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Looking ahead to 20-13.

The Stamp Collecting Report, I'm Lloyd de Vries.

Later this summer, the Postal Service is going to give us a preview of next year's stamps.

But some of us can't wait, and like to speculate NOW on what the subjects will be.

And, in fact, we already know a fair number of them.

We're in the midst of the Lunar New Year series, so a Year of the Snake stamp is a sure
thing. In fact, the artist for the series told me he's already submitted 12 paintings
for all 12 years in the cycle.

There will be two stamps for the third year of the Civil War's 150th anniversary. We don't
know the specific subjects, but I'd bet Gettysburg is one of them.

And we expect another stamp for the centennial of the War of 1812, plus a stamp for West
Virginia's statehood anniversary. It split off from Virginia during the Civil War.

A 36th stamp in the Black Heritage series is a pretty good bet. Next year is the centennial
of civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks' birth – and there have been many calls for a stamp in
her honor.

The Postal Service this year skipped a Legends of Hollywood stamp, instead honoring four
Great Film Directors. But the Hollywood stamps always sell well, so I expect a comeback.

After that, it's anybody's guess. The Postal Service always surprises us by what it
includes... and what it leaves out.

But hey! Next year is the centennial of the zipper!

I'm Lloyd de Vries of The Virtual Stamp Club. For more on stamps and stamp collecting, and
a chance to weigh in with YOUR guesses, visit virtual-stamp-club-dot-com.

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