Virtual Stamp Club

The U.S. Postal Service is only telling us about some of its 2025 issues, with promises that "Additional stamps will be announced in the coming weeks and months." Some of those will celebrate the postal agency's 250th ("semiquincentennial") anniversary.

The headliners we know about are Allen Toussaint (Black Heritage) (right), Betty White (second in an annual "Betty" series?), a Keith Haring-design Love stamp, and two subjects beloved by children.
2025 Ben

U.S. 2025 Stamp Program

Last Updated April 28: Two additional issues are slated for sometime in July, a 20-design pane, "250 years of Delivering," and a Benjamin Franklin stamp that will only be available in a prestige booklet.

Put Another Nickel In: The USPS is seeking a rate hike in July. Chances are good the Postal Regulatory Commission will grant the request. (It usually does.)

U.S. Postal Chief Quits Suddenly Less than five weeks after he said he'd stay until a successor was named, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy resigned, amid strong criticism of the Postal Service from the Trump administration and the President himself.

Canada's 2025 Stamp Program Canada Post says this year's program includes many social issues: Places of 2SLGBTQIA+ Pride, Truth & Reconciliation, Barrier-Breaking War Heroes, Slavery, and more. Plus there will be stamps honoring former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, a country-rock band (right), Graphic Novelists, and Indigenous Leaders. Other subjects include peonies, holidays and biodiversity. See the program schedule. (Last updated April 4 with details on the Blue Rodeo stamp.)

VSC has learned in advance what the 2025 Hanukkah stamp will show!

Hey! What About Philately? There's an article on "domestic doyenne" Martha Stewart's website about activities that are good, physically and mentally, for older Americans, including juggling, video games, quilting — but not stamp collecting! We are seriously miffed.

Contemporary Dutch Writers The 10-stamp sheet celebrates the RomanReuzen Initiative, bringing literature "to the attention of young people in a fresh way." Oh, and you can listen to interviews with the authors on the stamps and dozens of others.

Myths & Legends No, no, no, not politics! New British stamps look at the folklore of the British Isles, including everyone's favorite monster, Nessie.

U.S. 2026 Show Seeks Stamps You'd think an international stamp collecting show would have plenty of stamps, but Boston 2026 wants to acquire 3 million more for welcome packets and beginners' areas at the show.

Three U.S. Commissioners named.

Top Job Opening in Bellefonte Scott English says it's time to move on, so the American Philatelic Society and American Philatelic Research Library are looking for a new executive director.

On Your Mark, Get Set, Reserve!The main Great American Stamp Show hotel is 99 and 44/100% full, there are only 3 society tables left, dealers are reserving booths, and the meeting/seminar schedule is filling up. The latest is here.

Investing Or Collecting? How do you view your collection? Is your goal to make money or have fun? Columnist John Hotchner looks at the choices.

"Help! I just inherited this stamp collection!"
Just been given Aunt Matilda's old stamp collection and don't know what to do with it? We can help.

Want to Know What Other Collectors Think? The Virtual Stamp Club has its own comments section as well as a Facebook Group. Or visit the former home of The VSC (1996-2013), now called The Stamp Collecting Forum.

Quotable: "I confess to being an incurable philatelist."
— First Days editor Tony Bard

Last Updated April 28