Originally released by the Postal Service in 2017, Uncle Sam’s Hat, an additional-ounce stamp, will be available in 2019 for the first time in a horizontal coil stamp format. The value of the new stamps will be 15¢ for every additional ounce in a first-class mailing of two or three ounces, which would require one or two of these “ADDITIONAL OUNCE” stamps, respectively. Incidentally, this is a reduction of 6¢ from last year’s rate per additional ounce of 21¢. 

According to the USPS, “The stamp features eight graphic top hats in Uncle Sam’s signature style, with red and white vertical stripes above a blue band with a white star and a gray brim. Beneath each hat is an oval shape representing a face, each in a different shade, meant to suggest the ethnic and racial diversity of the United States.” The stamps were designed by USPS art director Antonio Alcalá. 

Customers have until May 27, 2019, to obtain Uncle Sam Hat Coil stamp first-day-of-issue postmarks by mail. They may purchase and affix the new stamps in whatever configuration is required to meet the new one-ounce first-class letter rate of 55 cents to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others) and place them in a larger envelope with the required postage addressed to: 

FDOI-Uncle Sam Hat Coil Stamp
Stamp Fulfillment Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Suite 300
Kansas City, MO 64144-9900 

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the FDCs through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark on up to 50 covers, after which there is a 5-cent charge for each additional postmark. 

Customers may purchase other stamps and philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shop, by calling 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724), by mail through USA Philatelic catalog or at post offices nationwide.