The U.S. Postal Service has a long tradition of celebrating the American flag with its stamps. But in 2018, it issued a new design that caught the attention of many collectors and patriots. The 2018 flag stamps feature a striking graphic design of a flag with two crisp folds, evoking a sense of reverence and honor. What is the story behind these stamps? And how can you get them? Here are some facts and tips you need to know.
The Design and the Designer of the 2018 Flag Stamps
The 2018 flag stamps were designed by Kit Hinrichs, a renowned graphic designer and founder of Studio Hinrichs. Hinrichs has a passion for flags and has collected over 5,000 of them from around the world. He also created the logo for the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History.
Hinrichs said he wanted to create a simple and elegant design that would stand out from the previous flag stamps. He used a digital illustration technique to create the image of a flag with two folds, as if it were on a pole. He said he was inspired by the 50 flags that encircle the Washington Monument, which he saw during a visit to the nation’s capital.
The design was approved by the U.S. Postal Service and the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee, which reviews and recommends stamp subjects and designs. Ethel Kessler, a veteran art director for the Postal Service, oversaw the project and worked with Hinrichs to finalize the details.
The Issue Date and the Format of the 2018 Flag Stamps
The 2018 flag stamps were issued on February 9, 2018, in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, during the American Stamp Dealers Association Winter Postage Stamp Show. The stamps are available in two formats: a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) booklet of 20 stamps and a PSA coil of 100 stamps. Both formats are produced by security printers Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd and Banknote Corporation of America.
The stamps are Forever stamps, which means they will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail one-ounce price. The stamps have a denomination of 66 cents, which is the price of a one-ounce letter as of July 9, 2023. The stamps also have microprinting on the fourth white stripe from the bottom, which reads “USPS” on the booklet stamps and “2018” on the coil stamps. This is a security feature that helps prevent counterfeiting.
The following table compares the different formats of the 2018 flag stamps:
| Format | Price | Quantity | Size | Shape |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Booklet | $13.20 | 20 | 0.87 x 1.42 inches | Rectangular |
| Coil | $66.00 | 100 | 0.77 x 1.05 inches | Square |
The Usage and the Tips for the 2018 U.S. Flag Stamps
The 2018 flag stamps are suitable for any occasion that requires a patriotic touch. You can use them to mail letters, cards, invitations, bills, or packages. You can also use them to decorate your envelopes, scrapbooks, or albums. Or you can simply collect them as a souvenir or a gift.
If you want to get the 2018 flag stamps, you have several options. You can buy them at your local Post Office, at The Postal Store website at usps.com/shop, or by phone at 800-782-6724. You can also order them online from other retailers or auction sites, such as eBay or Amazon. However, be careful to check the seller’s reputation and feedback before making a purchase.
The following table lists the pros and cons of different sources to buy the 2018 flag stamps:
| Source | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Post Office | Convenient, reliable, no shipping fee | Limited stock, may run out quickly |
| The Postal Store | Official, secure, variety of products | Shipping fee, delivery time |
| Other online retailers or auction sites | Competitive price, customer reviews, more options | Seller reputation, shipping fee, delivery time |
| The USPS Stamps | Discount, reliable, no shipping fee | Limited stock, may run out quickly |
The Related Stamps and the Comparison with the 2018 Flag Stamps
The 2018 flag stamps are not the only ones that celebrate the American flag. In fact, the Postal Service has issued more than 100 flag stamps since 1957, featuring different designs, colors, and formats. Some of the most notable ones are:
- The 1957 Liberty Series flag stamp, which was the first U.S. stamp to show the 50-star flag after Alaska and Hawaii became states.
- The 1976 Bicentennial Series flag stamp, which commemorated the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and showed the flag in front of Independence Hall.
- The 1987 Great Americans Series flag stamp, which honored Francis Scott Key, the author of “The Star-Spangled Banner”, and showed the flag flying over Fort McHenry during the War of 1812.
- The 1995 Old Glory Series flag stamp, which depicted the flag in five different historical periods, from the colonial era to the present day.
- The 2000 Celebrate the Century Series flag stamp, which highlighted the flag as a symbol of national unity and diversity in the 20th century.
- The 2003 Old Glory Prestige Booklet flag stamp, which featured a close-up view of the flag’s stars and stripes.
- The 2007 Flags of Our Nation Series flag stamp, which showcased the flags of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the five U.S. territories.
- The 2014 Star-Spangled Banner Series flag stamp, which marked the 200th anniversary of the national anthem and showed the flag that inspired it.
If you want to compare the 2018 flag stamps with other flag stamps, you can use online tools or resources, such as Mystic Stamp Company or Stamp Smarter. These websites provide information and images of U.S. stamps, as well as guides and tips for collectors. You can also join online forums or communities, such as Stamp Community or Stamp Exchange, where you can interact with other stamp enthusiasts and share your opinions and experiences.
The following table summarizes some of the features of different flag stamps issued over the years:
| Year | Design | Theme | Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1957 | 50-star flag | Liberty | Red, white, blue |
| 1976 | Flag in front of Independence Hall | Bicentennial | Red, white, blue |
| 1987 | Flag over Fort McHenry | Great Americans | Red, white, blue |
| 1995 | Flag in different historical periods | Old Glory | Red, white, blue |
| 2000 | Flag with diverse people | Celebrate the Century | Red, white, blue |
| 2003 | Close-up of stars and stripes | Old Glory Prestige Booklet | Red, white |
| 2007 | Flags of states and territories | Flags of Our Nation | Various |
| 2014 | Flag that inspired national anthem | Star-Spangled Banner | Red, white |
Conclusion
The 2018 flag stamps are a new addition to the long tradition of honoring the American flag with stamps. They feature a simple and elegant design that conveys a sense of respect and pride. They are available in two formats: a booklet of 20 stamps and a coil of 100 stamps. They are Forever stamps, which means they will always be equal to the current First-Class Mail one-ounce price. They also have microprinting as a security feature.
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