Effective July 17, 2008, the Postal Operations Manual (POM) is revised to remove policy about obliterators. In addition, new policy has been added about first day of sale postmarks, thematic postmarks, and philatelic center postmarks.
Postal Operations Manual (POM)
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2 Philately
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23 Philatelic Postmarks
231 General
231.1 Definition
[Revise 231.1 to read as follows:]
A philatelic postmark 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 sections 231.61 and 231.7.***
231.2 Policy
231.21 Publicity
[Revise 231.21 to read as follows:]
The Postal Service makes philatelic postmarking services widely known to customers and collectors by publicizing them in the Postal Bulletin.
231.22 Backdating and Predating
It is Postal Service policy to prohibit backdating of mail except:
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[Revise item d as follows:]
d. As noted in references to first day of issue, first day of sale, and pictorial postmarks provided in parts 232, 233, and 234.
[Revise the title and text of 231.23 to read as follows:]
231.23 Staffing Availability and Training
A sufficient number of Postal Service employees should be available to provide speedy service. To provide hand-stamped postmarks of philatelic quality, Postal Service employees should be trained in advance. Refer to section 231.3 for philatelic postmarking procedures.
231.3 Cooperation With Collectors
231.31 Postmarks
[Revise the last sentence of 231.31 to read as follows:]
***However, stamps must be postmarked sufficiently to protect Postal Service revenue.
231.32 Special Attention
[Add new last sentence to 231.32 to read as follows:]
***To avoid being postmarked in the mailstream, items should be trayed or bagged separately and flagged “nonmachineable” before sending to mail processing.
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231.34 Hand-Stamped Postmarks
[Revise the last sentence of 231.34 to read as follows:]
***For more information, refer to Handbook PO-230, Pictorial Postmarks.
231.35 Philatelic Covers
[Add new last sentence to 231.35 to read as follows:]
***To avoid being postmarked in the mailstream, items should be trayed or bagged separately and flagged “nonmachineable” before sending to mail processing.
231.36 Defacing Philatelic Covers
[Revise 231.36 to read as follows:]
Postal Service employees should ensure that philatelic covers are not over-postmarked; 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
[Revise 231.4 to read as follows:]
Postmarks 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 section 231.63 to a Postal Service employee for postmarking, the Postal Service employee must examine the item to ensure that it is clearly intended for philatelic purposes. Bill payments, tax returns, applications, and/or other date-sensitive mail cannot be handed back. Only after careful examination should a philatelic item be postmarked and handed back to the customer/collector.
(2) The envelope, card, or other item does not enter the mailstream. All such materials requesting postmarking must bear uncanceled postage at the applicable First-Class Mail® rate. If the customer wants to mail the postmarked item, it must be trayed or bagged separately, and flagged “nonmachinable” to avoid being over-postmarked in processing.
(3) This service may be provided by special die hub or flyer machines only when that particular postmarking machine is readily accessible to the Postal Service employee and only when providing such service does not interfere with other sales or mail processing operations and/or does not inconvenience other customers.
b. Mail-back Service
Mail-back service refers to the pictorial postmarking service for stamp dealers and collectors and it allows envelopes, cards, or other items submitted for servicing to be returned in bulk through the mail. To avoid over-postmarking or getting marred in the mail, stamp dealers and collectors must provide either a self-addressed stamped envelope or box for returning the serviced items. For customers submitting fewer than 50 covers who have not enclosed a self-addressed stamped envelope, the postmaster may choose to furnish a protective cover using a G–10 label. See subchapter 25 for more information pertaining to Philatelic Cover Servicers and Cachet Makers.
[Revise the title and text of 231.5 and delete 231.51 and 231.52 to read as follows:]
231.5 Permissible Postmarking Devices and Hand-Stamped Postmarking for Collectors
The postmark devices shown in Exhibit 231.5 may be used to provide hand-stamped postmarks for collectors.
[Replace Exhibit 231.5 with new exhibit:]
Exhibit 231.5
Hand-Stamped Postmarks
231.6 Philatelic Postmark Policy
231.61 Date and Place of Postmarking
[Revise the third and fourth sentences of 231.61 to read as follows:]
***The postmaster 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 postmaster or designee.
231.62 Preparation Requirements
[Revise 231.62 to read as follows:]
Postcards and envelopes submitted through the mail must bear postage at the applicable First-Class Mail first-ounce rate and have complete addresses, except as provided in section 231.4. Materials submitted for hand-back service need not be addressed.
