# 4862-65c - 2014 First-Class Forever Stamp - Imperforate Winter Flowers

U.S. # 4862-65c
2014 49¢ Winter Flowers Imperforate

Set of 4

Across much of the United States, the coming of winter merely signals the blooming of garden varieties that prefer cooler outdoor weather. But in many regions across the north and in higher elevations, winter means snow-covered flower beds and long, dark days inside. Blissfully, nature has given gardeners in those areas a host of stunning flowering plants that are adaptable to the indoors.

Amaryllis, cyclamen, and paperwhites are grown from bulbs, much like their cousin, the daffodil. Perennial amaryllis plants put forth flowers in a range of colors and patterns as well as single, double, miniature, trumpet, and extra-large blossoms. The blooms’ beauty lies in their appearance alone, as they have no fragrance.

Cyclamen are sensitive to over-watering and temperature. If their native Mediterranean climate is duplicated, cyclamen will bloom profusely for several months. Paperwhites are easy and versatile, flourish best when grown in water alone, and adapt to a variety of interesting containers. The Christmas cactus is native to South America and can live for decades, being handed down through generations.

Because winter flowers chase the chill and gloom away, they make ideal holiday gifts, fun family projects, and a special treat for nearly everyone.

Stamp artist William Low photographed potted plants at the peak of their blooming as the models for these stamps. He then created digital paintings of the flowers. 

Value: 49¢ 1-ounce first-class letter rate

Issued: February 14, 2014

City: Little Rock, AR at the American Philatelic Society AmeriStamp Expo 2014

Type of Stamp: Definitive

Printed By: Banknote Corporation of America for Sennett Security Products

Printing Method: Lithographed printed in sheets of 160 with 8 panes of 20

Perforations: Imperforate

Self-Adhesive

Scarce Modern Imperforates

The modern imperforate stamps are one of the hottest stories around.  In 2012, the U.S. 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, yet 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 and have continued issuing imperforates in the years since.

Because they were issued in such limited quantities, these scarce modern imperforates can be difficult to find.  Luckily Mystic purchased 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.