Philately

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 06-23

Wonders of America: Land of Superlatives

The Postal ServiceTM will issue 39-cent Wonders of America: Land of Superlatives commemorative stamps in 40 designs in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 40 stamps (Item 459600), on May 27, 2006, in Washington, DC. The stamps, designed by Richard Sheaff of Scottsdale, Arizona, also go on sale nationwide May 27, 2006 at 10:00 A.M.

This stamp pane features 40 natural and man-made wonders of the United States. These remarkable places, plants, animals, and structures were selected from every region of the country.

On the front of each stamp, in large letters, are words that describe the superlative nature of a particular place or thing. Smaller type gives the name or location of the featured wonder. Text on the back of each stamp provides relevant statistics and information. The stamp art is by Lonnie Busch of Franklin, North Carolina.

How to Order the First Day of Issue Postmark

Customers have 30 days to obtain the first day of issue postmark by mail. They may purchase 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:

WONDERS OF AMERICA LAND OF
SUPERLATIVES STAMPS
POSTMASTER
SPECIAL CANCELLATIONS
PO BOX 92282
WASHINGTON DC 20090-2282

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 June 26, 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

The following 11 philatelic products are available for this stamp issue:

• Item 459662 - First Day Cover (Full Pane), $18.10.

• Item 459665 - Digital Color Postmarks Random
Single, $1.50.

• Item 459667 - Poster (w/10 stamps), $7.95.

• Item 459668 - Digital Color Postmarks FDC
(Set of 40), $60.00.

• Item 459678 - Tour the Superlatives Book
w/40 stamps, $29.95.

• Item 459680 - Childrens' Coloring Post Cards
w/stamps (Set of 10), $6.95.

• Item 459684 - Uncut Press Sheet, $31.20.

• Item 459699 - Digital Color Postmark Keepsake
(Pane w/DCP) Random Single, $17.10.

• Item 459666 - Post Cards w/20 stamps, $12.95.

• Item 459671 - Wonders Kid Pack (stickers,
10 stamps/cards set), $12.95.

• Item 459681 - Bookmark Sets, $2.00.

These products will be available while supplies last at postal stores, online at www.usps.com, and by telephone at 800-STAMP-24 (800-782-6724).

Distribution: Item 459600, 39-cent Wonders of America: Land of Superlatives, PSA Pane of 40 Stamps

Stamp distribution offices (SDOs) will receive approximately double their full 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 of their full standard automatic distribution quantity using PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition/Stamp Return. SDOs must not distribute stamps to Post Offices before May 22, 2006.

Philatelic Requirement

SDOs will not receive a separate quantity Item 459600 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 stamps must requisition Item 459600 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 San Francisco, Chicago, Memphis, and New York APDs will each receive 6,240,000 additional stamps; and the Denver APD will receive 2,000,000 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 their normal ordering procedures.

—Stamp Services,
Government Relations, 4-27-06

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 06-24

The 1606 Voyage of Samuel de Champlain Stamps

To commemorate the 400th anniversary of the explorations of Samuel de Champlain in 1606 and to coincide with the Washington 2006 World Philatelic Exhibition, the U.S. Postal Service® and Canada Post will jointly issue 39-cent (USA) and 51-cent (Canada) The 1606 Voyage of Samuel de Champlain commemorative stamps on May 28, in Washington, DC; Ticonderoga, New York; and Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia, Canada.

The stamps designed by Rejean Myette and Francois Martin of Montreal, Quebec, go on sale nationwide May 29, 2006.

These stamps will be issued in two formats:

• Pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 (Item 459200) in one 39-cent design.

• Water-activated gum (WAG) souvenir sheet of 4 (Item 568300) in two designs, 39-cent (USA) and 51-cent (Canada).

The $1.75 The 1606 Voyage of Samuel de Champlain, Souvenir Sheet (Item 568300) may not be split and the stamps may not be sold individually. Sales of Item 568300 must be tracked in AIC 092.

