The U.S. Postal Service will honor the nation’s 250th anniversary with the release of “American Icons,” a collection of 13 commemorative stamps curated by legendary American designer Ralph Lauren.
This marks the first time the Postal Service has invited an individual to curate a complete official USPS stamp issuance. The pane celebrates shared national values and the enduring spirit that has defined the American experience for two and a half centuries.
For nearly 60 years, Ralph Lauren has influenced American style with his creative vision rooted in the nation’s heritage, landscapes, cultures and artistry. A 2025 recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Lauren began his career selling neckties from a single drawer in the Empire State Building and built one of the world’s most iconic lifestyle brands. He has been dedicated to preserving America’s cultural traditions, most notably through his commitment to conserve the 1813 flag that inspired the national anthem — the Star-Spangled Banner.
The American Icons stamp collection features 13 photographs selected from Ralph Lauren’s archive and visuals that have inspired him. They reflect the unique fabric of the nation, representing freedom, independence, equality, opportunity and the pursuit of happiness.
The designs include:
- The American Flag, our standard for freedom, resilience, unity and bravery.
- The Baseball Glove used by Jackie Robinson, an enduring symbol of equality, teamwork and perseverance.
- The Pickup Truck, worn and weathered, evokes the honesty of hard work.
- The Faithful Dog, always steadfast in loyalty and trust.
- The Empire State Building stands tall as a landmark of possibility and ingenuity.
- The Barn, forever a metaphor for utility, purpose and community.
- The Diné (Navajo) Blanket, woven by Naiomi Glasses, celebrates the beauty of traditional artistry.
- The Teddy Bear represents compassion, kindness and comfort.
- The Lighthouse shines as a beacon of guidance, hope and optimism.
- The Hamburger, a centerpiece of the American family cookout and the celebrations that unite us.
- The Racing Sailboat captures the passionate energy of competition.
- The Horses, running wild, embody the spirit of independence and the freedom we all strive for.
The 12 stamps each include the “American Icons” title and “FOREVER” and “USA” in white text. In the center of the stamp pane, surrounded by blue denim and framed by the other 12 stamps, a 13th stamp shows a knit flag designed by Ralph Lauren with text that reads “1776 to 2026.” The selvage text reads “American Icons CURATED BY RALPH LAUREN” at the top and “Celebrating 250 Years of the United States of America” at the bottom.
The American Icons stamps will be issued in panes of 13. As Forever stamps, they will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.
The 2026 Mail Use Stamp, inspired by the collection, will feature a detailed photograph of a knitted interpretation of the U.S. flag from Ralph Lauren’s iconic Flag Sweater. It will be available in panes, booklets and coils.
The dedication ceremony will take place Tuesday, June 9, at 11 a.m. Eastern at the James A. Farley Post Office Building in New York. Elvin Mercado, the Postal Service’s chief retail and delivery officer, will serve as the dedicating official. Attendees are encouraged to register at usps.com/americaniconsstamps.
Sheila Holman, USPS vice president of marketing, said the Postal Service and the United States share a 250-year legacy rooted in binding the nation.
“The Postal Service and the United States share a 250-year legacy rooted in binding the nation,” Holman said. “We are honored to have legendary American designer Ralph Lauren curate the American Icons stamps. His remarkable visual archive beautifully captures the aspirational spirit and shared values that have united Americans since before our nation’s founding.”
A commemorative capsule collection inspired by the stamps will debut on June 9 at select Ralph Lauren retail stores and on RalphLauren.com. The capsule includes the 2026 U.S. Flag stamp reimagined as Lauren’s iconic American Flag Sweater, a classic Polo Shirt and a Ball Cap.
The stamps are available at most Post Offices, usps.com/shopstamps or by calling 844-737-7826. News about the stamps is being shared on social media using the hashtag #AmericanIconsStamps.
Southern Maryland residents can purchase the stamps at local post offices in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties. The American Flag stamp holds special meaning in a region where the Star-Spangled Banner was born during the War of 1812 at Fort McHenry.
