2 Mar 2014 - USA 美國

 Spring Vintage Seed Packets Commemorative Forever Stamps.(April 05, 2013 )

The U.S. Postal Service celebrated the arrival of spring by dedicating new Vintage Seed Packets Commemorative Forever stamps. These beautiful First-Class stamps, based on photographs of seed packets from a century ago, were dedicated at the Philadelphia National Stamp Exhibition.
Created using chromolithography a process that replaced hand-tinted lithographs and allowed for inexpensive multi-color prints the illustrations originally graced the fronts of flower seed packets printed between 1910 and 1920.
Each of the 10 stamps depicts blossoms of one variety of flower a trio of cosmos in delicate white, pink, and red; stalks of yellow, pink and coral digitalis; bright yellow primrose flowers with orange centers; a vibrant orange Calendula; white, pink and blue aster blooms; two shades of pinks (Dianthus), one pale, one dark; Linum blossoms in a rich red; white drifts of Alyssum; clusters of Phlox in red, pink and purple; and pale pink, subtle yellow, and muted orange-red Zinnia flowers
-------------------------
Great Spangled Fritillary 70-cent Stamps (Issue Date: February 10, 2014)

The great spangled fritillary (Speyeria cybele) is named for the silvery spots found on the undersides of its wings. A large butterfly with a wingspan of 2.25 to 4 inches, it is found in all northern states and ranges as far south as northern Georgia in the east and central California in the west. Even though this striking butterfly is a common sight in much of the country, it can be puzzling to identify. Not only are females slightly darker than males, but individuals in eastern populations are more orange in color, while those in western populations are more brown.

All great spangled fritillaries have one thing in common: a very close relationship with violets. Females lay their eggs on or near clumps of violets in August or September. When the eggs hatch, the larvae crawl to nearby violet plants, but instead of having a snack, they hide among fallen leaves and begin to hibernate. When spring arrives, the caterpillars come out of hibernation and feed on fresh violet leaves before forming a chrysalis and transforming into adult butterflies.


Nationally known artist Tom Engeman worked with art director Derry Noyes on this design.