2013 33c Apples coil stamps

U.S. # 4731-34
2013 33¢ Apples
Set of 4 Coils
Value: 33¢ domestic postcard rate
Issued:  January 17, 2013
First Day City:  Yakima, WA
Type of Stamp: Definitive
Printed by: Banknote Corporation of America for Sennett Security Products
Method: Offset printing in coils of 100
Perforation: Serpentine Die Cut 11
Self-Adhesive
Quantity Printed: 600,000,000 stamps

Apples have been pictured on U.S. stamps since 1966, when one was issued to honor Johnny Appleseed (U.S. #1317).  Apples were also pictured on a pair of 2001 definitives (U.S. #3491 and #3193), the 2002 Greetings from Washington stamps (U.S. #3607 and #3742) and the 2012 Heart Health stamp (U.S. #4625).

European settlers brought the apple tree to North America, where William Blaxton cultivated the first variety of American apple, the Yellow Sweeting.
 
Mankind has played a role in developing more than 7,500 different apple varieties, something nature would not have done on its own.  Apple trees are difficult to start from seed, most are not self-pollinators, and those that survive usually produce fruit that is not edible.  Instead, growers rely on propagation, during which a branch or bud from a desired variety is grafted onto rootstock.  The tree that grows produces fruit similar to the grafted variety.
 
Propagation allows for two promising scenarios.  Modern varieties are developed through genetic mutation before grafting.  And the chance discovery of heirloom trees in old orchards means our ancestors’ favorites can be resurrected through grafting.  But whether we bite into the same variety people of the Stone Age enjoyed or thrill to a newly created sensation, we’ll be savoring a tasty and healthy treat.

Artist John Burgoyne created the apple artwork for these stamps using watercolor with pen and ink before adding finishing touches with computer software.