Flags of Our Nation: Set 4

In 2010, the U.S. Postal Service continues its Flags of Our Nation series with ten more stamp designs. These stamps will feature the Stars and Stripes plus the states of Montana through North Dakota.

These “se-tenant” stamps (a philatelic term describing an attached pair, strip, or block of stamps that differ in design, color, or denomination) are arranged alphabetically in strips of ten and sold in coils of fifty (five strips of ten designs in each coil). Individual stamps are twice the width of standard definitives.

Artist Tom Engeman, a resident of Bethany Beach, Delaware, created the highly detailed flag portraits on the stamps, reproducing as accurately as possible—considering the stamp-size format—such complex elements as intricate state seals and coats of arms. Over the years, the artist’s colorful and imaginative designs have appeared on many Postal Service products, including the National World War II Memorial stamp (2004) and the nation’s first Forever stamp (2007).

In addition to the flag art, each stamp design includes a “snapshot view” of the state or other area represented by a particular flag. This artwork, also by Tom Engeman, usually shows an ordinary scene or activity, or a typical plant or animal, but occasionally it depicts something less commonplace. It is not restricted to official animals, flowers, and products; nor is it meant to showcase familiar buildings, landmarks, and monuments. For the U.S. flag stamp designs, the artist created scenes inspired by the opening lines of “America the Beautiful,” written by Katharine Lee Bates (1859-1929).

The following statements describe each of the ten stamps that will be issued in 2010:

1. Stars and Stripes stamp

The 13 horizontal stripes represent the 13 original colonies; the 50 stars represent the 50 states. Snapshot art depicts the “purple mountain majesties” of “America the Beautiful,” by Katharine Lee Bates.

2. Montana flag stamp

The blue field of the Montana flag contains a reproduction of the state seal, which includes symbols of agricultural and mineral wealth, as well as mountains, the sun, and the Great Falls of the Missouri River. Snapshot art shows a mountain lion in the snow.

3. Nebraska flag stamp

At the center of the flag is the state seal, reproduced “in gold and silver, on a field of national blue.” Snapshot art depicts a center-pivot system irrigating a field.

4. Nevada flag stamp

The flag displays a half wreath of sagebrush cradling a single star; a banner with the words “Battle Born” refers to Nevada’s admission to the Union during the Civil War. Snapshot art features ocotillos against a mountainous background.

5. New Hampshire flag stamp

In this flag design, the state seal is centered on a field of blue, with a wreath of laurel leaves and nine stars surrounding it; the 18th-century frigate Raleigh can be seen at the center of the seal. Snapshot art features a loon swimming in a lake against a background of trees and mountains.

6. New Jersey flag stamp

The buff-colored flag features the state seal; three plows on the shield portion of the seal refer to the Garden State’s agricultural tradition. Snapshot art depicts a sand sculpture on a beach in New Jersey.

7. New Mexico flag stamp

The flag has an ancient sun symbol, in red, at the center of a yellow field. Snapshot art shows colorful hot-air balloons in flight with mountains in the background.

8. New York flag stamp

This blue flag includes the state seal, which features “Liberty” and “Justice” standing beside a shield showing mountains, a golden sun, blue sky, and two sailing vessels on a river. Snapshot art depicts fireboats spouting water against a backdrop of skyscrapers.

9. North Carolina flag stamp

At the center of the flag’s blue union is a white star set between the state’s initials; important dates in North Carolina history appear above and below the star and initials. Snapshot art shows a great blue heron, with the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in the background.

10. North Dakota flag stamp

The flag features an eagle clutching a bundle of arrows and an olive branch; the eagle’s beak holds a ribbon with the words “E Pluribus Unum.” Snapshot art shows elk grazing on a plain.