231.63 Special Materials on Which Postmarks May Be Requested
***The following materials may be canceled as indicated:
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[Revise items d and g to read as follows:]
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. Any covers submitted for servicing and return through the mailstream will not be entered into the mailstream until the date appearing on the postmark.
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g. Foreign Postage Stamps. Unused foreign postage stamps may be postmarked with a U.S. Postal Service postmark only when unused First-Class Mail first-ounce U.S. postage is postmarked with the same stroke.
231.7 Holding the Mail
[Revise 231.7 through 231.9 to read as follows:]
Postmasters may hold collectors’ philatelic items for postmarking on a later or specified date. Postmasters should not hold mail for an event where the date of occurrence is not certain; for an event that the date is subject to change; or for postmarking on a day that the Post Office is closed.
231.8 Machine Postmarks
Post Offices may machine-cancel (using a flyer machine), philatelic items with a regular postmark when the envelopes are unaddressed or when the customer requests hand-back service, as provided in section 231.4. Collectors requesting postmarking of bulk items must provide either a self-addressed stamped envelope or box for returning the serviced items. For customers submitting fewer than 50 covers who have not provided a self-addressed stamped envelope, the postmaster may choose to furnish a protective cover using a G-10 label. See subchapter 25 for more information pertaining to Philatelic Cover Servicers and Cachet Makers.
231.9 Hand-Stamped Postmarks
Circular hand-stamped postmarks with or without killer bars may be provided upon request at Post Offices and/or station or branch offices. These postmarks are available each day that the office is open for business. Postmarking requests must be at the Post Office offering the service on the date of the postmark to qualify for this service.
[Revise 232 to read as follows:]
232 First Day of Issue
232.1 First Day of Issue Sales Policy
For each new stamp or stationery item being issued, a designated Post Office is assigned as the official first day of issue city. For purposes of this section, the word “issue” means postage stamp, stamp booklet, booklet pane, postal card, postal stationery, or stamped envelope.
232.2 Notification
Individual stamp issues are announced through news releases distributed to the press, to the philatelic media, and by print to radio and television. Stamp and postal stationery announcements are periodically updated in the Postal Bulletin and on the Web at www.usps.com.
232.3 First Day of Issue Postmarks
First day of issue postmarks are provided by designated Post Offices for each new stamp or stationery item being issued. The postmark reflects the official issuance date and location. First day of issue postmarks may be either metal die, rubber composition, or digitally produced in color. In each postmark, the words “First Day of Issue” appear in the design. Requests for first day of issue postmarks must be postmarked no later than 60 days from the issuance date to qualify for servicing. When the conventional first day of issue postmark cannot cancel all the unused stamps on an item presented for postmarking, a Bull’s-eye (1-inch) postmark is used.
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 section 232.2) to qualify for postmark service. As a free service, this is limited to 50 postmarks. Postmasters should charge 5 cents per postmark for more than 50 items. Customers who want first day of issue postmarks of new stamps have two ordering options:
a. Collectors may buy stamps from their local Post Office, affix the stamps to their own envelopes, and mail them under separate cover 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 turn in or seal the flap of the envelope.
b. Collectors may order first day covers without cachets by mail, telephone, or through the Internet, from Stamp Fulfillment Services. Each first day of issue cover will have an individual item number and is offered through the USA Philatelic catalog produced by Stamp Services. Item numbers and ordering instructions are also provided in news releases announcing the new stamps. The price of the Postal Service’s first day covers will vary depending upon the denomination and number of stamps affixed. Remittance for mail orders can be made by money order, cashier’s check, certified check, 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. First day of issue 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. For bulk affixing and postmarking requests, customers should contact Stamp Fulfillment Services.
232.6 Hand-Stamped Postmarks
Hand-stamped postmarks are applied on covers at the location of the first day ceremony, at the designated first day of issue Post Office, and on covers that cannot be fully postmarked by Postal Service postmarking machines.
232.7 Hand-Back Service
Philatelic materials 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 postmarked stamps.
232.9 Postmarking Deadlines and Unofficial First Day Covers
The deadline for submitting covers for first day of issue postmarks is 60 days from the first day of issuance date. Any exceptions must be authorized by Stamp Services.
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 or first day of sale covers. See part 233 for further information on first day of sale postmarks.
