About This Stamp
The Postal Service issued the non-denominated definitive Uncle Sam's Hat "H" stamp (33-cent) on November 9, 1998, in Washington, D.C. These stamps, along with the "H" rate Weather Vane stamp, supported the new postage rate that became effective January 10, 1999.
The "H" stamp, designed by Terry McCaffrey, was issued in various formats (panes, coils, and booklets; self-adhesive and water-activated adhesives) produced by two private printing firms and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, all in the gravure process. Collectors have identified seven major varieties of the stamp.
Stamp Artist
Tom Engeman
Nationally acclaimed artist Tom Engeman, a resident of Kensington, Maryland, is well known for his poster and stamp designs. The winner of numerous design awards, he lists among his career accomplishments being the first art director for Washingtonian magazine, designing Historic Preservation magazine, and creating posters for the Metro, Washington’s new subway system, which were stolen as soon as they went up.
Among his many designs for the U.S. Postal Service are the Liberty Bell Forever® stamp, 60 stamps for the Flags of Our Nation series that began in 2008, and eight butterfly-themed stamps, the first issued in 2010, intended for use on large greeting card envelopes and other mail of nonstandard shapes and sizes. Engeman's most recent butterfly stamp design is Colorado Hairstreak (2021).