How US Commemorative Stamps Shaped American Identity

The 1893 Columbian Exposition issue was the first US commemorative stamp. Since then, stamps have honored presidents, civil rights leaders, scientists, artists, and cultural icons. The Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee reviews over 40,000 suggestions per year.

About 25 subjects are selected annually. Stamps reflect what Americans value about their culture and history. The Elvis Presley stamp of 1993 was the most popular US stamp ever, with over 124 million copies sold.

Commemorative stamps are unofficial history lessons delivered through the mail..