2001.02.27        USA 34c Official Mail Coil Definitive

 
On Feb. 27, the new 34c Official Mail stamp joined in the newly issue batch for the use by federal agencies. The stamp appears in water-activated adhesive coil in roll of 100. The basic design of the new stamp is the same as most modern U.S. Official Mail postal items issued since 1983: the eagle and shield of the Great Seal of the United States. There is a line of  microprinting just below the Great Seal consisting of "USA2001" repeated 10 times. All Official Mail stamps issued since 1993 have included similar microprinting.

While stamp collectors may buy Official Mail items to add  to their collections, individuals are prohibited by law from using them to pay postage fees. Official Mail postage may be used only by authorized federal agencies during the course of government business.

A No. 10-size 34c Official Mail stamped envelope bearing the same image of the Official Mail stamp has also been released the same day.
 


Technical Details


Issue 34c Official Mail coil stamp
Issue Date and Place Feb. 27, 2001, Washington, D.C
Designer and Typographer Bradbury Thompson
Art Director Joe Brockert
Modeler John Murray
Process  offset lithography
Printer and Processor BEP, Washington, D.C.
Press Optiforma
Format perforated coil of 100
Cylinder Size 432 stamps per revolution
Paper prephosphored type I
Colors blue, red, black
Adhesive water-activated
Quantity 5 million stamps
Size 0.82 inches by 0.71 inches (image area), 
0.99 inches by 0.84 inches (overall)

 
Issue 34c Official Mail No. 10 stamped envelope
Issue Date and Place Feb. 27, 2001, Washington, D.C
Designer and Typographer Bradbury Thompson
Art Director Joe Brockert
Process two-color flexography with embossing
Printer and Processor Westvaco, Williamsburg, Pa
Press VH-1
Format No. 10 regular stamped envelope
Paper 100 percent recycled (30 percent post-consumer)
Colors blue, with red denomination
Tagging phosphor applied
Flap Adhesive water-activated
Quantity 2 million 
Size 1.125 inches by 1.375 inches (image area), 
9.5 inches by 4.125 inches (overall)

      

Original information from USPS News and Linn's Stamp News