[Renumber 233 through 235.2 as 233 through 236.4 and revise as follows:]
233 First Day of Sale Postmark
233.1 First Day of Sale Postmark Policy
This official postmark offers customers a collectible postmark to commemorate the first day of sale for all new stamps and stationery items. Participation by postmasters/Post Offices in this postmarking service is voluntary; however, postmasters/Post Offices are encouraged to participate. The first day of sale postmark provides postmasters the opportunity to promote the sales of new stamps and stationery products in their communities and it supports the hobby of stamp collecting.
233.2 Notification
All new stamps and stationery items are announced in the Postal Bulletin and through news releases distributed to the press and to the philatelic media. No national listing of Post Offices participating in first day of sale postmarking will be maintained.
Customers/collectors will have to contact individual postmasters/Post Offices to find out if they are participating in the postmarking service. Postmasters wishing to promote this program locally will need to contact their local Public Affairs and Communications office for assistance.
233.3 First Day of Sale Postmarks
This postmark is provided by Post Offices nationwide on the first day that new stamps and stationery items are placed on sale. The postmarking device reflects the official first day of sale date and the city, state, and ZIP Code of the postmarking office.
The first day of sale postmark comes in two formats:
a. Size A: Self-inking postmark for Post Offices with 13 or fewer characters in their Post Office name (characters include the comma and spacing between the Post Office name and its state abbreviation).
b. Size B: Rubber composition hand changeable date stamp for Post Offices having over 13 characters in their Post Office name (characters include the comma and spacing between the Post Office name and its state abbreviation).
Customers may request a first day of sale postmark in person or by mail to the postmaster. Requests for first day of sale postmarks must be presented to the Post Office or postmarked no later than 90 days from the first day of sale date to qualify for service.
233.4 Ordering Procedures
Customers requesting first day of sale postmarks have two ordering options: hand-back service and mail-back service.
233.41 Hand-Back Service
When a customer personally presents a stamped addressed or unaddressed envelope, postcard, or other item described in section 231.63, to a Postal Service employee for postmarking, the item can be postmarked and handed back to the customer.
All such materials must bear uncanceled postage, which includes the new first day of sale stamp, at the applicable First-Class Mail rate. The postage to be postmarked may not include any newly released stamps that may have been issued after the requested official first day of sale postmark date.
This postmark is provided only for philatelic purposes and should not be used to postmark bill payments, tax returns, applications, and/or other date-sensitive mail. Only after careful examination should a philatelic item be postmarked and handed back to the customer/collector.
In most cases, the philatelic envelope, card, or other item does not enter the mail. However, on occasion, a customer may request that their properly addressed and postmarked item be placed into the mailstream. In such cases, this can only be done on the official first day of sale date. Retail associates should ensure that items with first day of sale postmarks are trayed separately and flagged “nonmachinable” when sending to mail processing.
Hand-back service may be provided only when such service does not interfere with other retail sales, mail processing operations, and/or does not inconvenience other customers. Postmasters, at their discretion, may offer hand-back service or make arrangements with a customer for drop-off and pick-up service for items.
233.42 Mail-Back Service
Customers may buy first day of sale stamps at their local Post Office; affix the stamps to their own envelopes, postcards, or other items described in section 231.63; and mail the items under separate cover to a participating postmaster/Post Office for first day of sale postmarking. All requests must include a self-addressed postage-paid envelope to return the first day of sale postmarked items.
All such materials must bear uncanceled postage, which includes the new first day of sale stamp, at the applicable First-Class Mail rate. The item to be postmarked may not include any newly released stamps that may have been issued after the requested official first day of sale postmark date.
This postmark is provided only for philatelic purposes and should not be used to postmark bill payments, tax returns, applications, and/or other date-sensitive mail.
The items with first day of sale postmarks applied must be returned under protective cover. For customers submitting less than 50 covers who have not enclosed a self-addressed stamped envelope, the postmaster may choose to furnish a protective cover using a G-10 label. See subchapter 25 for more information pertaining to Philatelic Cover Servicers and Cachet Makers.
Mail-back service should not interfere with other retail sales or mail processing operations and should not inconvenience other customers.
233.5 Servicing Fees
As a free service, postmarking is limited to 50 items. For those postmarking requests of more than 50 items, postmasters should charge 5 cents for each postmark.
234 Pictorial Postmarks
Pictorial postmarks may be 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 the month, day, and year of the postmark. These postmarks may feature wording and/or graphics relating to fairs, conventions, or other various types of local celebrations. See Handbook PO 230, Pictorial Postmarks, for more information.
