This week we feature the Priority Express Mail Stamp Grand Central Terminal, New York. It is part of the American Land Marks Series launched in 2008. It was designed by Derry Noyes and Phil Jordan. The print run of 3,000,000 stamps was done with the photogravure process. The printer was Avery Dennison. These stamps were printed at the company’s Security Printing Division plant in Clinton S.C. These issues have the highest face value of any U.S. Postal Service stamp.
The rate of $19.95 entitles the parcel or document to be send via the EMS system. This is an international postal Express Mail Service, offered by postal operators of the Universal Postal Union. It is an expedited delivery system with faster delivery times then regular mail service and is delivered seven days a week.
The U.S. Postal Service Joined the EMS system in 1999, which covers 180 countries and territories.
A sender can enjoy this same expiated delivery in domestic service by purchasing the Priority Mail Stamp for the rate of $5.60. The Arlington Green Bridge issue, pictured below, is an example of the domestic service stamp in the American Landmarks Series.
From 1885 to 1971 the U.S. Postal service issue special delivery stamps, a similar service to the Priority Mail Stamp. Why this service was discounted until 2008 I have yet to find out. I will continue to research that question.
On a personal note, purchasing a sheet of these stamps gets a few comments from my wife when she goes over the credit card statement. She is the family banker. However, I am grateful that she tolerates my collecting obsession.
(Thanks for supporting your man baby!)
As always, happy collecting!
Prairie Beacon 