# 4800a - 2013 First-Class Forever Stamp - Imperforate EID

U.S. # 4800a
2013 46¢ Eid Greetings Imperforate

During the last month of the Islamic calendar, millions of Muslims travel to Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj, or pilgrimage. Every Muslim who is financially and physically able is required to make the journey to the desert city of Mecca at least once during their lifetime. 

The Hajj commemorates the trials and triumphs of the Prophet Abraham and his family. Muslims recall when Abraham was commanded by Allah, the Muslim name for God, to sacrifice his son, Ishmael. An angel stopped Abraham’s hand before he performed the sacrifice, and Allah provided a ram in Ishmael’s place.

The end of the Hajj is marked by Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of the Sacrifice. During the festival, Muslims commemorate Abraham’s obedience to God by sacrificing a lamb, goat, or camel. The meat is divided into thirds, with the family keeping part, giving some to relatives and friends, and donating the last portion to the poor so they can enjoy a meal as well.

Eid al-Adha is a joyous celebration where participants express their thankfulness for God’s mercy. Though crowds of people travel to Mecca each year for the Hajj and Eid, many more Muslims express their appreciation to Allah in their local mosques and homes.

Designed by Phil Jordan, the 2013 Eid stamp portrays calligraphy created by Mohamed Zakariya.  The writing means Eid Mubarak, which translates to “blessed festival.” 

Value: 46¢ 1-ounce first-class letter rate

Issued:  August 8, 2013

First Day City:  Milwaukee, WI at the American Philatelic Society Stamp Show

Type of Stamp: Commemorative
Printed by: Ashton Potter USA Ltd.
Method: Lithograph printing in sheets of 160 in 8 panes of 20
Perforation: Imperforate  

Self-Adhesive

The first U.S. stamp to honor the Muslim holidays of Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha was issued in 2001.  The 2013 issue was the eighth to commemorate the holiday and features a similar design to the 2011 stamp, except with a different color background. 

Scarce Modern Imperforates

The modern imperforate stamps are one of the hottest stories around.  In 2012, the U.S. Postal Service released some issues as press sheets.  The sheets with die cut perforations were issued in limited quantities. 

To the surprise of many collectors, officials then issued a small number of press sheets without perforations.  The uncut sheets were only available in Kansas City, Missouri, yet most sold out immediately.  In an instant, the imperforate stamp sheets became modern rarities.  For example, only 75,000 Baseball All-Star se-tenant sheets were issued compared to 118,000 Bugs Bunny sheets with the 10th stamp imperforate.

In a controversial move, the editors of Scott Catalogue announced they would not list or give numbers to these stamps because they did not fit Scott guidelines.  This decision was strongly debated since the imperforate stamps are valid for postage.   They eventually decided to give the stamps minor numbers and have continued issuing imperforates in the years since.

Because they were issued in such limited quantities, these scarce modern imperforates can be difficult to find.  Luckily Mystic purchased a small number of each imperforate stamp issued so you can add these modern rarities to your collection.  Be one of the lucky few – order today.