On February 2, 2016, in Philadelphia, PA, the U.S. Postal Service® will issue the Richard Allen First-Class Mail® stamp (Forever® priced at 49 cents), in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 473500).
The stamp will go on sale nationwide February 2, 2016.
The 39th stamp in the Black Heritage series commemorates preacher, activist, and civic leader Richard Allen (1760–1831), an inspiring figure whose life and work resonate profoundly in American history. This stamp coincides with the 200th anniversary of Allen’s founding of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, one of the most important institutions in African-American life, and his election and consecration as its first bishop. The stamp art is a portrait of Allen, a detail from an 1876 print titled “Bishops of the A.M.E. Church” from the collection of the Library Company of Philadelphia. Art director Greg Breeding designed the stamp.
How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark
Customers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office, at The Postal Store® website at http://www.usps.com/shop, or by calling 800-782-6724. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:
Richard Allen Stamp
USPS Retail Manager
3190 South 70th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19153-9751
After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service™ will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark up to a quantity of 50. There is a 5-cent charge for each additional postmark over 50. All orders must be postmarked by April 2, 2016.
How to Order First-Day Covers
The Postal Service also offers first-day covers for new stamp issues and Postal Service stationery items postmarked with the official first-day-of-issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog, online at http://www.usps.com/shop, or by calling 800-782-6724. Customers may request a free catalog by calling 800-782-6724 or writing to:
U.S. Postal Service
Catalog Request
PO Box 219014
Kansas City, MO 64121-9014
Philatelic Products
There are six philatelic products for this stamp issue:
- 473506, Press Sheet with Die-cut, $58.80 (print quantity 200).
- 473508, Press Sheet without Die-cut, $58.80 (print quantity 250).
- 473510*, Digital Color Postmark Keepsake, $11.95.
- 473516*, First-Day Cover, $0.93.
- 473521*, Digital Color Postmark, $1.64.
- 473530*, Ceremony Program, $6.95.