Dragons Coming to a Post Office Near You!

"We're very excited to bring these beautiful stamps to the 132nd annual APS convention," said U.S. Postal Service Stamp Services Director Mary-Anne Penner. "This is one of the premier stamp shows in America and serves as an excellent platform to showcase these special stamps."

"We're thrilled to have USPS unveil these great stamps with us in Columbus," said Scott English, APS executive director. "There will be something for the whole family highlighting this cool theme. No experience necessary, so we hope you join us!"

The new stamps will be issued as a pane of 16 stamps showcasing one of four designs: a green fire-breathing dragon towering over a medieval-inspired castle; a purple dragon with orange wings and sharp black armor on its back snaking around a white castle; a black dragon with green wings and green armor on its back swooping past a ship on the sea; and a wingless orange dragon weaving its way around a pagoda.

The stamps feature digital illustrations created by artist Don Clark of Invisible Creature studio. Art director Greg Breeding designed the stamps. News of the stamps can be shared using the hashtag #DragonStamps.

Background

Throughout history and across the globe — from Europe to the Middle East to Asia to the Americas — people have enjoyed tales of mythological creatures. Though these legendary animals vary in shape, size and color, they're most often described as lizard-like with four legs, sharp claws, scales, wings and spiky tails. The stamps feature four colorful dragons set against four unique backgrounds.

In the Far East, dragons are ubiquitous. The wingless orange dragon weaving its way around a pagoda is inspired by creatures found in Asian art, architecture, folk religion and ancient lore. The Chinese, in particular, have venerated the dragon for thousands of years.

European folklore inspired the dragons on two other stamps. The purple dragon with orange wings and sharp black armor on its back snakes around a white castle that evokes Camelot. The green fire-breathing dragon towers over a medieval-inspired castle. The fierce beasts have even become part of the identity of many countries.

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About American Philatelic Society (APS)
With nearly 28,000 members in more than 110 countries, the APS is the largest, non-profit organization for stamp collectors in the world. Founded in 1886, the APS serves collectors, educators, postal historians, and the general public by providing a wide variety of programs and services.

U.S. Postal Service: Roy Betts
[email protected]  
202.268.3207

APS: Martin Miller
[email protected]  
814.933.3803 ext. 221

usps.com/news

SOURCE U.S. Postal Service

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