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National U.S. Postage Stamp Day arrives every July 1, commemorating the debut of U.S. postage stamps in 1847. This day invites us to appreciate the intricate history of American mail delivery and the artistry of philately. Send a handwritten letter, start a stamp collection, or visit your local post office to celebrate this unique piece of history.
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Expected National U.S. Postage Stamp Day Deals
As a Recognition holiday, National U.S. Postage Stamp Day doesn’t typically feature commercial deals from major retailers. Instead, the focus shifts to educational initiatives and special releases from postal services and philatelic organizations. The U.S. Postal Service often unveils new stamp designs or commemorative issues around this time, encouraging collectors. Stamp collecting supply companies like Mystic Stamp Company or H.E. Harris & Co. may offer discounts on albums, magnifiers, and other philatelic tools. Local stamp clubs and historical societies might host virtual or in-person events showcasing rare collections. We will update this page with confirmed live events and special releases as July 1 approaches.
Platform Guide for National U.S. Postage Stamp Day
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Mention @NatlToday and use #USPostageStampDay. Share a fun fact about a historic stamp or ask followers about their favorite designs.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #USPostageStampDay. Post a photo of a favorite stamp from your collection or share memories of sending/receiving letters.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #USPostageStampDay. Share visually appealing close-ups of unique stamps or vintage envelopes. Highlight the artistry and history behind the designs.
National U.S. Postage Stamp Day Hero
Benjamin Franklin
History of National U.S. Postage Stamp Day
Did you know that the postal service in the United States began with the delivery of stampless letters? And the recipient had to pay for it, almost like getting a collect call from prison. Luckily, not long after, new systems and inventions started to streamline the process, and it became easier and cheaper to send mail. Private mail carriers carried things like pre-paid letters and provisional post offices, kind of like we now have special couriers that send more extensive packages. That culminated in a universal prepayment system that required all letters to bear nationally issued adhesive postage stamps to show that a letter or parcel had already been paid for, making the mailman and the recipient’s life much easier.
The United States government post office first issued adhesive postage stamps to the value of five and ten cents on July 1, 1847. And in 1855, the use of stamps was made mandatory. Initially, stamps would usually feature the face or bust of a former American president or another historically significant statesman. That all changed in the 1890s when the post office realized that selling stamps as collectibles could increase revenue. So, to make more money, it began issuing commemorative stamps in conjunction with important national expositions at first and then later for the anniversaries of significant national historical events.
Little is known about the origin or first official celebration of National U.S. Postage Stamp Day, but the day’s essence remains. It commemorates the day postage stamps were first issued in the United States and has for years honored the fact that we can now with ease send mail and parcels and pays homage to the thousands of mailmen and women in the country.
National U.S. Postage Stamp Day timeline
Adhesive postage stamps, issued by the U.S. government post office, are introduced to the market and change the way people send mail.
The use of stamps is made mandatory and features former American presidents' faces and significant politicians.
The post office introduces collectible stamps in a bid to get more profit and commemorate important national expositions and significant American historical events.
The Famous Americans Series, a set of 35 stamps commemorating the country’s most famous authors, scientists, artists, and inventors, debuts.
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing ends its involvement with the postal service after producing American postage stamps for 111 years.
National U.S. Postage Stamp Day FAQs
When is National U.S. Postage Stamp Day?
National U.S. Postage Stamp Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, July 1, marking the anniversary of the first U.S. postage stamps issued in 1847.
What was the first U.S. postage stamp?
The first U.S. postage stamps were issued on July 1, 1847. They featured a 5-cent stamp depicting Benjamin Franklin and a 10-cent stamp with George Washington, both iconic figures in American history.
How many stamps are issued by the USPS each year?
The U.S. Postal Service typically issues dozens of new stamp designs annually, ranging from commemorative issues celebrating cultural milestones to definitive stamps for everyday use. The exact number varies by year.
What is philately?
Philately is the study of stamps and postal history, a hobby that involves collecting, researching, and appreciating postage stamps and related items. It’s more than just collecting; it’s a deep dive into history and art.
National U.S. Postage Stamp Day Activities
Start your own stamp collection
For years people have been collecting stamps and growing their own archives of unique artwork created for sending mail. Why not start your own? There are millions of different stamps worldwide that you can buy, exchange, and add to your collection. Some stamps are created for just about any field of interest, from butterflies to baseball to American first ladies. You can even buy a beautiful book in which to house these stamps so you can keep them in good condition if you want to hand them over to a loved one someday.
Write someone you love a letter
One of the most romantic things you can do is to write someone a letter, and we don’t mean typing something up on your Notes app on your iPhone. We mean getting some lined paper and writing with a pen or pencil. Think “Love Letters of Great Men” by John C. Kirkland and how, for centuries, the only way people could communicate was through written letters sent via the post. Pay homage to that, and show your significant other you genuinely love them.
Read up on the history of stamps
The history of postage stamps in the United States is so extensive that we can’t even give you the surface level. So, take some time and read up as much as you can. It’s a fascinating history. There are many iconic historical postage stamps and events that influenced particular collections. You could find a book or an online text that details the history of the postage stamp in the United States through the ages.
5 Crazy Worldwide Facts About Postage Stamps
Stamps were made by hand at first
Before we had adhesive stamps, ink and hand stamps made of wood or cork were widely accepted.
The U.K. beat the U.S.
The world's first postage stamp was issued on 1 May 1840 in the United Kingdom and was called the “Penny Black.”
Asia’s first stamp was British
Asia's first adhesive stamp, the “Scinde Dawk,” was introduced by a man named Sir Bartle Frere, who was an administrator for the British East India Company.
Stamps keep countries running
Stamp collectors help the economy in smaller countries where limited runs of intricate stamps are produced.
Stamps have calories
As crazy as it may seem, every single time you lick a stamp, you consume a tenth of a calorie.
Why We Love National U.S. Postage Stamp Day
It conserves history
A big part of any country’s history is the written word, and in the old days, written words were sent and communicated via mail. So many important things happened by letter, and through saving and collecting postage stamps, we pay homage to those letters, the people who wrote them, and the men and women who delivered them. The artistic expressions on postage stamps that depict so many iconic events and people are also part of history as it shows how design and art evolved and adapted.
It commemorates traditional mail
We have been sending emails, text messages, and voice mails for years now. As efficient and convenient as that may be, there is a certain romance and nostalgia connected to mail sent the old-fashioned mail. Some of you may remember when our grandparents would send us birthday cards via the post or having pen pals in school from other states and countries. National U.S. Postage Stamp Day allows us to reminisce and think about that rich history and tradition of sending letters and parcels through the mail.
It encourages people to write mail
Yes, some people still write letters and send them via the mail, but those unique individuals are few and far between. However, special days like National U.S. Postage Stamp Day inspire and encourage those that usually turn to their mobile phones and emails to communicate with their loved ones to pick up a pen and paper so they can write a letter. There is something to be said for a written letter, no matter the contents of that letter. It shows thought, consideration, and respect.
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