Frog stamps have become a beloved part of American culture since the release of the first design in 1984. These iconic stamps have inspired collectors, conservationists, and even filmmakers with their whimsical and colorful designs. If you’re a fan of frog stamps or simply curious about this unique piece of postal history, check out these 10 fun facts about USPS frog stamps that you never knew.
Fact #1: First USPS frog stamp was released in 1984
The first time USPS used frogs in stamp production was in 1984. The beginning of an intriguing story was marked by the tiny frog featured on the 20-cent Louisiana World Exposition stamp, issued in May 1984, despite its minor significance as a stamped element.
Fact #2: Over 20 billion frog stamps sold
Frog stamps have proven incredibly popular with collectors and the general public. According to the USPS, over 20 billion frog stamps have been sold since the first design’s release, making frog stamps one of the most successful and enduring series in postal history.
Fact #3: Frog stamps featured on TV and in movies
Frog stamps have become a pop culture icon in their own right, appearing in numerous television shows, movies, and even music videos. The stamps were prominently featured in the popular film “You’ve Got Mail” and have been seen on shows like “The Simpsons,” “Seinfeld,” and “Friends.”
Fact #4: USPS frog stamp series includes other amphibians
While frogs are the most common subject of USPS amphibian stamps, the series also includes designs featuring other types of amphibians. In the “Salamanders” series, for example, there are stamps of the red-spotted newt, the hellbender, and the blue-spotted salamander.
Fact #5: Frog stamps have raised awareness for conservation efforts
One of the most significant aspects of frog stamps is their contribution to conservation efforts. The USPS has used the stamps to promote awareness of threatened and endangered species and to raise funds for conservation programs. In recent years, the stamps have been used to support the conservation efforts of groups like the National Wildlife Federation and the Rainforest Foundation.
Fact #6: Frog stamps appeared in museum exhibits
Over the years, frog stamps have been shown in many museum exhibits to show their importance as cultural artifacts. The Smithsonian National Postal Museum has a collection of over 100 frog stamps and even held an exhibition titled “Frog Follies: Postage Stamps and Conservation.”
Fact #7: Some rare frog stamp designs are worth thousands of dollars
Most frog stamps are common and cheap, but some rare and highly sought-after designs can be worth thousands of dollars. For example, the 1999 “New Species” stamp featuring the Golden Poison Dart Frog is highly collectible and can fetch up to $10,000 at auction.
Fact #8: Frog stamps have been used for charitable causes
Frog stamps have also been used for charitable causes. The USPS has worked with different groups to raise money and awareness for conservation efforts by selling frog stamps. In 2006, the USPS made a set of stamps with the critically endangered California tiger salamander. The Center for Biological Diversity got some of the money from the stamps.
Fact #9: Frog stamps have been a favorite of children for decades
Frog stamps have been a favorite of children for decades, with their colorful designs and playful themes. The USPS has even made lesson plans and activities for elementary school students that use frog stamps as a teaching tool.
Fact #10: Frog stamps have inspired other animal-themed stamps
The success and popularity of the USPS frog stamps have inspired the creation of other animal-themed stamps. For example, in 2005, the USPS released a series of stamps featuring North American mammals, including a gray wolf, a brown bat, and a pronghorn antelope. In 2010, they released a series of stamps featuring different species of songbirds.
Wrapping Up
Frog stamps are more than just a way to send mail; they are a unique and fascinating part of our postal history. From their origins in the 1990s to their continued popularity today, USPS frog stamps have captured the hearts of stamp collectors and nature enthusiasts alike.
So why not start your collection with some of these incredible frog stamps? They will surely delight and inspire with their intricate designs and bright colors. Take your chance now to own a piece of stamp-collecting history. Visit our site today to buy your own set of frog stamps.
