2026 American Bison First-Class Forever Stamp
2026 American Bison
- The stamp within this stamp resembles a 1923 US stamp
- Pictures America’s national mammal
- First Day of Issue ceremony took place during Boston 2026 World Exhibition
Stamp Category: Commemorative
Value: 78¢, First Class Mail Rate
First Day of Issue: May 25, 2026
First Day City: Boston, Massachusetts
Quantity Issued: 24,000,000
Printed by: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd.
Printing Method: Offset, Microprint
Format: Pane of 16
Why the stamp was issued: This stamp was issued as part of the Boston World Exposition’s stamp collector’s theme day.
About the stamp design: A photograph taken by Tom Murphy was used for the bison in the background. The artwork on the inner stamp is reminiscent of a 1923 stamp #569.
First Day City: The First Day of Issue ceremony took place during the Boston 2026 World Stamp Show.
History the stamp represents: The 2026 American Bison Forever stamp has a story within a story. Tucked into its design is an intaglio-printed adaptation of the 1923 “American Buffalo” 30-cent stamp, one of the most recognized definitives in US philatelic history. It was the only stamp in its series issued without a label beneath the image. The Post Office trusted the image spoke for itself—instantly recognizable to the public.
In 2016, Congress made it official. The American bison was designated the national mammal of the United States, the first species ever to hold that title. The honor was hard won. By the late 1800s, a population once estimated at 60 million had been reduced to fewer than 600 bison on the entire continent. Yellowstone National Park became their last refuge. Just 23 wild bison survived there and today’s herd of more than 5,000 descends from them.
But the story doesn’t end there. Tribal nations across the country are bringing the bison home. In February 2026, the Bison Conservation Transfer Program completed its largest transfer yet, moving 213 Yellowstone bison to the Fort Peck Indian Reservation in Montana. To date, 625 bison have been rehomed to just under 30 tribes across 13 states.
For the American bison, the great comeback is still in progress.
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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