USPS "Variety Pack" Of 20 Forever Commemoratives

Although this may not be of much use to many collectors, the USPS has just posted a new offering: A "random" selection of 20 Forever stamps for the face value of $9.80. Of course, there is no guarantee what stamps you may get, but for someone who wants to start a modern new issue collection without buying blocks or panes of stamps, this may be one way to start it on on a budget:

https://store.usps.com/store/browse...d=buy-stamps

I feel like it's buying a pack of baseball cards..kind of dig it.

If they're like the ones pictured I'm guessing they're using up remainder stocks from stamps that aren't on sale anymore, and just general overstock. Still, actually a pretty good idea from the USPS. Practically every dealer has sold packets of some kind at one time or another, I think it's a good idea for the USPS to get in on the act as well. I think I'll even buy a pack next time I need postage.

Trying not to be a detractor (heaven knows there are enough all ready) but I would caution a newbie collector for a simple reason: If the die cut does not cut through the backing paper the stamps may not be perfect collectibles as the perfs will either be cut or short. Purchasing year books over the past several years has made me look carefully at singles separated from sheets where the perforations do not cut through the backing and end up with a torn perf (or worse). Since it is face value of included stamps I guess you can always use any less than perfect items for postage (forever).

Does anyone know if these will be available at the local post offices or do they have to be ordered online?

Online only.

I was pleased to see this on the USPS website. I will order one and let you know what stamps I get. For someone like me who collects post-1940 mint US stamps, this packet can fill up some holes in my collection.

I am very disappointed to report that the variety pack is not what USPS advertised on its website. I received this today and there's not a lot of variety here!

There is a form attached to your order sheet to return for replacement of that pack or what ever you want to use credit for as well as a post paid label.

The USPS.com listing reads "20 distinctive USPS designs" with 'distinctive' meaning: "marking something as clearly different from others" according to Cambridge Dictionaries Online.
Judging by the above it appears USPS are not overly familiar with the English language...

Oh, well. If it's any consolation, at least with the Patriotic Banner coil, it avoids one having to purchase a minimum of 20 or 25 stamps to get the four varieties for a collection.

I'll keep this "variety" of stamps. It can fill up two or three empty placeholders in my album.