Canada Post will be issuing its own pane of its 51-cent stamps and souvenir sheets identical to the Postal ServiceTM version. These stamps and souvenir sheets will be available through Canada Post and at the Canada Post booth at the Washington 2006 World Philatelic Exhibition in Washington, DC, May 28 through June 3 and through the USA Philatelic Catalog. (Note: The exhibition opens May 27 but the stamps will not be issued until May 28.)

A skilled cartographer, Samuel de Champlain played a key role in French exploration of North America. In 1606, he served with a coastal expedition that began in what is now Nova Scotia and sailed as far south as Massachusetts.

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 only Item 459200 at their local Post OfficeTM, and both Items 459200 and 568300 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 Canada Post postmark the jointly issued Canada Post The 1606 Voyage of Samuel de Champlain stamps present on independently produced covers, provided that the covers also bear U.S. postage equal to the current First Class Mail® rate.

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:

For USA Postmark Only:

SAMUEL DE CHAMPLAIN USA POSTMARK
POSTMASTER
SPECIAL CANCELLATIONS
PO BOX 92282
WASHINGTON DC 20090-2282

SAMUEL DE CHAMPLAIN USA POSTMARK
POSTMASTER
169 CHAMPLAIN AVE
TICONDEROGA NY 12883-9998

For Canadian Postmark Only:

SAMUEL DE CHAMPLAIN CANADIAN POSTMARK
POSTMASTER
SPECIAL CANCELLATIONS
PO BOX 92282
WASHINGTON DC 20090-2282

SAMUEL DE CHAMPLAIN CANADIAN POSTMARK
POSTMASTER
169 CHAMPLAIN AVE
TICONDEROGA NY 12883-9998

For Both USA and Canadian Postmarks:

SAMUEL DE CHAMPLAIN USA AND CANADIAN
POSTMARKS
POSTMASTER
SPECIAL CANCELLATIONS
PO BOX 92282
WASHINGTON DC 20090-2282

SAMUEL DE CHAMPLAIN USA AND CANADIAN
POSTMARK
POSTMASTER
169 CHAMPLAIN AVE
TICONDEROGA NY 12883-9998

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 July 27, 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 by writing to:

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

Philatelic Products

There are seven philatelic products available for this stamp issue:

• Item 459261 - USA First Day Cover, $0.77.

• Item 459265 - Digital Color Postmark FDC, $1.50.

• Item 568384 - Uncut Press Sheet, $10.50 (Souvenir
Sheet) Only.

• Item 459299 - Pane of 20 w/Digital Color Postmark
FDC, $9.30.

• Item 459293 - Pane of 20 and FDC, $8.57.

• Item 568362 - Joint First Day Cover, $4.25.

• Item 459262 - Joint Single US/Canadian FDC,
$1.27.

These products will be available while supplies last, online at www.usps.com, or by telephone at 800-STAMP-24 (800-782-6724).

Distribution: Item 459200, 39-cent The 1606 Voyage of Samuel de Champlain PSA Pane of 20 Stamps

Stamp distribution offices (SDOs) will receive approximately one-third 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 of one-fourth their standard automatic distribution quantity using PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition/Stamp Return. SDOs must not distribute stamps to Post Offices before May 22, 2006.

Philatelic Requirement

SDOs will not receive a separate quantity Item 459200 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 stamps must requisition Item 459200 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 Chicago and New York APDs will each receive 2,240,000 additional stamps; the Memphis APD will receive 2,000,000 additional stamps; the San Francisco APD will receive 1,800,000 additional stamps; and the Denver APD will receive 640,000 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 their normal ordering procedures.

Distribution: Item 568300, $1.75 The 1606 Voyage of Samuel de Champlain, WAG Souvenir Sheet of Four Stamps - Two 39-cent (USA) and Two 51-cent (Canada)

The $1.75 The 1606 Voyage of Samuel de Champlain, Souvenir Sheet (Item 568300) will only be distributed to, and sold at the first day of issue site, the Washington 2006 World Philatelic Exhibition, and through Stamp Fulfillment Services in Kansas City, Missouri. SDOs will not receive an automatic distribution of this Samuel de Champlain Souvenir Sheet for subsequent distribution to Post Offices.

