by telephone at 800-STAMP-24, and at the Postal Store Web site at www.usps.com/shop. They should address the envelopes (to themselves or others) and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN STAMPED ENVELOPE
POSTMASTER
SPECIAL CANCELLATIONS
PO BOX 92282
WASHINGTON DC 20066-9998

After applying the first day of issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by March 10, 2006.

How to Order First Day Covers

Stamp Fulfillment Services (SFS) also offers first day covers for new stamp issues and Postal Service stationery items postmarked with the official first day of issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog. Customers may request a free catalog by calling 800-STAMP-24 or writing to:

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

Philatelic Products

There are six philatelic products available for this stamped envelope issue:

• First Day Cover, $0.57 (Item 217161).

• First Day Cover, $0.57 (Item 217261).

• First Day Cover, $0.57 (Item 217461).

• First Day Cover, $0.57 (Item 217561).

• First Day Cover, $0.57 (Item 267161).

• First Day Cover, $0.57 (Item 267261).

These products will be available while supplies last at postal stores, online at www.usps.com, and by telephone at 800-STAMP-24.

Distribution: 39-cent Benjamin Franklin Stamped Envelopes

Stamp distribution offices (SDOs) will receive an automatic distribution of the following 39-cent Benjamin Franklin stamped envelope items:

• Item 217100, #10 Regular.

• Item 217200, #10 Window.

• Item 217400, #9 Regular.

• Item 217500, #9 Window.

• Item 267100, #6 3/4 Regular.

• Item 267200, #6 3/4 Window.

Automatic distributions began shipment on December 5, 2005, and will be completed on December 30, 2005.

A second automatic distribution is scheduled only for Item 227100, #10 regular and Item 267100, #6 3/4 regular. This second automatic distribution is scheduled to begin shipment on January 3, 2006, and to be completed on January 26, 2006.

Initial Supply to Post Offices

Post Offices will not receive an automatic distribution of these stamped envelopes, but should order sufficient quantities of Items 217100, 217200, 217400, 217500, 267100, and 267200 to meet the initial customer demand. Post Offices must order these stamped envelopes from their designated SDO using a separate PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition/Stamp Return. SDOs must not distribute stamped envelopes to Post Offices before December 30, 2005.

Philatelic Requirement

SDOs will not receive a separate quantity of these stamped envelopes for their authorized philatelic centers. Philatelic centers must be supplied needed quantities from the initial automatic distribution made to the SDO.

Additional Supply

Post Offices requiring additional stamped envelopes must requisition them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17.

SDOs requiring additional quantities of stamped envelope Items 217100, 217200, 217400, 217500, 267100, and 267200 must submit PS Form 3205, Requisition for Plain Stamped Envelopes, to SFS.

— Stamp Services,
Government Relations, 12-22-05

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 05-38

Official Mail Definitive Stamp

The Postal ServiceTM will issue a 39-cent Official Mail definitive stamp in a #10 stamped envelope (Item 218400) on January 9, 2006, in Washington, DC. The stamp, designed by Bradbury Thompson, goes on sale nationwide January 9, 2006.

How to Order First Day of Issue Postmark

Customers have 60 days to obtain the first day of issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps and envelopes at their local Post OfficeTM, by telephone at 800-STAMP-24, and at the Postal Store Web site at www.usps.com/shop. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

OFFICIAL MAIL DEFINITIVE STAMP
POSTMASTER
SPECIAL CANCELLATIONS
PO BOX 92282
WASHINGTON DC 20066-9998

After applying the first day of issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by March 10, 2006.

How to Order First Day Covers

Stamp Fulfillment Services (SFS) also offers first day covers for new stamp issues and Postal Service stationery items postmarked with the official first day of issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog. Customers may request a free catalog by calling 800-STAMP-24 or writing to:

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

Philatelic Products

There are no philatelic products available for this stamped envelope issue.

Distribution: 39-cent Official (Penalty) Mail Envelope, #10 Regular, Item 218400

Only the Chicago, IL, accountable paper depository (APD), which is the sole distribution unit designated to accept penalty mail requisitions from authorized government agencies, will receive an automatic distribution of Item 218400. Only the Chicago APD may distribute the new Official Mail envelope to authorized government agencies that submit PS Form 17-G, Penalty Mail Stamp Requisition. The Chicago APD must not distribute these envelopes to government agencies before January 5, 2006.

Initial Supply to Post Offices

The Official Mail envelope will not be made available at regular retail windows for customer sale. Authorized government agencies must submit PS Form 17-G to the Chicago APD for Penalty Mail envelope fulfillment.

