2025 First-Class Forever Stamp,Imperforate The Appalachian Trail

US #5960p
2025 The Appalachian Trail
Imperforate

• Stamps commemorate 100th anniversary of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy
• Feature 15 photos – one from each state the trail passes through plus the “Green Tunnel”

Stamp Category:  Commemorative
Value:  73¢; first-class mail rate
First Day of Issue:  February 28, 2025
First Day City:  Dawsonville, GA
Quantity Issued:  34,500,000, (Includes die-cut AND imperforate stamps.  The exact quantity of imperforate stamps is unknown, but it is only a tiny fraction of the total print quantity, making the imperforates much scarcer than traditional die-cut stamps.)
Printed by:  Ashton Potter
Printing Method:  Offset
Format:  Panes of 15

Why the stamps were issued: The set of 15 stamps was issued to bring a bit of natural beauty to our mail as well as mark the 100th anniversary of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

About the stamp designs:  USPS art director Antionio Alcalá created the Appalachian Trail stamps with existing photographs.  Fourteen of the stamps identify the states in which the photos were taken, while one simply reads “USA,” representing a portion of thick forest known as the “green tunnel.”  The images on the stamps, in the order they appear on the sheet are:

• The Green Tunnel
• Maine – Mount Katahdin• Tennessee – Laurel Falls
• New Hampshire – Presidential Range of the White Mountains
• Georgia – A waterfall
• Vermont – Green Mountains
• Pennsylvania – Rausch Creek
• Maryland – Hagerstown Valley from Annapolis Rock
• West Virginia – View from Jefferson Rock in Harpers Ferry
• North Carolina – Rhododendrons on the Roan Mountains
• New York – Catskill Mountains waterfall
• Massachusetts – Berkshire Mountains
• Virginia – McAfee Knob
• New Jersey – Boardwalk through wetlands
• Connecticut – Footbridge over the Ten Mile River

Special design details: “Forever” and “Appalachian Trail” climb in a curved shape up the left side of each stamp, resembling the winding 2,197-mile path. 

First Day City:  The First Day ceremony for the Appalachian Trail stamps was held at Amicalola Falls State Park in Dawsonville, Georgia.  This location is close to where the southern portion of the trail ends.

History the stamps represent: The Appalachian Trail is the world’s longest hiking-only trail.  The idea for the trail was introduced in 1921 and it was completed in 1937.  Improvements were made over the years, and in 1968, the trail became one of the first National Scenic Trails (along with the Pacific Crest Trail). Today, over three million people hike portions of the Appalachian Trail every year.

The idea for the Appalachian Trail came from Benton MacKaye, a forester who was inspired by Vermont’s iconic Long Trail.  It took several years to bring MacKaye’s plan to fruition, with the trail finally being completed in August 1937, although it looked a little different than it does today.  Several areas were later connected to the trail. 

Since its inception, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy has been the main organization taking care of the trail.  However, numerous volunteer hiking clubs and other groups have also helped.  Today, the Appalachian Trail is maintained by at least 31 such organizations throughout the 14 states the trail passes through.  The work of these volunteers ensures hikers stay safe on the entire 2,197-mile journey from Georgia to Maine.

Many people have completed the Appalachian Trail.  The task requires a high level of physical fitness and careful planning as many areas of the trail are difficult even for the most seasoned hiker.  However, that doesn’t mean only serious hikers can enjoy the Appalachian Trail.  Throughout the span of the trail, there are plenty of day hikes and side paths that allow novice hikers to get a taste of the rugged beauty of the Appalachian Mountains and the eastern United States.

Scarce Modern Imperforates
In 2012, modern imperforate stamps were one of the hottest stories around.  The US Postal Service released some issues as press sheets.  The sheets with die cut perforations were issued in limited quantities. 
To the surprise of many collectors, officials then issued a small number of press sheets without perforations.  The uncut sheets were only available in Kansas City, Missouri, and most sold out immediately.  In an instant, the imperforate stamp sheets became modern rarities.  For example, only 75,000 Baseball All-Star se-tenant sheets were issued compared to 118,000 Bugs Bunny sheets with the 10th stamp imperforate.
In a controversial move, the editors of Scott Catalogue announced they would not list or give numbers to these stamps because they did not fit Scott guidelines.  This decision was strongly debated since the imperforate stamps are valid for postage.  They eventually decided to give the stamps minor numbers.
Because they are issued in such limited quantities, these scarce modern imperforates can be difficult to find.  Luckily Mystic purchases a small number of each imperforate stamp issued so you can add these modern rarities to your collection.  Be one of the lucky few - order today.