The U.S. Postal Service continues its popular Love series with two new stamps, one featuring a kitten and the other a puppy. The stamp art was painted with oils on wood panel, then scanned and edited digitally to create the final images.
Cats and dogs are two of America’s favorite pets, and it is no surprise that connecting with pets has benefits. They provide companionship and love; interacting with a cuddly kitten or a playful puppy can reduce loneliness and elevate mood. Some studies have even shown that pets might also be responsible for lower blood pressure, improved heart health, and a decrease in stress.
Whatever the benefits, there is no denying that puppies and kittens are lovable.
Evoking feelings of warmth and playfulness, each cute and cuddly animal rests its front paws on a big red heart. Sure to add a bit of whimsy to your valentines, these adorable stamps are also suitable for use on letters and cards throughout the year.
Art director Ethel Kessler designed these stamps with original art by Chris Buzelli.
The Love stamps are being issued as Forever® stamps in panes of 20. These Forever stamps are always equal in value to the current First-Class Mail® one-ounce price.
Product Specification:
| Issue: | Love 2023 Stamps |
| Item Number: | 580800 |
| Denomination & | First-Class Mail Forever |
| Type of Issue: | |
| Format: | Pane of 20 (2 designs) |
| Series: | Love |
| Issue Date & City: | January 19, 2023, Austin, TX, 78710 |
| Art Director: | Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD |
| Designer: | Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD |
| Artist: | Chris Buzelli, New York, NY |
| Typographer: | Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD |
| Modeler: | Sandra Lane / Michelle Finn |
| Manufacturing Process: | Offset |
| Printer: | Banknote Corporation of America |
| Press Type: | Alprinta RCS |
| Stamps per Pane: | 20 |
| Print Quantity: | 200,000,000 stamps |
| Paper Type: | Phosphor, Block Tag |
| Adhesive Type: | Pressure-sensitive |
| Colors: | Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, Pantone 871, Pantone Warm Gray 1 |
| Stamp Orientation: | Vertical |
| Image Area (w x h): | 0.77 x 1.05 in / 19.558 x 26.67 mm |
| Overall Size (w x h): | 0.91 x 1.19 in / 23.114 x 30.226 mm |
| Full Pane Size (w x h): | 5.55 x 5.76 in / 140.97 x 146.304 mm |
| Press Sheets Size (w x h): | 23.04 x 11.10 in / 585.216 x 281.94 mm |
| Plate Size: | 320 stamps per revolution |
| Plate Number: | “B” followed by six (6) single digits in four corners |
| Marginal Markings: | |
| Front: | Plate number in four corners |
| Back: | ©2022 USPS • USPS logo • Two barcodes (580800) • Plate position diagram (8) • Promotional text |