Bald eagles have long been associated with the U.S., and they have often been featured on U.S. Postal Service stamps since 1869. There’s something a little different about the bald eagle stamps issued today in Minnesota.
“These latest stamps offer a new take on the American icon and feature realistic illustrations of the bird at different stages of life,” the USPS explained in a press release. “Derry Noyes, an art director for USPS, designed the stamps using original paintings by noted ornithologist and illustrator David Allen Sibley.”
This new commemorative stamp collection called “Bald Eagle: Hatchling to Adult” was scheduled to be unveiled at 11 a.m. CT Thursday, May 14, outside at the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, Minn., a museum and nature center that opened nearly 20 years ago. Wabasha itself is known as the “Eagle Capitol of America,” according to the center.
“We are very excited to partner with the Postal Service to host this event in May,” said Ed Hahn, director of development and marketing communications at the center. “This will be the first time in Wabasha’s long history that the first stamps issued (first day cancel) will happen here. It’s a historic moment for Wabasha, our nation, the National Eagle Center, Bald Eagles, and important for collectors. We’re thrilled to be a part of it!”
Eagle stamps
United States Postal Service
Hon. Daniel M. Tangherlini of the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors was set to serve as the dedicating official of the event.
According to the USPS, the bald eagle is (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is “intrinsic to the national identity of the United States since the early days of the republic,” and the National Eagle Center noted that it only lives in North America. However, people might be surprised to learn that legislation to officially designate the bald eagle as the National Bird of the United States wasn’t signed until 2024. That legislation was sponsored by Minnesota lawmaker, the eagle center said.
While they are available, the new bald eagle Forever Stamps will be sold in panes of 20 stamps. To get in on the action, customers have a few options:
- Customers can buy stamps through The Postal Store online at usps.com/shopstamps
- Customers can call 844-737-7826 to order stamps
- Customers can get stamps through the mail via USA Philatelic
- Customers can pick up stamps at Post Office locations nationwide
- For officially licensed stamp products, customers can also shop the USPS Officially Licensed Collection on Amazon
“Additional information on stamps, first-day-of-issue ceremonies and stamp-inspired products can be found at StampsForever.com,” said the USPS.
