USPS 2014 stamp yearbook pre-orders begin

The United States Postal Service is accepting pre-orders beginning Sept. 1 for The 2014 Stamp Yearbook.

The book sells for $64.95 and is USPS item No. 991400.

The yearbook typically consists of illustrated descriptions of the stamps issued throughout the year, and the commemorative stamps with stamp mounts.

Included with the 2014 yearbook is a three-stamp Circus souvenir sheet, available in mint condition only with the purchase of the yearbook. The mint souvenir sheet will not be sold separately in post offices, though the Postal Service plans to offer first-day covers for the sheet.

The souvenir sheet will include three stamps: a $1 Clown stamp described as an alternate version of the Barnum and Bailey Clown Poster forever stamp (Scott 4898) issued May 5 as part of the Vintage Circus Posters stamp set, and two intaglio-printed 50¢ Circus Wagon stamps based on the 1990s Transportation coil stamp design (Scott 2452).

The souvenir sheet will have a die-cut selvage and decorative metallic ink border, according to the Postal Service.

The face value of the souvenir sheet is $2.

The sheet’s final design was still in development as of late August.

It is unknown how many other stamps will be included with the 2014 yearbook, or the face value of those stamps.

The Postal Service stated, “The response to the pre-orders may help us determine actual print quantity, but it will be limited.”