US #5514-18
2020 Innovation

• Celebrates American Innovation, specifically in the areas of computing, biomedicine, genome sequencing, robotics, and solar technology

Stamp Category:  Commemorative
Value:  55¢ First Class Mail (Forever)
First Day of Issue:  August 20, 2020
First Day City:  Bellefonte, Pennsylvania
Quantity Issued:  14,000,000
Printed by:  Banknote Corporation of America
Printing Method:  Offset, Hot Foil Stamping
Format:  Panes of 20
Tagging:  Phosphor Tagged Paper, Block Tagged

Why the stamps were issued:  To honor the importance of innovation in American history – past and present.

About the stamp designs:  Each design pictures block lettering of the word “Innovation” overlayed on existing photographs relating to the theme of each stamp (computing, biomedicine, genome sequencing, robotics, or solar technology).  Stamps were designed by USPS art director Antonio Alcalá.

Special design details:  Hot foil stamping was added to the word “Innovation” on each stamp.  This gives the letters a holographic shimmer and makes them stand out.

First Day City:  The First Day of Issue postmark was from Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, but no First Day of Issue Ceremony was held due to the ongoing Covid-19 global pandemic.  Instead, the stamps were released during the American Philatelic Society’s Virtual Stamp Show.

History the stamp represents:  Innovation is the driving force of history.  For example, the United States was founded in 1776, and it is amazing to think how far our nation has come in such a short time.  When our country first began, we were still lighting our homes with candles and traveling by horse.  But, not long after we gained our independence, we discovered electricity, and everything took off from there.  It is amazing to think we entered the digital age just over 200 years after our country began.

In 2020, the USPS issued five postage stamps to celebrate the many advancements made thanks to innovation.  They honored Computing, Biomedicine, Genome Sequencing, Robotics, and Solar Technology.  Each of these areas has changed America, and the world, in profound ways:

• We are able to share ideas and information instantly from anywhere.
• Our life expectancies have nearly doubled between the 1800s and 2020.
• We can diagnose and treat genetic conditions based solely on a persons’s DNA makeup.
• We rely on robots to do dangerous tasks like diffusing bombs or handling radioactive materials
• We have access to an unlimited, clean source of energy with the potential to help reverse global warming and climate change.

These are just a few of the many benefits we have been able to reap in the modern world thanks to innovation.  And the best part is, there will only be more amazing discoveries as time goes on.