Philatelic News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 16, 2002
Stamp Release #02-055
'Love Stamps' Issued At The American Philatelic Society STAMPSHOW 2002
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. - Hearts across America were set a-flutter today when the two newest additions to the Love stamp series were issued in conjunction with the American Philatelic Society (APS) STAMPSHOW 2002 in Atlantic City.
The 37-cent and 60-cent Love stamps were dedicated at a first day of issue ceremony held at the Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel. The stamps are now available at Atlantic City post offices and, starting tomorrow, at post offices across the country.
"The Love stamps are traditionally some of the most beautiful and appreciated stamps in the Postal Service's special stamp program," said Bill Johnstone, secretary to the presidentially appointed Postal Service Board of Governors, who was the dedicating official.
"Since 1973, stamps depicting swans, victorian lace or modern art have announced marriages, births, graduations, and delivered congratulations over the years. Whatever the design, from the moment they are spotted on the outside of an envelope, these miniature works of art foretell good news," said Johnstone.
Joining Johnstone at the ceremony were Peter McCann, president, American Philatelic Society; Jackson Taylor, president, American Stamp Dealers Association; and Michael Osborne, designer of the 2002 Love stamps.
The first Love stamp was issued by the Postal Service in 1973 with a denomination of 8 cents and an iconic design by pop artist Robert Indiana. Since that time, Love stamps have featured a wide range of subjects, including flowers, animals, cherubs and love letters as well as abstract designs.
This year's pair of Love stamps feature colorful abstract designs with one bearing a 37-cent denomination, good for the new First Class one-ounce letter rate, and the other valued at 60 cents, useful for mailing heavier items, such as wedding invitations, announcements and RSVPs.
The stamps were designed by Michael Osborne of San Francisco, Calif. Osborne serves as president and creative director of the San Francisco-based graphic design firm that carries his name.
In addition to the Love stamps, the Postal Service is also offering a special Love Commemorative Panel. The panel will be available at the APS STAMPSHOW on Aug. 16. Part of the American Commemorative Collectibles program, this panel will be available at selected post offices Aug.17 and by mail order through the fall edition of the "USA Philatelic" catalog.
To see the Love stamps, visit the Postal Service Web site at www.usps.com and locate the online version of this press release by clicking on "News and Events," then "Philatelic News."
Current U.S. stamps, as well as a free comprehensive catalog, are available toll free by calling 1 800 STAMP-24. In addition, a selection of stamps and other philatelic items are available in the Postal Store at www.usps.com.
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Since 1775, the U.S. Postal Service has connected friends, families, neighbors and businesses by mail. It is an independent federal agency that visits 137 million homes and businesses every day and is the only service provider to deliver to every address in the nation. The Postal Service receives no taxpayer dollars for routine operations, but derives its operating revenues solely from the sale of postage, products and services. With annual revenues of more than $65 billion, it is the world's leading provider of postal services, offering some of the most affordable postage rates in the world. The Postal Service delivers more than 46 percent of the world's mail volume-some 207 billion letters, advertisements, periodicals and packages a year-and serves 7 million customers each day at its 40,000 retail locations nationwide.
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