1985 BETHLEHEM THEME

J-85-5 On October 30, 1985 Two Christmas stamps were released by the USPS. The 22 cent Season's Greetings stamp features the Christmas Poinsettia. The religious stamp portrays the Luca della Robbia statue of Mary and Jesus, which is housed in the Detroit Institute of Arts. An elongated cent with the words "Season's Greetings" and the painting of a Bethlehem scene, complete the cover. Each cover has been signed and numbered in pencil on the reverse. 35 Produced

1971 WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

J-33 June 12,1971 Wildlife Quartet: First of a set of five covers. Four threatened species appear on these four wildlife conservation stamps - the alligator, California Condor, polar bear, and trout. The insert is a painted Buffalo wooden nickel (another endangered species). The painting is of a Pueblo jar depicting a bird; and the rest of the covers will also show Indian tribal designs, used by tribes that are located in the natural habitat of these endangered wildlife. A mint block of four stamps is mounted on the reverse. 30 produced

J-33a June 12,1971 Wildlife Conservation: Polar Bear. The American Indian Tribes located in the northern most areas of the West Coast are noted for their wood carved Totem poles. Originally corner posts for their houses; they later adopted only one large pole in front of the house. A painted wood Buffalo nickel is the numis. A matching mint stamp is mounted in the reverse. 30 produced

J-33b June 12,1971 Wildlife Conservation: California Condor. The American Indian tribes located in California are some of the finest basket weavers in America. Their work is extraordinary and often unbelievably delicate. Some baskets have small feathers worked into the design, having the effect of being inlaid with jewels. The painting is the conical burden basket woven by the Pomo tribe. A painted wood Buffalo nickel is the numis. A matching mint stamp is mounted in the reverse. 30 produced

J33-c June 12,1971 Wildlife Conservation: Trout. The Great Lakes tribes are noted for their exquisite bead work. The painting is a Sauk shoulder bag, showing naturalistic designs. Modeled on early bullet pouches, these were only worn on ceremonial occasions. A painted wood Buffalo nickel is the numis. A matching mint stamp is mounted in the reverse. 30 produced

J33-d June 12,1971 Wildlife Conservation: Alligator. Seminole patchwork is unique among the Indians of North America. The men wore a "Big Shirt" which reached their knees; short skirts were used since the 1930's. Women's traditional skirts are long and full, worn with loose over blouse and beads. The painting is a small section of an intricate Seminole design. A painted wood Buffalo nickel is the numis. A matching mint stamp is mounted in the reverse. 30 produced

25th ANNIVERSARY OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL

JS-11 May 14, 1973 commemorates the 25th anniversary of the State of Israel. The Independence Day stamp was cancelled on the 25th anniversary of the U.N. proclamation establishing the State of Israel. The painting is of the famed Knesset Menorah, which was commissioned by members of Britain's Parliament and by private citizens, as a tribute to Israel. It was presented officially in Jerusalem in April 1956. The menorah is 15 feet high and 12 feet wide. Its seven branches are decorated with 29 panels representing figures and events in the history of the Jewish people. The Knesset menorah has become one of the world's most renowned and beloved landmarks. The coin chosen for this cover is the 1973 BU 1/2 lire - with the symbol of Israel, the menorah. 65 Produced

1975 CHRISTMAS

J-133 October 14, 1975 Two Christmas stamps were issued and were the first U.S. stamps printed without an indication of value. They were to be sold for the First Class rate in effect, at the time of their release. The House Post Office Committee has hoped to limit the increased postal rate to 12cents, but the 13cent rate went into effect. The painting is of an antique weather vane portraying an angel in flight sounding a horn. The numis is an elongated cent commemorating Christmas 1975. A set of matching mint stamps is mounted in the reverse of the cover. 49 Produced, 1 produced with elongated dime

1973 CHRISTMAS

J-94 November 7, 1973 Christmas. The Christmas Tree stamp is the first U.S. stamp ever designed in needlepoint. The second stamp portrays Raphael's painting of the Madonna and Child. It was painted in Florence about 1505, when he was in his early 20's. The painting on this cover is of the three gold candles on a bed of Christmas greens. The numis is an elongated cent rolled for Christmas 1973. Two matching mint stamps are mounted in the reverse of the cover. A matching mini FDC was produced with the Christmas Tree stamps. The mini painting is of a single red candle in holder on Christmas holly. 75 Produced

1971 CHRISTMAS ISSUES -- STAINED GLASS

J-43 November 10, 1971 two designs were chosen for this Christmas issue: a Partridge in a Pear Tree and a detail depicting the Nativity scene from Giorgione's "Adoration of Shepherds". A stained glass window is represented in the painting. The numis is a Dottie Dow elongated cent. A matching pair of mint stamps is mounted in the reverse of the cover. 30 produced

J-43a November 10, 1971 Christmas issues featuring the "Partridge in a Pear tree" from a painting by Jamie Wyath. The representative stained glass window is based on the Christmas Poinsettia. An elongated commemorative cent is the numis. A matching mint stamp is mounted in the reverse of the cover. 30 Produced

J-43b November 10, 1971 Christmas issue featuring a detail from Giorgione's "Adoration of the Shepherds". The stained glass window design is based on the Jerusalem, (or Crusader's) Cross. An elongated cent is the numis. A matching mint stamp is mounted in the reverse of the cover.
30 Produced

1970 CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS

J-014 through J-018:  On November 5, 1970 five Christmas stamps were released. Originally there were to be only the block of four antique toys, but then it was decided to add a fifth - a reproduction of "The Nativity" by Lorenzo Lotto. These stamps were scheduled to be the first printed on the new $500,000 intaglio-gravure custom design press. But floods and labor strikes in Italy delayed arrival and installation. Consequently, a gravure press was leased, and the issue released on schedule.