2013 First-Class Forever Stamp,Vintage Seed Packets: Pinks

U.S. # 4760
2013 46¢ Pinks
Vintage Seed Packets

Pinks are members of the Dianthus family, which is a group of over 300 species of flowers that includes carnations, baby’s breath, and Sweet William. The name “pinks” comes from the serrated edges of the blossoms, which look like they were cut with pinking shears. The word “pink” itself is also said to have come from the hue of these perennial favorites. Their compact size and delicate blooms make pinks good choices for pots and containers as well as mass plantings along the edges of flower beds. Dividing older plantings every few years and replacing them with newer specimens keeps gardens at the peak of their beauty.

Vintage seed packets have grown in popularity over the years.  Some people collect them – searching for packets in mint condition, from specific companies or with certain types of illustrations.  Their fine artwork is also popular among decorators who frame them for a rustic look.  They’re even used by scientists and historians to study these plants’ evolution. 

U.S. Postal Service art director Antonio Alcala designed the Vintage Seed Packet stamps.  He based these designs on photographs from 1910s and 1920s seed packets.  The image for the pinks stamp was based on a seed packed produced for the William D. Burt Seed Co. of New York.

Value: 46¢ First-Class letter rate
Issued:  April 5, 2013
First Day City:  Oaks, PA – Philadelphia Stamp Exhibition
Type of Stamp: Definitive
Printed by: Avery Dennison
Method: Photogravure printing in double-sided panes of 20 (convertible booklet format)
Perforation: Die Cut 10 ¾
Self-Adhesive
Quantity Printed: 40,000,000 stamps

Though not an established series, flowers have long been a popular subject for U.S. stamps.  One of the earliest issues to feature a flower as a prominent design subject was U.S. #977, honoring Moina Michael, the founder of Poppy Day.