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Parcel Post Stamps

On August 24th, 1912, the U.S. Congress approved a law providing parcel post service and authorized the preparation and production of stamps to pay the parcel fees, effective January 1, 1913. Prior to 1912 private companies delivered parcels throughout the United States. This was a lucrative business, especially in rural areas. The Post Office Department realized parcel post service would be a great source of revenue, and the government intervened accordingly.

Alan Berkun

20-cent Airplane Carrying Mail Parcel Post stamp

The first stamp in history to depict an airplane was issued December 16th, 1912. Six years later, the Post Office Department issued stamps for airmail service.

25c Manufacturing Steel Plant Parcel Post stamp

Honoring the importance of industry in the western part of America, the 25-cent stamp was issued on November 27, 1912. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing produced 1,053,273 million of the 25-cent stamp.

50-cent Dairying Parcel Post stamp

The Post Office Department released the 50-cent Dairying parcel post stamp on April 13, 1913, and 2,117,793 stamps were issued.

75-cent Harvesting Parcel Post stamp

The Post Office Department released the 75-cent Harvesting parcel post stamp on December 16, 1913, and 2,772,615 stamps were issued. The stamps in the series underscored the importance of industry in America's western regions.

$1 Fruit Growing Parcel Post stamp

Issued on January 3, 1913, the 1-dollar stamp announces the importance of industry in the western part of the United States. There were 1,053,273 million 1-dollar stamps issued.

About U.S. Stamps