Every time a stamp collector receives mail, it is a special treat. But then, there are those extra special moments that make you smile.

Issuance of the Betty Ford stamp comes one month after the surprise March 6 unveiling of the stamp’s design at the White House.

Readers of all ages mailed in a total of 738 ballots in the 2023 stamp poll. A total of 555 online voters also participated via Linns.com.

About 38 dealers will offer stamps, covers and postal history from the United States and worldwide, and the show will feature 156 frames of competitive exhibits.

Among the topics discussed were the 2024 budget, membership, the new digital magazine StampEd, education, the philatelic estate of Alfred F. “Al” Kugel.

Also this week, a tip to look for a handsome 1909 set from China picturing the Temple of Heaven in Peking, and our mixture reviewer runs the numbers on a sample from a worldwide assortment.

Randy Neil, well known to American stamp collectors as an author, exhibitor, editor, researcher and expert on several aspects of United States philately, died peacefully in hospice on March 6 at the age of 82.

Several recent articles published nationally have done quite well in sharing the message of philately with everyone.

This system of single-digit numbers representing longer plate numbers is still in use, with some modifications, today.

The new nondenominated (68¢) Save Manatees stamp will debut on Manatee Appreciation Day.

Also this week, digging into the new online magazine for the next generation of stamp collectors, and a review of a worldwide mixture featuring some attractive stamps with high catalog values.

The Celebration Blooms and Wedding Blooms stamps are intended primarily as wedding invitation postage but are valid for any postal use.

The question can be about the past, present or future within the world of stamp collecting.

Having these numbers handy will allow you to easily locate these stamps in the Scott catalogs and learn about their production and values.

The majority of the entries in the cartoon contest were of a serious nature without the usual humor for which Linn’s readers are known.

Also this week, a look at some frustrations in the world of first-day covers, and a tip to look for a set of 1916 provisional stamps from a small Portuguese colony.

First Lady Jill Biden and senior officials of the United States Postal Service convened in the East Room of the White House on March 6 to unveil a new postage stamp honoring Betty Ford.

Greg Breeding, a seasoned designer and art director for the U.S. Postal Service, worked with wildlife photographer Ben King, whose vibrant pictures appear on the Garden Delights stamps.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s guest appearance was noticed by numerous national media outlets.

A surprise addition to the 2024 United States stamp program was announced March 4 by the White House.