Announced November 1, 2021:
This lighthearted and playful stamp celebrates America’s affection for elephants. A graphic illustration of an elephant interacting with its young calf represents the loving nature of these beloved animals. Two stylized plants and a bright orange sun add whimsy and color. The Elephants stamp will be sold in booklets of 20. Art director Derry Noyes designed the stamp with original art by Rafael López.
Additional information will be posted below the line, with the newest at the top.
Updated July 15th:
The Scott catalogue number for this issue is 5714.
Updated July 15th:
[ceremony details] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Postal Service to Feature Elephants on Forever Stamps
What: The U.S. Postal Service will celebrate elephants with this lighthearted and playful new stamp. The Elephants Forever stamp features a fanciful, digital illustration of an elephant interacting with its young calf, depicting the affectionate nature of these beloved animals.
The first-day-of-issue event for the Forever stamps is free and open to the public. News of the stamps is being shared with the hashtag #ElephantsStamps.
Who: Jeffery A. Adams, USPS corporate communications vice president and dedicating official
When: Friday, Aug. 12, 2022, at 11 a.m. CDT
Where: The Elephant Discovery Center
27 East Main Street
Hohenwald, TN 38462
RSVP: Dedication ceremony attendees are encouraged to RSVP at:usps.com/elephants.
Background: Americans have been intrigued by elephants since the first one arrived on our shores in 1796. While Americans loved the floppy-eared giants, they were not always conscientious in providing care and nurturing for the emotional and sensitive creatures. However, changing attitudes in the United States have increased awareness of conditions for captive elephants, encouraged circuses to discontinue using elephants as performers, enabled legislation to ban ivory importation and encouraged conservation efforts for elephants in the wild.
Updated July 7th:
Here are the first-day cancels for this issue:
The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.65″ x 1.28″
The 4-bar “killer” or “FDOI” postmark is the standard size (about 3.25″ x 1.00″). There is no pictorial for this issue.
Updated June 30th from the Postal Bulletin:
On August 12, 2022, in Hohenwald, TN, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Elephants stamp (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) double-sided booklet (Item 683800). This stamp will go on sale nationwide August 12, 2022, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.
The Postal Service™ celebrates America’s affection for elephants with this lighthearted and playful new stamp. A graphic illustration of an elephant interacting with its young calf represents the affectionate nature of these beloved animals. Two stylized plants and a bright orange sun add whimsy and color. The Elephants stamp will be sold in booklets of 20. Artist Rafael López created the original art and designed the stamp. Derry Noyes was the art director.