234.1 Sponsors
Pictorial postmarks are requested by sponsors or organizers of local events and are authorized to be used only at temporary retail stations and at other philatelic outlets.
234.2 Postmarking Methods
Devices used for pictorial celebrations are generally hand stamps, except when volume requires the use of 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 bulk machine postmarking, postmasters should contact the manager, Stamp Fulfillment Services.
234.3 Criteria
Collectors may obtain pictorial postmarks at a temporary retail 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.
234.4 Authorization
Postmasters may request authority from the district manager or designee to provide postmarking service at temporary retail stations. Only the standard circular postmark will be provided unless the sponsors or organizers request and receive approval for a pictorial postmark. Organizers must apply to the postmaster for use of a pictorial postmark at least 10 weeks before the event. The sponsors or organizers must also provide a design and finished artwork for the requested postmark.
All temporary retail stations and pictorial postmark designs require the approval of the postmaster and the district manager or designee. Postmasters and district managers and or designees reviewing requests for temporary retail stations and pictorial postmark designs must ensure that all applicable Postal Service requirements are met.
Different postmarks for each day of an event are permitted only for international philatelic exhibitions. Any exceptions must be authorized by Stamp Services.
234.5 Requirements
234.51 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.
234.52 Approved Subject Matter
Illustrations, wording, and designs featured on pictorial postmarks must directly reflect the event being 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.
Postmarks may be approved to 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 prior to granting approval.
234.53 Publicity
The district manager or designee must submit a PS Form 413, Pictorial Postmark Announcement/Report, which includes a reproducible copy of the approved pictorial postmark (actual size), to Stamp Services for publication in the Postal Bulletin. All reports should include the date(s) that the temporary retail station is to be open, the sponsor’s name, name of the temporary retail station, the 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 at least 2 months prior to the postmarking date. Any exceptions to the 2-month notice must be approved by Stamp Services. See Handbook PO-230 for more information.
234.54 Equipment
Pictorial and standard postmarks should be applied by rubber hand stamps purchased by the host Post Office or district office.
234.55 Service Limitations
Hand stamping as a free service is limited to 50 postmarks for any individual or group. For those postmarking requests of more than 50 items, postmasters should charge 5 cents for each postmark.
234.56 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 6 months after close of the event allowing Post Offices enough time to handle replacement requests. The district manager or designee must destroy the postmarking device upon receipt.
234.57 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.
235 Special Mail Processing Postmarks
Special postmarks are cancellations in which a slogan or message publicizes an event. These postmarks are applied by machine to live mail by a mail processing plant. Bulk requests for mail-back service cannot be provided, but postmarks can be provided on addressed envelopes or postal cards that are delivered to 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.
236 Other Special Philatelic Postmarks
236.1 Thematic Postmarks
Thematic postmarks are temporary rubber hand stamps that are available during the holiday season or during other special occasions throughout the year. This service is available at Post Office windows and is generally used for postmarking mail that is entering the mailstream. The hand stamp is a temporary postmark and is void after the seasonal period.
236.2 Philatelic Center Postmarks
Philatelic center postmarks are permanent rubber hand stamps that are permitted for large city Post Offices with philatelic centers or windows. Postmarking service is available only at authorized philatelic centers or windows and is generally used for postmarking mail entering the mail. The use of philatelic center postmarks outside of a philatelic center or window (e.g., tourist sites and museums) must be reviewed and approved by Stamp Services.
236.3 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 by mail-order request in conformance with all policies and in accordance with all conditions and procedures stated in this section. The officer in charge at each military Post Office may establish the maximum number of covers individual collectors or dealers may submit. Military Post Offices may also provide pictorial postmarks (see part 234) upon request.
236.4 Special Requests
Requests for postmarks at Postal Service facilities that normally do not postmark mail must be made in writing to the appropriate district manager at least 60 days in advance for area manager authorization and to provide for national publicity. These requirements also apply for requests to postmark at offices that are inaccessible to the public or for requests to postmark at any office on dates when mail is not normally postmarked (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.
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We will incorporate these revisions into the next printed version of the POM and into the online update, available on the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site:
(The direct URL for the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site is http://blue.usps.gov/cpim.)
It is also available on the Postal Service Internet:
- Go to www.usps.com.
- Click About USPS & News, then Forms & Publications, then Postal Periodicals and Publications, and then Manuals.
— Stamp Services,
Government Relations, 7-17-08
