2011-13 Priority and Express Mail Series, 5 Stamps

This special collection of 2011, 2012, and 2013 Priority and Express Mail Stamps includes:

US #4511

US #4649

US #4650

US #4738

US #4739

Express Mail Service, now called Priority Mail Express, started in 1977 as the fastest option for mailing packages and documents. It replaced the Special Delivery service, which had been in operation since 1885. While Special Delivery served its purpose for nearly a century, Express Mail offered broader capabilities, including guaranteed overnight or two-day delivery, tracking, and insurance, making it more suited to modern mailing needs.

Express Mail Stamps began with bold eagle designs, symbolizing speed and reliability. The first stamp, the 1983 $9.35 Eagle and Moon, featured a powerful eagle with a moonlit background, showing the service’s focus on fast, dependable delivery and American pride. This design set the stage for other Express Mail stamps that often used the eagle as a symbol of strength.

Priority Mail Stamps started with space-themed designs. Later Priority Mail stamps often focused on landmarks and other symbols of national pride.

Over time, these stamps began to feature shared themes, blending patriotic symbols, landmarks, and natural wonders into designs that captured the spirit of America. Each stamp tells part of the story of these premium mailing services – start filling the holes in your collection today!