The Postal Service will release American Icons, a set of 13 commemorative stamps honoring the nation’s 250th anniversary, on June 9.
American designer Ralph Lauren curated the images used on the stamps, marking the first time USPS has asked an individual to do so for a stamp issuance.
The 13 stamps use photographs Lauren selected from his archives that reflect freedom, independence, equality, opportunity and the pursuit of happiness.
The stamp set features one stamp in the center surrounded by 12 additional stamps, with all designs including the “American Icons” collection name.
The center stamp shows a knit flag, designed by Lauren, with additional text that reads “1776” and “2026” written in blue and separated by a star.
The images on the 12 surrounding stamps include an American flag, a baseball glove, a pickup truck, a dog, the Empire State Building, a barn, a Diné (Navajo) blanket, a teddy bear, a lighthouse, a hamburger, a sailboat and horses.
Also being released is the American Icons-inspired 2026 U.S. Flag stamp. This stamp, too, features Lauren’s knit flag design but with the “1776” and “2026” text in red and without the “American Icons” title.
The dedication ceremony will take place at the James A. Farley Post Office Building in New York City.
The set of commemorative Forever stamps will be issued in panes of 13 and will be available starting June 9 at Post Offices and on usps.com.
The 2026 U.S. Flag stamp will be available in panes, booklets and coils at Post Offices and on usps.com.
Lauren’s brand, Ralph Lauren, also will debut a licensed limited fashion collection on June 9 to celebrate the stamps.
The collection will include an American flag sweater based on the 2026 U.S. Flag stamp as well as a polo shirt and a ball cap.
The items will be available at select Ralph Lauren stores and on the company’s website.
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