The US Postal Service (USPS) announced on April 9, 2021 that they were releasing a set of four new stamps in booklets of 20 that celebrate all things espresso. And they are absolutely gorgeous.
The style is extremely art deco and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. All four stamps were designed by USPS Art Director Greg Breeding, using digital artwork created by Terry Allen for the US Postal Service. Allen’s stated influence was the art deco style of 1920s-1930s advertising posters. The idea behind them was to capture the atmosphere of an early 20th century cafe.
Which has a touch of irony because three of the four drinks — the latte, the cappuccino and the mocha — didn’t exist as a cafe drink in the 1920s, and espresso back then was not the espresso we know of today laden with crema. But that’s truly a nitpick only coffee history nerds would appreciate (I admit, I wrote that just for this website’s senior editor!).
The USPS says the inspiration of these designs is the fact that espresso drinking in the USA is at an all time high, and with the growing popularity of 3rd wave coffee shops. They also noted that the fantastic research and growth in knowledge about roasting coffee and the brewing process, along with continued innovation in new consumer and commercial espresso machines to make the perfect cup, were both factors in choosing the subject for their latest collectible stamps.
The USPS also singled out the huge increase in the home barista phenomenon that has taken place during this pandemic, Noting that while the increase in artisanal cafes producing superior espresso has been on the rise for well over 15 years now in the US, this past year with the pandemic there has been a huge jump in people making authentic, quality espresso in the home.
The release of these stamps is meant to recognize and celebrate espresso’s increasing role in our daily lives.
These stamps can be purchased at most USPS outlets, but also online at the USPS Store in a booklet of 20 for $11. I know I’m buying a few sets!
Natia loves coffee and relishes at the chance to write about it. She's competed in regional barista competitions in the past, and while no longer a Barista as a profession, she says espresso runs through her veins.