Philatelic Requirement

The Official Mail envelope will not be made available to philatelic centers for customer sale. Only SFS will offer the stamp for sale to collectors via mail order from the USA Philatelic catalog.

Additional Supply

For additional supplies of Item 218400, the Chicago APD must submit PS Form 3205, Requisition for Plain Stamped Envelopes, to SFS.

Ordering Printed Official Mail Stamped Envelopes

Authorized government agencies may order Item 218400, 39-cent Official (Penalty) Mail envelope, with a return address preprinted on the envelope. To order these envelopes, authorized government agencies must complete PS Form 17-J, Penalty Mail Printed Stamped Envelope Order. PS Form 17-J can be obtained from the government agency's mail manager. Carefully follow the instructions on PS Form 17-J and send the completed order to:

PERSONALIZED ENVELOPE PROGRAM
STAMP FULFILLMENT SERVICES
US POSTAL SERVICE
PO BOX 219178
KANSAS CITY MO 64121-7106

— Stamp Services,
Government Relations, 12-22-05

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 05-39

Favorite Children's Book Animals Stamps

The Postal ServiceTM will issue 39-cent Favorite Children's Book Animals stamps in eight designs on January 10, 2006, in Findlay, Ohio, and London, England. The stamps, designed by Derry Noyes, Washington, DC, go on sale nationwide January 11, 2006. The stamps will be issued in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 16 (Item 459700).

This stamp pane honors eight cherished characters from children's literature:

• The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

• Wilbur.

• Fox in Socks.

• Maisy.

• Wild Thing.

• Curious George.

• Olivia.

• Frederick.

Children and adults alike will delight in these lively and colorful stamps. Two of the stamps - The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Maisy - will also be issued by the Royal Mail in London, England.

How To Order First Day of Issue Postmark

Customers have 60 days to obtain the first day of issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post OfficeTM, by telephone at 800-STAMP-24, and at the Postal Store Web site at www.usps.com/shop.

The Postal Service is permitted to cancel with the United Kingdom postmark the jointly issued United Kingdom Animal Tales stamps presented on independently produced covers, provided the cover also bears at least one U.S. stamp from the Favorite Children's Book Animals issue.

Customers should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

FAVORITE CHILDRENS BOOK ANIMALS STAMPS
POSTMASTER
229 W MAIN CROSS ST
FINDLAY OH 45840-9998

Or, for a United Kingdom postmark (as outlined above) place in an envelope addressed to:

ROYAL MAIL ANIMAL TALES
POSTMASTER
229 W MAIN CROSS ST
FINDLAY OH 45840-9998

After applying the first day of issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by March 10, 2006.

How To Order First Day Covers

Stamp Fulfillment Services (SFS) also offers first day covers for new stamp issues and Postal Service stationery items postmarked with the official first day of issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog. Customers may request a free catalog by calling 800-STAMP-24 or writing to:

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

Philatelic Products

There are 5 philatelic products available for this stamp issue:

• Item 459763, First Day Cover Set of 8, $6.16.

• Item 459765, Digital Color Postmark RS, $1.50.

• Item 459768, Digital Color Postmark Set of 8, $12.00.

• Item 459784, Press Sheet, $37.44.

• Item 459793, Cancellation Keepsake (Pane of 16 w/8 FDC), $12.40.

These products will be available while supplies last at postal stores, online at www.usps.com, and by telephone at 800-STAMPS-24.

Distribution: Item 459700, 39-cent Favorite Children's Book Animals, PSA Pane of 20 Stamps

Stamp distribution offices (SDOs) will receive three waves of automatic distribution for Item 459700, 39-cent Favorite Children's Book Animals commemorative stamps. The first distribution of approximately one-half of the standard automatic distribution quantity for a sheet stamp will be completed on December 15, 2005. The second distribution, of approximately one-half the standard automatic distribution quantity for a PSA sheet stamp, will be completed on January 15, 2006. The third distribution, of approximately a full standard automatic distribution quantity for a PSA sheet stamp, will be completed on April 12, 2006. Distributions are rounded up to the nearest master carton size (40,000 stamps).

Initial Supply to Post Offices

From the initial shipment, SDOs will make a subsequent automatic distribution to Post Offices for one-half their standard automatic distribution quantities using PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition/Stamp Return. SDOs must not distribute stamps to Post Offices before January 4, 2006.

