1981-95 Transportation Series, set of 59

1981-95 Transportation Series: Set of 59 Stamps

Here's what you get:

1897-1908  14 stamps

2123-2136  14 stamps

2225-2226, 2228   3 stamps

2252-2266   16 stamps

2451-2452  2 stamps

2452B

2452D

2453-2454  2 stamps

2457-2458  2 stamps

2463-2464  2 stamps

2466

2468

A ground-breaking stamp was quietly issued on May 18, 1981. For the first time in US history, a coil stamp featured its own unique design rather than simply copying that of the current definitive stamp. Fifty more coil stamps would be issued over the course of the next 15 years, each picturing a different mode of transportation. 

The various denominations provided face values to exactly match the rates for several categories of Third Class mail (bulk rate and quantity-discounted mail). As the rates changed, new stamps with new values were added. Never before had a stamp series included so many fractional cent values.

Most of the stamps in the Transportation Series were printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, although a few were printed by private contractors. All but a few of the later stamps were produced by engraved intaglio. Differences in precancels, tagging, paper and gum provide a large number of varieties.

By the time the last stamp was issued in 1995, the Transportation Series had become the largest US coil stamp series in history.