2019-01-14 Mon

The USPS would be releasing a new non-denominated (70¢) California Dogface Butterfly Stamp for the domestic first-class non-machineable surcharge letter rate on 27th January. This would be the seventh stamp in its series which was supposed to be launched last year.

A non-machineable letter rate is a premium postage rate for mail weighing 1 ounce or less, but not following the USPS standard size and shape requirements, like the square greeting card envelope. Irregularly shaped envelopes may cause postal equipment to malfunction which may cost time and money. The non-machineable first-class rate was introduced in May 2009. The rates will be changed on 27th January from 50¢ standard letter rate and the 21¢ non-machineable surcharge to 55¢ standard letter rate and 15¢ surcharge.

The first Butterfly stamp was released on 17th May 2010. The 64¢ stamp featured the monarch butterfly. Artwork by Tom Engeman and have been designed by USPS art director Derry Noyes, and have been issued in panes of 20. The California dogface butterfly is only found in California which is why it was declared as the state’s official state insect in 1972. The vibrant colours and patterns of the male look like a poodle face. The female butterflies are soft yellow in colour and only have a small dark spot on its wings.

Two pictorial postmarks, one in black with three butterfly silhouettes, and another in colour with two males will be offered. The pictorial cancels will most probably be applied to first-day covers.

Image Courtesy: USPS