Philatelic Requirement

SDOs will not receive a separate quantity of Item 459700 for their authorized philatelic centers. Philatelic centers must be supplied needed quantities from the initial automatic distribution made to the SDO.

Additional Supply

Post Offices requiring additional quantities of Item 459700 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.

From the second distribution, the New York, Chicago, and Memphis APDs will each receive 1,120,000 additional stamps; the San Francisco APD will receive 880,000 additional stamps; and the Denver APD will receive 360,000 additional stamps for fulfilling supplemental orders from SDOs.

From the third distribution, the New York APD, Chicago, San Francisco, and Memphis APDs will each receive 3,200,000 additional stamps; the Denver APD will receive 1,600,000 additional stamps for fulfilling supplemental orders from SDOs. From the third distribution, the Kansas City Stamp Services Center will receive 10,000,000 additional stamps for fulfilling supplemental orders from APDs.

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.

— Stamp Services,
Government Relations, 12-22-05

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 05-40

2006 Olympic Winter Games

The Postal ServiceTM will issue a 39-cent 2006 Olympic Winter Games commemorative stamp in one design on January 11, 2006, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The stamp, designed by Derry Noyes of Washington, DC, goes on sale nationwide January 12, 2006.

With this stamp featuring an illustration of a downhill skier, the Postal Service continues its tradition of honoring the spirit of athleticism and international unity inspired by the Olympic Games. The stamp will be issued to coincide with the 20th Olympic Winter Games, which will be held February 10-26, 2006, in Torino, Italy.

The 2006 Olympic Winter Games stamp will be issued in the following formats:

• Pressure-sensitive Adhesive (PSA) Pane of 20 (Item 460300).

How To Order First Day of Issue Postmark

Customers have 30 days to obtain the first day of issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post OfficeTM, by telephone at 800-STAMP-24, and at the Postal Store Web site at www.usps.com/shop. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

2006 OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES
POSTMASTER
201 E PIKES PEAK AVE
COLORADO SPRINGS CO 80903-9998

After applying the first day of issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by February 11, 2006.

How To Order First Day Covers

Stamp Fulfillment Services also offers first day covers for new stamp issues and Postal Service stationery items postmarked with the official first day of issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog. Customers may request a free catalog by calling 800-STAMP-24 or writing to:

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

Philatelic Products

There are two philatelic products available for this stamp issue:

• First Day Cover, $0.77 (Item 460361).

• Cancellation Keepsake (FP w/FDC), $8.57 (460393).

These products will be available while supplies last at postal stores, online at www.usps.com, and by telephone at 800-STAMPS-24.

Distribution: Item 460300, 39-cent 2006 Olympic Winter Games, PSA Pane of 20 Stamps

Stamp distribution offices (SDOs) will receive approximately two-thirds of their standard automatic distribution quantity for a PSA sheet stamp. 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-half their full standard automatic distribution quantity using PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition/Stamp Return. SDOs must not distribute stamps to Post Offices before January 4, 2006.

Philatelic Requirement

SDOs will not receive a separate quantity of Item 460300 for their authorized philatelic centers. Philatelic centers must be supplied needed quantities from the initial automatic distribution made to the SDO.

Additional Supply

Post Offices requiring additional stamps must requisition Item 460300 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.

For fulfilling supplemental orders from SDOs, the Memphis, Chicago, New York, and San Francisco APDs will each receive 1,200,000 additional stamps; the Denver APD will receive 800,000 additional stamps.

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 normal ordering procedures.

— Stamp Services,
Government Relations, 12-22-05

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 05-41

Hattie McDaniel

The Postal ServiceTM will issue a 39-cent Hattie McDaniel commemorative stamp in one design in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 459300) on January 25, 2006, in Beverly Hills, California. The stamp, designed by Ethel Kessler of Bethesda, Maryland, goes on sale nationwide January 26, 2006.

Through this 29th stamp in the Black Heritage series, the Postal Service honors Hattie McDaniel, an American character actress, singer, and radio and television performer. Her role in the 1939 film Gone with the Wind made McDaniel the first African American to win an Academy Award.

Based on a 1941 photograph, the stamp features a portrait of McDaniel by Tim O'Brien of Brooklyn, New York. The image portrays McDaniel in the dress she wore on February 29, 1940, when she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

How To Order First Day of Issue Postmark

Customers have 30 days to obtain the first day of issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post OfficeTM, by telephone at 800-STAMP-24, and at the Postal Store Web site at www.usps.com/shop. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

HATTIE MCDANIEL STAMP
POSTMASTER
325 N MAPLE DR
BEVERLY HILLS CA 90210-9998

After applying the first day of issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by February 24, 2006.

