Are you looking for a unique gift for a nature enthusiast or a stamp or art collector? Each year the Federal Duck Stamp Office develops two or more products such as Artist Commemorative Cards and First Day of Sale covers in limited quantities. These specialty products enable serious collectors an opportunity to expand their collections. Funds from the sale of these items also support habitat conservation and promote the artists who donate their art for conservation.
The annual Federal and Junior Duck Stamps and Duck Stamp Commemorative Products go on sale at the end of June. A “First Day of Issue” event is often held to celebrate the artists, purchasers, and conservation partners.
Who Needs It
Commemorative products broaden the selection for collectors and others who want to showcase Duck Stamps in different ways. Often these products are sold to commemorate a special event, such as First Day of Sale, or to highlight a specific theme or issue. As many collectors look for mementos of these events, these products have both a Federal Duck Stamp and a special postal cancel.
Two primary products are covers or envelopes that have different themes and artwork along with the current stamp. For example, the theme “Habitat Benefits All Species” highlights the habitat conservation importance of the stamp and is illustrated with the annual nongame migratory bird companion species also found on the back of the stamp. The second product developed each year is the Artist Commemorative Card which carries the new stamp as well as the stamp that was released three years previously and is being removed from sale. Special line artwork accompanies each stamp.
To increase their value and collectability, only a small number of these special products are produced each year. Funds from the sale of these products are donated with the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission for the conservation of wetland habitats.
Process
- Purchase your stamp product from the US Postal Store or Amplex
- Personalize your covers or commemoratives by hiring the artist to adorn it with a remarque or to sign it
- Share with your friends and family that you support wildlife habitat conservation and the wonderful artwork that makes the stamp unique
- Visit a National Wildlife Refuge in your area and see your Duck Stamp Dollars at work
Get Started
Contact
Suzanne Fellows, Duck Stamp Program Manager
Migratory Bird Program
- Additional Roles: Duck Stamp Sales, E-stamp Information for State Wildlife Agencies, Junior Duck Stamp Program, Duck Stamp and Junior Duck Stamp Events, Art Contest
- Expertise: Duck Stamps, Junior Duck Stamps