United States 2024 cryptos dropped a few gems for collectors. USPS loves to dig into their postal past and show off a few of their beloved classics like the long running LOVE series. This year, 4 previous LOVE stamps were recreated for the 18th crypto stamp release on February 14. 

The rest of the stamps (so far) are NFT versions of the regular 2024 program, including the Lunar New Year stamps and Blue Grass. FYI: if you collect US stamps, there are now 4 to grab – Rat, Ox, Tiger, and now Dragon.  If you want to see more details about the stamps, pop over to the US 2024 page. I usually add lots of details. Although I am a bit embarrassed at the moment. I just realised I forgot to add all the new dates. I swore I did it, but … oh well. I’ll scoot off and do that asap. 

USPS works with VEVE to produce their crypto program.

All stamps use: 
Block chain

United States Crypto #17 

Lunar New Year ∙ Year of the Dragon

This stamp was released as a regular USPS stamp January 25, 2024. 

Artist: Camille Chew 
This is Chew’s 5th Lunar stamp for USPS.  Her designs use a traditional paper-cut art style, that takes on a 3d effect. Once again Chew has designed the central figure in the form of a decorated dance, similar to ones used in Lunar NY parades.  

Designer: Antonio Alcalá

Release date: February 10, 2024

This is the 4th Lunar New Year NFT issued by USPS and VEVE. Other stamps in this cycle are Rat, Ox and Tiger. 

Copies: 6,888
Rare

Copies: 688 
Secret rares

United States Crypto #18 

LOVE

Release date: February 14, 2024
Copies: 4,696 in total

The LOVE series is one of USPS’ popular series. The first stamp was issued in 1973. Since then, 51 stamps have been issued. 

Cherub from Sistine Madonna, by Raphael
Designer: Terry McCaffrey
Originally issued February 1, 1995
The stamp was first issued at the Robert Clary Building in Valentines, Virginia.

  
Copies: 1,424
Rare

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Multicolored Hearts
Originally issued Jan. 31, 1984.
Designer: Bradbury Thompson
Graphic designer Bradbury was a typography designer, a skill that is reflected in this stamp. He was inducted into the Art Directors Club Hall of Fame in 1977 and received the Type Director’s Club Medal in 1986. He published a book The Art of Graphic Design in 1988.
He worked with the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee from 1969 to 1978, overseeing the development of 120 stamps during his tenure. 

Copies: 1,424
Rare

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Puppy Love
Originally issued January 30, 1986
Designer: Saul Mandel
Mandel’s Puppy stamp was originally labeled as “too cute” for any adult to consider using. On February 2, 1986, the New York Times printed an article titled “Stamps; Is it too cute?” which complained “If early reaction is indicative, the United States Postal Service appears to have missed the mark with its new Love stamp.”  Despite this criticism, the stamp proved to be popular with the public. 

A stamp release ceremony was hosted by Jim Henson and Muppet character Rowlf The Dog in New York City. 

Copies: 1,124
Ultra Rare

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Brushstrokes 
Originally issued April 17, 1985
Designer: Corita Kent 

A Roman Catholic nun from 1936 to 1968, Corita Kent gained recognition as an activist and an artist whose bright colors and slogans from the mass media convey strong social and religious messages. In her art and in her capacity as a beloved art department chair of Immaculate Heart College, she was in step with the widespread questioning of authority that epitomized American during the 1960s. Her most famous and controversial outdoor work, created during the Vietnam War, is her monumental rainbow painting on a huge gas storage tank on the Boston harbor front. Today the Corita Art Center of the Immaculate Heart Community in California keeps the artist’s love of life and humanity alive. Her artwork appeared on the fourth Love stamp issued by the U.S. Postal Service. Artist Biographies | National Postal Museum (si.edu)

The original artwork for this stamp was Ink and watercolor collage on board. 

Copies: 724 
Secret Rare

United States Crypto #19 

Bluegrass

Artist: Heather Moulder
LordyMercy, She’s Got Talent! (artscenterofcc.com)
Tennessee based artist Heather Moulder was a natural choice to design this stamp. She has a special passion for fonts and signage. 

The biggest little project to come out of my Readyville print shop: this letterpress printed 2024 Bluegrass stamp artwork for the United States Postal Service. If I could go back in time to show this to my Papa and little kid me as we sat in his truck and wore out Flatt & Scruggs’ Live at Vanderbilt cassette, they would be thrilled– and I am! Heather Moulder (@lordymercy) • Instagram photos and videos

Designer: Antonio Alcalá

This stamp was released as a regular USPS stamp March 15, 2024

Bluegrass music genre has with deep roots in the Appalachian region of the United States. 

Copies: 3,580
Release date: April 20, 2024

Copies: 2,940
Ultra Rare

Pane of 20

Copies: 640
Secret Rare