The 2019 US flag forever stamp features a close-up view of the American flag waving against a blue sky. The stamp was issued by the U.S. Postal Service on January 27, 2019, to coincide with the increase of the first-class mail rate from 50 cents to 55 cents ( 66 cents in 2023 ).The stamp is intended to celebrate the flag as the most recognizable symbol of the nation and its values.
The Design Process
The stamp was designed by art director Antonio Alcalá, who also took the photograph that served as the basis for the stamp image. Alcalá said he wanted to capture the flag in a simple and elegant way, without any distractions or embellishments. He said he chose a low-angle perspective to emphasize the height and majesty of the flagpole and the flag. He also said he waited for a clear and sunny day to take the photograph, to create a contrast between the bright colors of the flag and the deep blue of the sky.
Alcalá said he took several photographs of different flags at different locations, but he ultimately selected the one that showed a flag flying near the end of Chicago’s Navy Pier. He said he liked this flag because it had a natural and dynamic movement, as well as a crisp and clean appearance. He also said he liked this location because it had a historical connection to the flag, as Navy Pier was originally built as a naval training center during World War I.
The Stamp Formats
The 2019 US flag forever stamp is available in various formats, including booklets of 20 stamps and coils of 100 stamps. The stamps are printed by two different printers: Banknote Corporation of America (BCA) and Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU). The stamps can be distinguished by their perforations and microprinting.
Here is a table that summarizes some of the features of each stamp format:
| Format | Printer | Perforations | Microprinting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Booklet of 20 stamps | BCA | Serpentine die cut 11 x 10.5 | “USPS” on every fifth stamp along the right edge |
| Booklet of 20 stamps | APU | Serpentine die cut 11 x 10.75 | “USPS” on every stamp along the right edge |
| Coil of 100 stamps | BCA | Serpentine die cut 11 x 10.5 | “USPS” on every fifth stamp along the right edge |
| Coil of 100 stamps | APU | Serpentine die cut 11 x 10.75 | “USPS” on every stamp along the right edge |
The Usage Tips
The 2019 US flag forever stamp can be used for various purposes, such as sending letters, cards, invitations, or bills. They can also be used to decorate envelopes, scrapbooks, or other crafts. They can be purchased at any post office, online at [USPS.com], or by phone at 1-800-STAMP24. And you can buy discount us flag stamps from Online resellers, like The USPS Stamps and Forever Stamp Store.
Some tips for using these stamps are:
- Use a clear or white envelope to showcase the stamp design. Avoid using dark or busy envelopes that might obscure or clash with the stamp.
- Align the stamp with the upper right corner of the envelope. Make sure it is not too close to the edge or too far from the address.
- Apply gentle pressure to affix the stamp to the envelope. Do not lick or wet the stamp, as it might damage the adhesive or the design.
The History of US Flag Stamps
The 2019 US flag forever stamp is not the only time that the American flag has been featured on a stamp. In fact, since 1957, there have been more than 50 different flag stamps issued by the Postal Service, depicting various scenes, locations, and times of day.
One of the most popular and convenient types of flag stamps is the Forever Stamp, which was introduced in 2007. The Forever Stamp is a non-denominated and non-expiring stamp that can be used to mail a one-ounce first-class letter within the United States at any time in the future, regardless of price changes. The Forever Stamp always features an image of the flag, but with different designs and backgrounds over time. For example, in 2013, there was a series of four Forever Stamps that showed the flag flying at different seasons. In 2017, there was a Forever Stamp that showed a close-up view of a waving flag.
The American flag has long symbolized the strength and spirit of our nation. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation establishing June 14 as Flag Day, which Congress officially designated in August 1949. Today, the American flag remains a powerful symbol that inspires many people around the world.
Here are some interesting facts about the history of the American flag and its stamps:
- The first American flag was adopted by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777. It had 13 stripes and 13 stars, representing the original 13 colonies.
- The current design of the flag, with 50 stars and 13 stripes, was adopted on July 4, 1960, after Hawaii became the 50th state.
- The first American flag stamp was issued in 1869, just four years after the end of the Civil War. It featured a black and white image of the flag and was used to pay the 3-cent domestic letter rate.
- The first color flag stamp was issued in 1912, as part of the Washington-Franklin Issue. It showed a blue flag with thirteen stars on a red shield over a white background and was used to pay the 1-cent postcard rate.
- The first modern flag stamp was issued in 1957, as part of the Liberty Series. It depicted a full-color flag waving in front of the Capitol building and was used to pay the 4-cent domestic letter rate.
- The most expensive flag stamp ever sold was a rare error stamp from the Flag Over White House Issue of 1992. It showed an inverted image of the flag and the White House and was sold for $110,000 in 2014.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this article about the 2019 US flag forever stamp and learned something new. If you are a stamp collector or a patriotic citizen, you might want to get your hands on these stamps and show your love for your country. Whether you use them for mailing, decorating, or collecting, these stamps are a great way to express your appreciation for the American flag and its history.
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