USPS to Release a New Commemorative Stamp for Colorado’s 150th Anniversary

Announcement: USPS will issue the Colorado 150th commemorative stamp on January 24

The United States Postal Service announced it will issue a new commemorative Forever stamp on January 24 to mark Colorado’s 150th anniversary as a state. The release is an official recognition from the federal agency and will be timed to the yearlong slate of events celebrating Colorado’s history and culture. The stamp is intended for regular mail use but also serves as a keepsake for people who want a small, portable reminder of the state’s milestone.

Design and visual meaning behind the stamp

The new stamp blends a clean, modern look with classic imagery tied to Colorado’s identity. At its center is a stylized landscape: snow-capped mountains that speak to the Rockies, layered with a sweeping valley and a curved horizon to suggest wide open space. Warm colors—earthy reds and gold tones—offset cool blues, giving the piece a balanced, approachable feel.

Subtle elements include a silhouette of a lone pine and a winding river that hint at outdoor recreation and natural resources. The typography is straightforward and sans serif, which keeps the stamp from feeling nostalgic in a purely vintage sense; instead, it nods to both the state’s past and its present growth. The visual choices aim to reflect not only Colorado’s scenery but also the idea of a state that mixes outdoor life, working communities, and a growing urban scene.

How the stamp will be sold and other practical details

The stamp will be issued as a Forever stamp, meaning it covers the first-class letter rate regardless of future postage increases. The Postal Service plans to make the stamp available at post offices nationwide and through its retail outlets on the issue date. Customers who prefer online shopping should be able to buy sheets and souvenir products from the Postal Service’s catalog and website, although availability may vary on the first day.

Price for a Forever stamp matches the current first-class letter price at the time of sale. The USPS typically offers the commemorative stamp in single stamps, panes, and sometimes souvenir sheets. Expect first-day cancellations and special pictorial postmarks at selected post offices tied to the Colorado release. These special cancellations are commonly used by collectors and enthusiasts who want an official dated mark on their stamps.

Why this matters: Colorado’s 150th anniversary in context

Colorado became a state in the late 19th century, and the 150th anniversary is a chance for people and institutions to look back at how the state has changed. The sesquicentennial highlights Colorado’s transformation from frontier territory into a state known for energy, tourism, outdoor sports, and growing cities. The stamp is one small, symbolic part of a larger year of events: museums, civic programs, and community celebrations will add local color to the anniversary.

For many residents, the anniversary is a reminder of both pride in natural beauty and the challenges the state has faced—economic shifts, environmental debates, and rapid population growth. The Postal Service’s choice to mark the date underlines the anniversary’s public significance.

Notes for collectors and first-day events

Collectors should expect the Postal Service to announce specific first-day-of-issue events around January 24, including ceremonies at select post offices. The USPS sometimes issues limited souvenir sheets or keepsake folders tied to those events. Print runs for commemorative stamps vary and are not always disclosed in advance; official statements or subsequent Postal Service reports typically give more precise numbers.

Common conservation practices for stamp collectors include storing stamps in acid-free mounts, avoiding direct sunlight, and keeping them in a dry, cool place to prevent curling or fading. If you plan to keep a mint-condition example, look for first-day covers and uncut panes offered by the Postal Service on release day.

Where to find more information and who to contact

For updates and details about on-sale hours, first-day ceremonies, and available products, check announcements from the U.S. Postal Service or contact your local post office. The Postal Service’s customer service and press office can confirm event locations and the exact retail formats that will be offered at launch. Watch for local Colorado institutions to host related celebrations where the stamp may be featured or sold as part of regional commemorative events.