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USPS News: Philatelic Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 10, 2001
Stamp Release No. 02-001
Winter Sports Postage Stamps To Be Issued Prior To Olympic Games
WASHINGTON - The cold temperatures and snowy conditions that keep many inside during the winter are essential for athletes who take part in winter sports.Next year, the U.S. Postal Service will recognize the competitive drive of these athletes by issuing a pane of 20 commemorative stamps depicting four popular winter sports: figure skating, ice hockey, snowboarding and ski jumping.
The first day of issue ceremony will take place Jan. 8, 2002, 10:30 am (MT) at the Legacy Lodge at the Park City Mountain Resort in Park City, Utah.
"The challenge of athletic competition and perseverance in the face of the icy winter landscape is beautifully depicted in these postage stamps," said Anita Bizzotto, Chief Marketing Officer for the Postal Service, who will dedicate the stamps. "Likewise, these stamp subjects are a reminder of the determination and devotion of 800,000 postal employees across the country who sometimes face different but equally challenging conditions as they serve America every day. Stamps are a window on our history and our past and echo the events that have made our country what it is today, and what Americans believe in."
These stamps also pay tribute to the Olympic Games which have been highlighted on U.S. postage stamps since 1932. Over the years the Summer and Winter Olympic Games, as well as the Special Olympics, have been featured on numerous postage stamps honoring the endurance and determination of these athletes. The history of the Olympic Games and Olympic related subjects have always been popular with stamp collectors.
The 2002 Winter Olympic Games will be held in the Salt Lake City area beginning Feb. 8th through the 24th. Some events, including snowboarding and the Giant Slalom, will be held at the Park City Mountain Resort.
The Winter Sports stamps were designed by the firm of Jager Di Paola Kemp under the art direction of Phil Jordan.
To see a color image of the Winter Sports stamps, as well as other stamps, visit the Collector's Corner at the Postal Store at www.usps.com.
Additionally, current U.S. stamps, as well as a free comprehensive catalog, are available toll free by calling 1 800 STAMP-24.
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TECHNICAL DETAILS
Issue: Winter Sports
Item Number: 451800
Denomination & Type of Issue: 34-cent Commemorative
Format: Pane of 20 (4 designs)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: January 8, 2002, Park City, UT 84060
Designer: Jager Di Paola Kemp, Burlington, VT
Art Director: Phil Jordan, Falls Church, VA
Typographer: Phil Jordan, Falls Church, VA
Photographers: Craig Melvin (figure skater)
David Madison (ice hockey)
Martin Tichy (snowboarder)
Nancie Battaglia (ski jumper)
Modeler: Donald H. Woo
Manufacturing Process: Gravure
Printer: Sennett Security Products (SSP)
Printed at: American Packaging Corporation, Columbus, WI
Press Type: Rotomec, 3000
Engraver: Armotek Industries
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 80 million stamps
Paper Type: Pre-phosphored, Type II
Gum Type: Self-adhesive
Processed at: Unique Binders, Fredericksburg, VA
Colors: PMS 376, PMS 2995, PMS 312, PMS 307, PMS 302, Black
Stamp Orientation: Horizontal
Image Area (w x h): 1.41 x 0.84 in./35.81 x 21.33 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 1.56 x 0.99 in./39.62 x 25.14 mm
Pane Size (w x h): 7.25 x 6.43 in /184.145 x 163.32 mm
Plate Size: 180 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: "S" followed by six (6) single digits
Marginal Markings: "© 2001 USPS" · Price · Plate Numbers in all four corners · Plate Position Diagram · 2 UPC codes · Header · 36 U.S.C. Sec. 220506. Official Licensed Product of the United States Olympic Committee. USA Olympic Logo, 36USC380
Catalog Item Number(s): 451840 Full Pane of 20 w/plate no. & header - $6.80
451830 Block of 10 - $3.40
451820 Block of 4 - $1.36
451863 First Day Cover (Set of 4) - $2.20
451884 Uncut Press Sheet - $61.20
HOW TO ORDER THE FIRST DAY OF ISSUE POSTMARK
Customers have 30 days to obtain the first day of issue postmark by mail. They may purchase the stamps at their local post, affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them into a larger envelope addressed to: WINTER SPORTS STAMPS POSTMASTER PO BOX 6000 PARK CITY, UT 84060-9991.
After applying the first day of issue postmark, the Postal Service returns the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by February 7, 2002. Stamp Fulfillment Services also offers the first day covers for new stamp issues and postal 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. Customers may request a free catalog by writing to: INFORMATION FULFILLMENT, US POSTAL SERVICE, DEPT 6270, PO BOX 219014, KANSAS CITY MO 64121-9014, or by calling 1 800 STAMP-24.
First day covers remain on sale for at least one year after the stamp's issuance.
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For 226 years, the United States Postal Service has been the gateway to the household, binding friends, families and neighbors together. It is an independent federal agency that handles 46 percent of the world's mail volume, with annual revenues of $65 billion. The Postal Service is not funded with taxpayer dollars, but derives its revenues solely from the sale of postage and other products and services it provides. Through its unrivaled service network, the Postal Service delivers money, messages and merchandise daily to 135 million addresses, offering some of the most affordable postage rates in the world.
