Love Ribbons released early

Collectors who thought it odd that the new Love Ribbons stamp was being issued on Valentine's Day shared their opinions with the United States Postal Service ... and the Postal Service got the message. On Feb. 2 the stamp was intentionally released early nationwide. Past Love stamps have been issued in other months, but mailers really wanted this one available to send out this year's Valentine's Day cards.

Other features this month include a visit to the recent APS winter stamp show, the first-day ceremony for the 65¢ Dogs at Work stamps, a tribute to Queen Elizabeth's diamond jubilee, and stamps that honor St. Patrick.

Don't forget to cast your vote in Linn's 2011 U.S. Stamp Popularity Poll at www.linns.com. Voting ends soon!

Linn's Stamp News provides stamp images you can use as computer desktop wallpaper. This month Linn's features the imprinted stamp from the 28¢ Black, Red and White Koi postal card issued by the United States in 2009 (Scott UX556). (View)