Initial Supply to Post Offices

The $1.75 The 1606 Voyage of Samuel de Champlain Souvenir Sheet will not be distributed to or sold at Post Offices.

Philatelic Requirement

The $1.75 The 1606 Voyage of Samuel de Champlain Souvenir Sheet will not be distributed to or sold at philatelic centers.

Sales Policy

The $1.75 The 1606 Voyage of Samuel de Champlain Souvenir Sheet (Item 568300) may not be split and the stamps may not be sold individually. Sales of Item 568300 must be tracked in AIC 092.

—Stamp Services,
Government Relations, 4-27-06

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 06-25

Washington 2006 World Philatelic Exhibition Souvenir Sheet

The U.S. Postal Service® will issue an $8 Washington 2006 World Philatelic Exhibition water activated gum (WAG) souvenir sheet of three stamps (Item 567300), on May 29, 2006, in Washington, DC. The issuance is in conjunction with the Washington 2006 World Philatelic Exhibition to be held in the nation's capital from May 27 to June 3, 2006.

The stamps depict three well-known Washington sights and will be printed using the original dies created in 1923 by engravers at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Art director Richard Sheaff chose a circa 1900 gravure print of the Capitol for the selvage. The stamps reproduced on the souvenir sheet are: /P>

• $1 Lincoln Memorial.

• $2 U.S. Capitol.

• $5 Head of Freedom, Capitol Dome (or "America").

The $8.00 Washington 2006 World Philatelic Exhibition, Souvenir Sheet (Item 567300) may not be split and the stamps may not be sold individually. Sales of Item 567300 must be tracked in AIC 092.

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 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:

WASHINGTON 2006 WORLD PHILATELIC EXHIBITION SOUVENIR SHEET
POSTMASTER
SPECIAL CANCELLATIONS
PO BOX 92282
WASHINGTON DC 20090-2282

After applying the first day of issue postmark, the Postal ServiceTM will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by July 28, 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:

• Item 567362 - First Day Cover, $10.50.

• Item 567368 - Digital Color Postmark FDC
(Set of 3), $11.33.

• Item 567384 - Uncut Press Sheet (6 up), $48.00.

These products will be available while supplies last at postal stores, online at www.usps.com, and by telephone at 800-STAMP-24 (800-782-6724).

Distribution: Item 567300, Washington 2006 World Philatelic Exhibition, WAG Souvenir Sheet of Three

The $8.00 Washington 2006 World Philatelic Exhibition Souvenir Sheet (Item 567300) will only be distributed and sold at the first day of issue site, at the Washington 2006 World Philatelic Exhibition, and through Stamp Fulfillment Services (SFS) in Kansas City, Missouri. Stamp distribution offices (SDOs) will not receive an automatic distribution of this souvenir sheet for subsequent distribution to Post OfficesTM.

Initial Supply to Post Offices

The $8.00 Washington 2006 World Philatelic Exhibition Souvenir Sheet will not be distributed to or sold at Post Offices.

Philatelic Requirement

The $8.00 Washington 2006 World Philatelic Exhibition Souvenir Sheet will not be distributed to or sold at philatelic centers.

Sales Policy

The $8.00 Washington 2006 World Philatelic Exhibition Souvenir Sheet (Item 567300) may not be split and the stamps may not be sold individually. Sales of Item 567300 must be tracked in AIC 092.

—Stamp Services,
Government Relations, 4-27-06

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 06-26

Distinguished American Diplomats Stamps

The U.S. Postal Service® will issue 39-cent Distinguished American Diplomats stamps in a pressure- sensitive adhesive (PSA) commemorative sheet of six, on May 30, 2006, in Washington, DC. The stamps, designed by Howard E. Paine, Delaplane, Virginia, go on sale nationwide on May 31, 2004. The $2.34 Distinguished American Diplomats, commemorative sheet may not be split and the stamps may not be sold individually.