How To Order First Day Covers

Stamp Fulfillment Services also offers first day covers for new stamp issues and Postal Service stationery items postmarked with the official first day of issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog. Customers may request a free catalog by calling 800-STAMP-24 or writing to:

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

Philatelic Products

There are three philatelic products available for this stamp issue:

• First Day Cover, $0.77 (Item 459361).

• Cancellation Keepsake (FP w/FDC), $8.57 (Item 459393).

• Diary Page w/Maxi Card and Pane, $12.95 (Item 459376).

These products will be available while supplies last at postal stores, online at www.usps.com, and by telephone at 800-STAMPS-24.

Distribution: Item 459300, 39-cent Hattie McDaniel, PSA Pane of 20 Stamps

Stamp distribution offices (SDOs) will receive two waves of automatic distribution for Item 459300, the 39-cent Hattie McDaniel commemorative stamp. The first distribution of approximately one-half the standard automatic distribution quantity for a sheet stamp will be completed on January 5, 2006. The second distribution, of approximately two-thirds the standard automatic distribution quantity for a PSA sheet stamp, will be completed on January 31, 2006.

A third distribution, providing quantities only to accountable paper depositories (APDs) for supplemental ordering by SDOs, and Stamp Service Centers (SSCs) for supplemental ordering by APDs, will be completed on April 12, 2006. Distributions are rounded up to the nearest master carton size (40,000 stamps).

Initial Supply to Post Offices

From the initial shipment, SDOs will make a subsequent automatic distribution to Post Offices for one-half the standard automatic distribution quantities using PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition/Stamp Return. SDOs must not distribute stamps to Post Offices before January 20, 2006.

Philatelic Requirement

SDOs will not receive a separate quantity of Item 459300 for their authorized philatelic centers. Philatelic centers must be supplied needed quantities from the initial automatic distribution made to SDOs.

Additional Supply

Post Offices requiring additional quantities of Item 459300 must requisition them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17. SDOs requiring additional stamps must order them from the appropriate APD using PS Form 17.

From the second distribution, the Chicago APD will receive 1,200,000 additional stamps; the New York, San Francisco, and Memphis APDs will each receive 1,000,000 additional stamps; and the Denver APD will receive 400,000 additional stamps for fulfilling supplemental orders from SDOs.

From the third distribution, the New York, Chicago, and Memphis APDs will each receive 6,400,000 additional stamps; the San Francisco APD will receive 6,000,000 additional stamps; and the Denver APD will receive 1,200,000 additional stamps for fulfilling supplemental orders from SDOs. From the third distribution, the Kansas City SSC will receive 18,000,000 additional stamps for fulfilling supplemental orders from APDs.

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 normal ordering procedures.

— Stamp Services,
Government Relations, 12-22-05

Pictorial Postmarks Announcement

As a community service, the Postal ServiceTM offers pictorial postmarks to commemorate local events celebrated in communities throughout the nation. A list of events for which pictorial postmarks are authorized appears below. If available, the sponsor of the pictorial postmark appears in italics under the date. Also provided, as space permits, are illustrations of those postmarks that were reproducible and available at press time.

People attending these local events may obtain the postmark in person at the temporary Post OfficeTM station established there. Those who cannot attend the event, but who wish to obtain the postmark, may submit a mail order request. Pictorial postmarks are available only for the dates indicated, and requests must be postmarked no later than 30 days following the requested pictorial postmark date.

All requests must include a stamped envelope or postcard bearing at least the minimum First-Class Mail® postage. Items submitted for postmark may not include postage issued after the date of the requested postmark. Such items will be returned unserviced.

Customers wishing to obtain a postmark should affix stamps to any envelope or postcard of their choice, address the envelope or postcard to themselves or others,insert a card of postcard thickness in envelopes for sturdiness, and tuck in the flap. Place the envelope or postcard in a larger envelope and address it to: PICTORIAL POSTMARKS, followed by the NAME OF THE STATION,ADDRESS, CITY, STATE, ZIP+4® CODE, exactly as listed below (using all capitals and no punctuation, except thehyphen in the ZIP+4 code).

Customers can also send stamped envelopes and postcards without addresses for postmark, as long as they supply a larger envelope with adequate postage and their return address. After applying the pictorial postmark, the Postal Service returns the items (with or without addresses) under addressed protective cover.

— Stamp Services,
Government Relations, 12-22-05

— Mailing Standards, Pricing and Classification, 12-22-05