Philately

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 07-01

International Polar Year 2007-2008 Souvenir Sheet

The Postal ServiceTM will issue 84-cent, International Polar Year 2007-2008 international rate stamps in two designs in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) souvenir sheet of two stamps (Item 569800), on February 21, 2007, in Fairbanks, Alaska. The stamps, designed by Phil Jordan of Falls Church, Virginia, go on sale nationwide also on February 21, 2007.

Continuing the tradition of international cooperation that began with the first International Polar Year (IPY) in 1882-1883, scientists from around the world will initiate a new era in polar research by participating in IPY 2007-2008. Working across many disciplines, the scientists will conduct field observations, research, and analysis to build upon current knowledge and increase our understanding of the roles that both polar regions play in global processes.

The photograph of the Aurora Borealis, or "northern lights," was made by Fred Hirschmann of Wasilla, Alaska. The photograph of the Aurora Australis, a phenomenon of the southern polar region, was made by Per-Andre Hoffmann of Stuttgart, Germany.

The $1.68, International Polar Year 2007-2008 souvenir sheet may not be split and the stamps may not be sold individually. Sales on Item 569800 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 at the first day city Post OfficesTM, by telephone at 800-STAMP-24,

or 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:

[Address not available at time of publication.]

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 April 20, 2007.

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 three philatelic products available for this stamp issue:

• Item 569874, Joint Postal Portfolio - $29.95.

• Item 569862, First Day Cover Full Pane - $4.18.

• Item 569884, Uncut Press Sheet - $25.20.

Distribution: Item 569800, $1.68, International Polar Year 2007-2008, PSA Souvenir Sheet of Two Stamps

The $1.68, International Polar Year, Souvenir Sheet (Item 569800) will only be distributed to and sold at the first day of issue city and through SFS in Kansas City, Missouri. Stamp distribution offices (SDOs) will not receive an automatic distribution of this souvenir sheet for subsequent distribution to Post Offices.

Initial Supply to Post Offices

The $1.68, International Polar Year, Souvenir Sheet will not be distributed to or sold at Post Offices.

Philatelic Requirement

The $1.68, International Polar Year, Souvenir Sheet will not be distributed to or sold at philatelic centers.

Sales Policy

The $1.68, International Polar Year, Souvenir Sheet (Item 569800) may not be split and the stamps may not be sold individually.

Sales of Item 569800 must be tracked in AIC 092.

— Stamp Services,
Government Relations, 1-18-07

REVISED HANDBOOK

Handbook PO-230, Pictorial Postmarks

We have revised Handbook PO-230, Pictorial Postmarks. A summary of changes to the 2006 edition of the handbook is listed below. The handbook will not be distributed and mailed. Instructions for viewing the handbook online or ordering printed copies appear after the summary of changes.

Summary of Changes

• The term pictorial postmark replaces the term pictorial cancellation.

• The February 2005 edition of PS Form 413, Pictorial Postmark Announcement/Report, (see page 23) replaces the January 2000 edition. PS Form 413 is for use nationwide and use must comply with the 2006 edition of Handbook PO-230. PS Form 413 is available on the Postal Service Intranet at http://blue.usps.gov/formmgmt/forms.htm.

• The e-mail and mailing addresses for the manager of the Pictorial Postmarks Program have changed:

PICTORIAL POSTMARK PROGRAM MANAGER
1735 N LYNN ST RM 5016
ARLINGTON VA 22209-6432

Fax: 703-292-4183
e-mail: pictorialpostmarks@usps.gov

• Special die hub postmarks are different from pictorial postmarks. Requests for special die hub postmarks must be sent to Mailing Standards, Headquarters.

• The new digital color postmarks are not part of the Pictorial Postmark Program, and postmasters are prohibited from using them. Digital color postmarks are an exclusive product of Stamp Services.

• Postmasters approve or disapprove pictorial postmarks from the general public. Offices should maintain letters of disapproval in a permanent file for up to 3 years if challenged.

• Postmasters cannot waive a temporary station requirement without approval from Stamp Services.

• Stamp Services must approve the use of more than one pictorial postmark design for multiple day events.

• Postmasters who need pictorial postmark assistance for large volumes should call Stamp Fulfillment Services at 816-545-1250 or send an e-mail message to stampfulfillment.services@usps.gov.

• Field managers can forward unsettled claims for damaged or replacement philatelic covers to Headquarters Consumer Advocate for final claim disposition.

Viewing the Handbook Online

Handbook PO-230 is 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.

• Then click on HBKs.

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

Ordering Printed Copies

You can order Handbook PO-230 from the Material Distribution Center (MDC) and use touch tone order entry (TTOE): Call 800-273-1509.

Note: You must be registered to use TTOE. To register, call 800-332-0317, option 1, extension 2925, and follow the prompts to leave a message. (Wait 48 hours after registering before placing your first order.)

Use the following information to order Handbook PO-230:

PSIN: HBK PO230
PSN: 7610-04-000-5772
Unit of Measure: EA
Minimum Order Quantity: 1
Quick Pick Number: N/A
Bulk Pack Quantity: 100
Price: $0.7235

— Stamp Services,
Government Relations, 1-18-07

Lewis and Clark Pictorial Postmark Extensions

The Lewis and Clark pictorial postmarks for the following Post OfficesTM will be available through March 5, 2007. Extensions have been granted for an additional 45-day period beginning on January 18, 2007. All mail-back service requests must be postmarked by March 5, 2007.

— Stamp Services,
Government Relations, 1-18-07

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 the hyphen 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.

The following postmark has been extended for 60 days.

November 16, 2006

Children's Foundation

RONALD MCDONALD STATION

POSTMASTER

PO BOX 9998

SAN JUAN PR 00912-9998

The following postmark has been extended for 120 days.

September 23, 2006

U.S. Postal Service

LEWIS AND CLARK STATION

POSTMASTER

PO BOX 9998

ST LOUIS MS 63102-9998

— Stamp Services,
Government Relations, 1-18-07

How To Order the First Day of Issue Digital Color or Traditional Postmarks

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.

Customers may submit #6 or #10 covers constructed of paper rated as "laser safe." The Postal ServiceTM recommends 80-pound Accent Opaque, acid-free envelopes, 9/16" side seams with no glue on the flap. There is a minimum of 10 covers at 50 cents per postmark required at the time of servicing. You may submit a check, money order, or credit card for payment. Two test envelopes must be included. For covers with graphics or lettering, please note the maximum size of all digital color postmarks is 2" high x 4" long. The Postal Service reserves the right not to accept hand painted and other cachets that are not compatible with our digital color postmark. The Postal Service also reserves the right to substitute traditional black rubber postmarks if use of non-specified envelopes results in poor image quality or damage to equipment.

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 within 60 days of the first day of issue date.

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 one of the following addresses:

— Stamp Services,
Government Relations, 1-18-07

— Mailing Standards, Pricing and Classification, 1-18-07