Serving our nation's representatives around the world, diplomats promote foreign policy, resolve disputes, and protect American citizens abroad. The accomplished diplomats featured on these stamps are remembered for their contributions to international relations; not only as negotiators and administrators but also as trailblazers, shapers of policy, peacemakers, and humanitarians.

This commemorative souvenir sheet consists of a collage by Fred Otnes of West Redding, Connecticut, featuring details from photographs of six diplomats placed in front of visas, passport pages, and other ephemera associated with diplomacy. The six diplomats whose portraits are featured on the stamps are:

• Hiram Bingham IV (1903-1988)

• Frances E. Willis (1899-1983)

• Robert D. Murphy (1894-1978)

• Clifton R. Wharton, Sr. (1899-1990)

• Charles E. Bohlen (1904-1974)

• Philip C. Habib (1920-1992)

How to Order the 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 authorized philatelic centers, 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:

DISTINGUISHED AMERICAN DIPLOMATS
COMMEMORATIVE SHEET
POSTMASTER
SPECIAL CANCELLATIONS
PO BOX 92282
WASHINGTON DC 20090-2282

After applying the first day of issue postmark, the Postal ServiceTM will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by July 29, 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 six philatelic products available for this stamp issue.

• 567862 - Full Pane FDC, $4.84

• 567863 - FDC Set of 6, $4.62

• 567865 - Digital Color Postmark Random
Single, $1.50

• 567868 - Digital Color Postmark Set of 6, $9.00

• 567884 - Uncut Press Sheet, $35.10

• 567899 - Digital Color Postmark Keepsake
(FP w/DCP RS), $11.34

These products will be available while supplies last at postal stores, online at www.usps.com, and by telephone at 800-STAMP-24 (800-782-6724).

Distribution: Item 567800, $2.34 Distinguished American Diplomats, PSA Commemorative Sheet of 6

The $2.34 Distinguished American Diplomats, commemorative sheet will only be distributed to, and sold at the first day of issue site, the Washington 2006 World Philatelic Exhibition; philatelic centers nationwide; postal retail stores; and through Stamp Fulfillment Services (SFS) in Kansas City, Missouri. Stamp distribution offices (SDOs) will not receive an automatic distribution of this commemorative sheet for subsequent distribution to all Post OfficesTM.

Initial Supply to Post Offices

SDOs serving postal retail stores will receive an automatic distribution of the $2.34 Distinguished American Diplomats, commemorative sheet (Item 567815) for subsequent distribution to postal retail store locations only, using PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition/Stamp Return. SDOs must not distribute this commemorative sheet to Post Offices before May 22, 2006.

Philatelic Requirement

SDOs with authorized philatelic centers will receive an automatic distribution of the $2.34 Distinguished American Diplomats, commemorative sheet (Item 567800) for subsequent distribution to each philatelic window using PS Form 17.

Sales Policy

Authorized philatelic centers nationwide must acquire and maintain a supply of this philatelic item (567800) as long as customer demand exists, until inventory is depleted, or until the commemorative sheet is officially withdrawn from sale. If supplies run low, philatelic centers must reorder additional quantities using their normal ordering procedures. The $2.34 Distinguished American Diplomats, commemorative sheet may not be split and the stamps may not be sold individually.

—Stamp Services,
Government Relations, 4-27-06

CORRECTION

The Art of Disney: Romance Stamped Cards

In the article "Stamp Announcement 06-20, The Art of Disney: Romance Cards," in Postal Bulletin 22178 (4-13-06, pages 56-57), the image of the postal cards was not the correct image. The correct image is given below.

—Stamp Services,
Government Relations, 4-27-06

CORRECTION

AMBER Alert Stamp

The article "Stamp Announcement 06-21 AMBER Alert Stamp" in Postal Bulletin 22178, (4-13-06, pages 57-58), states erroneously that the nationwide sale date for the stamp is May 26, 2006. The stamp goes on sale nationwide May 25, 2006, the same day as the first day of issue.

—Stamp Services,
Government Relations, 4-27-06