BOSTON — The U.S. Postal Service dedicated the American Bison Forever stamp today at the 2026 Boston World Exposition as part of the event’s stamp collectors theme day.
The issuance honors the American bison (Bison bison), the nation’s official mammal, and marks the first day of issue for the new stamp. The ceremony took place at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, where the eight-day international philatelic exhibition runs through May 30.
The stamp design merges a contemporary photograph by Tom Murphy of a bull bison at Yellowstone National Park with an adaptation of the 1923 American Buffalo stamp. Art director Greg Breeding created the “stamp within a stamp” effect. The modern photo bleeds over the edges without a border to give the bison a sense of openness. Prairie grass blends seamlessly across the 16-stamp pane in a continuous pattern.
The inset reproduces elements of the 1923 stamp from the Fourth Bureau Issues, originally designed for the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Clair Aubrey Huston designed it, referencing Charles R. Knight’s drawing. Louis Schofield engraved the vignette; Edward M. Hall and Joachim C. Benzing engraved the ornate frame. Breeding adapted the artwork for today’s Forever rate.
Lisa Bobb-Semple, director of Stamps for the Postal Service, spoke at the dedication.
“For the Boston 2026 World Exposition we wanted to give a nod to the philately community by dedicating the American Bison stamp here,” Bobb-Semple said. “The design of a stamp within a stamp creates a fascinating, puzzle-like experience that blends history, artistry, and the thrill of the hunt. We thought the World Expo would be the perfect place to unveil this unique stamp. This is especially meaningful because of the role the bison has played as an American icon, as we prepare to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary. Our stamps have always done more than carry mail. They reflect who we are. They preserve moments in our shared history. And they connect people to stories larger than themselves.”
Dr. Maureen Murray, veterinarian and director of Tufts Wildlife Clinic at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, addressed the conservation message.
“In addition to reflecting the historical and cultural significance of the bison, the American bison stamp highlights the importance of collaborative conservation programs in protecting our native wildlife and ecosystems,” Murray said. “I appreciated the opportunity to speak at today’s ceremony, and I hope the issuance of this stamp will inspire people to learn more about the roles wildlife around them play in their local ecosystems.”
James Weigant, collections assistant at the Osage Nation Museum and a stamp collector specializing in Fourth Bureau Issues, also spoke.
“As a stamp collector who primarily specializes in the Fourth Bureau Issues, this American Bison stamp is a new take on a classic,” Weigant said. “As a member of the Osage Nation, it is my privilege to speak at this ceremony, to honor this animal we hold sacred, in fitting tribute.”
The bison’s story is deeply tied to American history. For millennia, Native Great Plains peoples relied on the animal for hides used in clothing and shelter and for bones and horns fashioned into tools. Westward expansion in the 1800s reduced herds from millions to a few hundred. Conservation efforts by Tribal Nations, federal and state governments, private individuals and organizations since the early 20th century have rebuilt populations at parks and refuges, most notably Yellowstone National Park, home to the largest wild herd today.
The pane of 16 self-adhesive Forever stamps is now available for purchase. Each stamp equals the current First-Class Mail one-ounce rate regardless of future increases. The full pane sells for $12.48.
News of the stamp is being shared with the hashtag #AmericanBisonStamp. Collectors can buy the stamps and a commemorative portfolio through the USPS website or at post offices.
The Boston 2026 World Expo is the 12th international philatelic exhibition in the United States and features multiple first-day ceremonies during its run. The American Bison stamp dedication aligns with the event’s focus on history, artistry and philately.
