2013 USPS Issues... News? Thoughts? Opinions?

(all images in this thread sourced from USPS)

Perhaps I have short-term memory, but isn't it getting a bit late in the year, and we still don't have info on 2013 stamp issues? Don't we usually have an idea by now? I can be wrong, of course...

Jonelle

Yes, it's usually 90 days or so before the release that we start seeing images.

There have been some complaints in Linn's that there are no previews yet -- even of the stamps expected in January 2013.

KS

More complaints than that, too. I, for one, am particularly annoyed at the USPS's antics for the 2013 Stamp Program, as all they seem to be doing is alienating collectors by this approach. Those who service first day covers and create cachets for the various issues are particularly impacted by the lack of information, especially since Canada and the UK and many other countries have already announced their 2013 stamp issues for the entire year and the US is taking a back seat to other postal authorities much to the disappointment of collectors.

Remember, too, we have a postal rate increase in January 2013 so new Express Mail, Priority Mail, Global International Rate, second ounce and third ounce First Class Mail stamps and Postcard Rate stamps, as well as postal stationery items all have to be issued around the end of January.

Then there are those so-called "surprise" issues that the USPS is trying to keep under wraps as a PR stunt. Also, the USPS is allegedly going to be announcing issues only 90 days in advance and not give the general public information on all 2013 stamp issues at any one time.

If it's of any help, I put together this "unofficial" list together based on what has been described in various publications and on-line sources. It may not be 100% accurate, and obviously no designs have yet to be announced, but it does give you some idea of the incredible number of stamps coming out in a very short time:

That list is just a taste, but I know I will be buying those Muscle Car stamps... unless they go with the usual horrid design styles they have been using for other stamps lately! The global forever is supposed to be round, I think.

I knew you would be able to give good insight Nells --- I know you keep up with new releases and with the USA Philatelic publications.




Yes. It will be USA's 2nd round stamp -- the first was the space stamp. I think it was 2000, the last year I collected new issues.

KirkS

I understand the concept of a Global Forever Stamp being issued in a "round" format, but in terms of printing, doesn't that provide for a lot more waste than a traditional square or rectangular stamp, especially for a cash-strapped US Postal Service? Does anyone question whether or not international mailers may or may not endorse that novel idea? It also would seem to go against the USPS "Go Green" initiatives, since I suggest it would cost more to print stamps that way, too.

But then, we're talking about a stamp valued at $1.10. One could always buy one of the new high value "Waves of Color" $1 stamp and add a 10-cent stamp to it.

Not more modern art.

It's so ugly!!


wt1, I love your spreadsheets!

I was also thinking about the logistics of a round self adhesive stamp. I have already mentioned somewhere on the forum all the waste associated with self stick, and now just tthink of the wasted carrier paper on a sheet of round stamps! Also, will we be able to seperate them so we can buy less than a sheet? What about Scott mounts for a single?

As for the muscle car stamps, I am HORRIBLY offended that MY car won't be represented! I mean, just think of the sales of a '74 AMC Javelin in need of restoration!! ;-) ;-)

The FIRST image of a 2013 US commemorative stamp has now been released by the USPS ... for the Emancipation Proclamation Sesquicentennial to be issued January 21, 2013. Although no location is announced, it is assumed Washington, DC would be the first day of issue location.



Pre-orders may be made at this link:

https://store.usps.com/store/browse..._S_NewStamps

Also note that the text in the pre-order link refers to an upcoming stamp for the 100th anniversary of the birth of Rosa Parks and a third one yet to be announced, all as part of the 2013 African American Civil Rights Series:




By the way, there's a lot happening on the issue date of this stamp (January 21, 2013) it is both Inauguration Day and Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday Holiday ... AND ... the post offices are all closed that day.

While I like the vintage poster style of that stamp, and the meaning of the stamp is important, they won't be big sellers. Unfortunately, most of the non-collecting stamp buyers probably won't buy them.

"The Emanci… what?"

The USPS should try to be far more conservative in 2013. Issue far fewer stamps, and stay with tried-and-true topics that the average over-the-counter customer will want to buy for their bills. If they can get things more under control for a year or two, they can always go back to other topics.

A drawback to that plan is they could miss certain anniversaries, such as Rosa Parks', mentioned above.

Just my 2-cents… for what it is worth!

I can't think that very much thought was put into the "design" of the Emancipation Proclamation stamp. Surely a more attractive design could have been put forward.

Just my opinion, but I don't think just words on a stamp are enough.

I like people on stamps. The 200Th anniversary of the birth of John C Fremont (politician, explorer and military officer and the namesake of several counties and municipalities) IMHO warrants a stamp..

Unfortunately, another design that would have done better years ago... How many people know that some letters were once sealed with wax? But the good thing is that some people, likely women, will be attracted to the color and heart. Possibly a decent seller... my 2 cents...

I'm not impressed with the new Sealed with Love stamp either. If I had a choice, I'd take last year's design in red with the script "Love" on it. Seeing as these stamps are special issues (a form of definitives) my guess is that the USPS will have both this one and last year's stamp available for Valentine's Day 2013. It will be interesting to see what sells best ... but I suspect the USPS won't release any figures if the 2013 design proves to be more a failure than they anticipated.

Well... they're bright...