Philately

ANNOUNCEMENT

2006 Commemorative Stamp Yearbook

The 2006 Commemorative Stamp Yearbook, Item 990600, soon will be available for sale as follows:

• At all Post Offices™.

• At postal retail stores.

• At philatelic centers.

• By mail.

• By telephone.

• By Internet order from Stamp Fullfillment Services.

To obtain an initial supply of the 2006 Commemorative Stamp Yearbook, Post Offices must immediately order Item 990600 from their designated stamp distribution office (SDO) using a separate PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition/Stamp Return. SDOs must not distribute the 2006 yearbook to Post Offices before October 12, 2006.

All locations may place the 2006 Commemorative Stamp Yearbook on sale October 18, 2006, or as soon thereafter as initial quantities are received.

The yearbook is a 64-page hardbound book that includes 99 commemorative stamps, with mounts, and sells for $64.95. The 99 commemorative stamps have a combined postage value of $45.68.

The beautifully illustrated book contains colorful pictures and text on the following stamps:

• Hattie McDaniel.

• Judy Garland.

• Wonders of America.

• American Motorcycles.

• The Art of Disney: Romance.

• Quilts of Gee's Bend.

• Sixteen other subjects celebrated on 2006 commemorative stamps.

The yearbooks and stamp packets are being shipped to SDOs separately, from different suppliers.

HarperCollins Publishers is now shipping the yearbooks to SDOs. Distributions began September 8 and will be completed September 29, 2006. Shipments are in master cartons of 15 books.

Minnesota Diversified Industries is now shipping the stamp packets to SDOs. Distributions are scheduled in two waves. Wave 1 distributions began September 25 and will be completed October 6, 2006. Wave 2 distributions will begin October 10 and will be completed October 31, 2006. All SDOs must verify receipt of the quantities of stamp packets, as recorded on their Advice of Shipment/Stamp Invoice, and those actually received. SDOs should also verify that they have received equal quantities of books and stamp packets.

The stamp packets will be banded in bundles of 15 and shipped to SDOs in master cartons of 150 packets. Partial cartons will be used for shipments not in multiples of 150.

Offices must report all sales of Item 990600, 2006 Commemorative Stamp Yearbook, in AIC 092, Philatelic Product Sales.

For the seventh year, in partnership with HarperCollins Publishers, the yearbook and the 33rd edition of The Postal Service Guide to U.S. Stamps will be available in bookstores and other retail outlets where books are purchased.

— Stamp Services,
Government Relations, 9-28-06