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Total Eclipse of The Sun Forever Stamps Sheet of 16 Postage Stamps Scott 5211

Product ID: B072WGZD8K Condition: New

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Total Eclipse of The Sun Forever Stamps Sheet of 16 Postage Stamps Scott 5211

The US Postal Service created the first heat-sensitive stamp to commemorate the awe-inspiring total solar eclipse. The center of the design appears black at first, but when warmed, reveals the moon with the sun’s rays extending behind it. It is a fitting tribute to this uncommon event.
A total solar eclipse is a phenomenon that occurs when the moon passes between Earth and the sun, completely blocking its light for several minutes. As the moon continues its orbit, different areas of the Earth experience totality (full coverage of the sun) at different times. Some may only see a partial eclipse while others may not see an eclipse at all.
The Total Eclipse of the Sun stamp was issued as a Forever stamp. This Forever stamp will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail one-ounce price.

The Total Eclipse of the Sun stamp is the first U.S. stamp to use thermochromic ink, which reacts to the heat of your touch. Placing your finger over the black disc on the stamp causes the ink to change from black to clear to reveal an underlying image of the moon. The image reverts back to the black disc once it cools. The back of the stamp pane shows a map of the eclipse path.You can preserve the integrity of your Total Eclipse of the Sun ForeverÂ® stamp pane with our protective sleeve specifically designed for stamp preservation. The stamp uses a photograph taken by astrophysicist Fred Espenak of a total solar eclipse that was seen over Jalu, Libya, on March 29, 2006. Mr. Espenak also took the photograph of the full moon that is revealed by pressing upon the stamp image.

The reverse side of the stamp pane shows the path across the United States of the forthcoming August 21, 2017, total solar eclipse and gives the times that it will appear in some locations.

Art director Antonio AlcalÃ¡ designed the stamp.

The Total Eclipse of the Sun stamp is being issued as a ForeverÂ® stamp. This ForeverÂ® stamp will always be equal in value to the current First-Class MailÂ® one-ounce price.

Made in the USA.