USPS unveils 2011 commemorative stamp program

As 2010 draws to a close, the USPS is showing off its planned commemorative stamp designs for 2011. As previously announced, all of the new designs will be “forever” stamps.

Among the subjects being honored are actor Gregory Peck, astronaut Alan Shepard, and author Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens). President Ronald Reagan gets another commemorative stamp on what would have been his 100th birthday, while the centennial of the Indianapolis 500 is also recognized.

The long-running Purple Heart and “Celebrate!” designs are being refreshed, and the next of the Flags of Our Nation coils is scheduled to go on sale, too.

Overall, I’m not a huge fan of the art styles used for many of 2011’s commemorative stamps, but there are a few highlights. My personal favorites are Owney, the postal dog; the Civil War souvenir sheet; and the Toy Story stamp from the Pixar series. The Pixar series appalls the “traditionalist” part of me that looks fondly on stamps honoring national leaders, historical figures, and so forth, but how can you not love a stamp that features the Little Green Men?!

My predictions for stamps that will be all but impossible to find used: Latin musicians, American industrial design, and the Civil War commemoratives. I could be wrong on these, but my experience in recent years has been that it is very, very difficult to get a full used set of stamps from souvenir sheets and larger sets. Putting together a collection of these items used on commercial covers could be even more challenging.

What do you think of next year’s commemorative stamps? Take a look at the designs, then share your impressions in the comments section below.

Published 2010-12-29