2017 U.S. Flag Forever Stamps
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service dedicated a new U.S. Flag stamp today at the Southeastern Stamp Expo in Norcross, GA, continuing the organization’s tradition of celebrating patriotism through stamps that feature one of our nation’s most recognizable symbols. The stamp features a detail from a photograph of the billowing Stars and Stripes.
A traditional take on an old favorite, the new U.S. Flag stamp adds a touch of majesty and patriotic grace to First-Class Mail correspondence,” said Jeffrey C. Williamson, the Postal Service’s chief human resources officer and executive vice president, who dedicated the stamp. “The elegant yet simple design of the stamp conveys the quiet dignity of Old Glory waving in the wind and calls to mind the values of liberty and justice the American flag represents.”
Williamson was joined at the stamp dedication by retired Brig. Gen. Mitchell Zais , president, American Philatelic Society; Mary-Anne Penner, director of Stamp Services, U.S. Postal Service; Edwin L. Jackson, senior public service associate emeritus, University of Georgia; and Beatrix Clark, philatelist.
The words “USA” and “FOREVER” are printed on the bottom of the design. Terrence W. McCaffrey was the art director of the project and Greg Breeding of Charlottesville, VA, designed the stamp with an existing photograph of the flag taken by Tom Grill of New York City.
The U.S. Flag stamp is being issued in self-adhesive booklets of 10 and 20 stamps, a coil of 100 stamps and an automated teller machine (ATM) sheetlet of 18 stamps. This Forever stamp will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price. The public is asked to share the news of the stamp using the hashtag #USFlagStamps.
The credit line “© Tom Grill/Corbis” should appear in profile text associated with the stamp.
Climbing to the top of Suribachi – a Japanese fortress deemed impenetrable – was no small task. Undaunted, First Lieutenant Harold G. Schrier volunteered. He led a 40-man patrol up the mountain, avoiding detection while the Japanese were distracted by Allied bombardment. When the Marines reached the summit and raised the flag, Rosenthal said he almost missed the shot while trying to find a better vantage point, “Out of the corner of my eye, I [saw] the men start the flag up. I swung my camera and shot the scene... and when you take a picture like that, you don’t [know] you got a great shot.” When troops below saw the flag flying, it boosted their morale and helped turn the tide of the battle.
Rosenthal’s perfectly timed photograph inspired the nation and is one of the most replicated images in U.S. history. It was even used on a war bond poster to increase sales. The six men, struggling against fierce winds to raise the American flag, reminded U.S. citizens what the Stars and Stripes represents: enduring strength, unyielding character, and the hope for a better tomorrow.
Printed by: Banknote Corporation of America
Method: Offset, Microprint
Self-Adhesive
Frequently Asked Questions
How it works?
A Forever® stamp is for sending domestic mail weighing up to 1 oz via First-Class Mail®.
Purpose: Send letters and cards up to 1 oz (approximately 4 sheets of regular, 8-1/2" x 11" paper in a rectangular envelope)
within the U.S., including U.S. territories and military bases overseas.
Value: Always valid for the First-Class Mail 1 oz rate, even if postage rates increase. Visit First-Class Mail and Postage to view
current rates.
Other Uses: Pair this stamp’s value with other postage to meet mailing costs when additional postage is required.
Use the Retail Postage Calculator to determine the exact cost of your mail.
Why is "FOREVER" crossed out in the image?
So the lines in your picture:
- It does not mean that the stamp has expired;
- It does not mean that you cannot continue to use it;
- Nor a postmark;
- It's just an artificial anti-copying line added to the display image.
Note: If the physical stamp you receive actually has this crossed line printed on it, be cautious. It may be a display sample, a replica or a fake stamp, rather than a normal usable stamp.
What are the common types of stamps, and how do they differ?
- Forever Stamp: Valid for standard domestic letters within the U.S. These stamps typically do not bear a fixed face value; they remain valid for mailing a standard one-ounce letter at the current rate, even if postage prices increase in the future.
- Global Forever Stamp: Primarily used for standard international letters or postcards sent from the U.S. to other countries. The main difference between this and a standard Forever Stamp lies in its scope of use and postage value.
- Postcard Stamp: Designed specifically for domestic postcards that meet USPS size standards; the postage rate is typically lower than that for standard letters.
- Additional Ounce Stamp: Used to cover the cost of weight exceeding the first ounce; these are usually used in conjunction with a Forever Stamp or other stamps.
- Two-Ounce and Three-Ounce Stamps: Suitable for heavier letters, greeting cards, wedding invitations, or multi-page documents, eliminating the need to combine multiple stamps to cover the required postage.
- Fixed-Value Stamps: These stamps display a specific monetary value (e.g., 1¢, 5¢, or other amounts) and are primarily used to make up postage differences or in combination with other stamps.
- Commemorative and Thematic Stamps: Typically issued to mark historical events, cultural or artistic themes, holidays, notable figures, animals, or natural landscapes. While suitable for regular mail, these stamps are also popular among collectors due to their unique designs and limited release periods.
It is important to note that a stamp's theme and its postage class can overlap; for example, a holiday-themed stamp might also be a Forever Stamp. When purchasing, check for markings such as FOREVER, GLOBAL, POSTCARD, ADDITIONAL OUNCE, or a specific face value to confirm the stamp's intended use.
Why choose StampResale.com?
- At StampResale, you will find a diverse range of U.S. stamps—including classic Forever Stamps, holiday-themed issues, commemorative stamps, and specialty collections—catering to needs ranging from everyday mailing and gift-giving to serious collecting.
We also frequently offer limited-time discounts, bundle deals, and exclusive promotions, providing you with a wider selection and greater value while guaranteeing the authenticity and quality of our stamps.
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