Can the Public Decide the US Stamp Design?

Did you know that there are chances that your favorite character could actually be printed on a US stamp? Yes, the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee was established in the year 1957 by the US Postal Service (an independent agency of the Federal government of the USA; it was founded in the year 1971 and is headquartered at Washington D.C). This Committee consists of 11 members and takes suggestions from the public, reviews them based on certain criteria and comes up with around 20-25 recommendations which are then approved by the Postmaster General of America. Members with arts, science, history, cultural, and other stream backgrounds are chosen to form the Advisory Committee. 

Guidelines for US Postage Stamp Designs

• The public figure suggested for appearing on the stamp should have been deceased at least 3 years prior to the date of recommendation.
• Natural calamities like hurricanes, cyclones, etc cannot be the theme of the stamp design. This is done because postage stamps portray themes that generate positivity only.
• Only postal themes that reverberate national appeal are considered.

The Committee meets four times a year to discuss the suggestions from the public. 

Interesting facts about the US Stamp Designs

1. The Elvis Presley stamp is the most popular stamp in the US history. It was issued by the US Postal Service in the year 1993 and over 124 million copies were printed. These were worth 29, 50, or 60 cents each.
2. In the year 2017, Disney villains were chosen to be printed in the US Forever stamps. Various characters like Gaston from the Beauty & the Beast, Maleficent from the Sleeping Beauty, etc were selected to be printed on the US postage stamps.
3. Right from initializing the idea to launch, it takes a period of three years.
4. 35 new stamps are issued by the US Postal Service every year.
5. It is said that the people who suggested the selected stamp design are not awarded or given credit for.