Halloween Stamps Make History
In the cool, colorful days of autumn 2016, the United States Postal Service launched its first-ever Halloween-themed postage stamp. The stamps, called the Jack-O-Lanterns Forever Stamps, showcased four striking images of glowing, carved pumpkins. These stamps made their debut in Anoka, Minnesota, a place proudly referred to as the “Halloween Capital of the World.” Their arrival was a big moment for stamp collectors and fans of Halloween, propelling the Jack-O-Lanterns stamp into instant popularity as a modern must-have.
Why the Jack-O-Lantern?
For decades, Halloween held a cherished spot in American culture. Children and adults alike enjoyed costumes, candy, and especially the traditional jack-o’-lanterns – pumpkins with faces carved out and lit from within. Surprisingly, even though Halloween was one of the nation’s favorite holidays and a major card-sending event, the USPS had never designed a stamp for it. Recognizing the high spirits and widespread appeal of Halloween, USPS decided it was time to bring this piece of fun to envelopes everywhere.
The design of the Jack-O-Lanterns stamp aimed to embody the festive, mysterious energy that Halloween brings. It was meant to pay tribute to a tradition many American families shared, connecting generations with the joy of pumpkin carving every fall.
Official Launch Day
September 29, 2016 was an exciting day in Anoka, Minnesota. That morning, community members, collectors, and USPS leaders gathered for the official launch of the Jack-O-Lanterns stamps. The sheet featured four unique designs, all pumpkins carved by artist Paul Montanari. Sally Andersen-Bruce skillfully photographed the specimens, while art director Derry Noyes made sure the layout popped with Halloween energy.
The stamp booklet included 20 Forever stamps, each attached with easy-stick adhesive. Like all Forever stamps, they can always be used for mailing one-ounce letters, regardless of future price changes.
During the ceremony, Joseph Corbett—the USPS’s Chief Financial Officer—shared his hopes that these stamps would spark warm Halloween memories for both the sender and the receiver. His words matched the excitement in the crowd, setting the tone for a cheerful tribute to this holiday tradition.
The Artists and Production Team
The Jack-O-Lanterns stamps were the result of teamwork. Paul Montanari, an experienced pumpkin carver, lent his creativity to shape the friendly and spooky faces. Sally Andersen-Bruce took dynamic photos that truly brought the glowing pumpkins to life. Derry Noyes oversaw the project, combining visuals to make sure the stamps looked festive and unmistakably Halloween fitting.
Once the designs were set, the Banknote Corporation of America produced the stamps. At first, a small issue cropped up: a printing hiccup caused some stamps to have die cuts that didn’t quite line up. This affected about five percent of the 50 million stamps—turning them into rare printing errors that actually increased collectors’ interest. The printing company quickly responded and corrected the problem, showing their commitment to high quality.
The History of Carved Pumpkins
Understanding why jack-o’-lanterns were chosen helps explain the meaning behind these stamps. The tradition originally started in Europe, where people used turnips and potatoes for lantern making. They made scary or silly faces to ward off evil or celebrate folk tales.
When immigrants from Ireland and Scotland settled in America, they discovered that native pumpkins worked far better—it was easier to carve them, and they had more room for elaborate designs. Over time, pumpkins became the material of choice and carving them was firmly established as a central custom in American Halloween celebrations.
The word “jack-o’-lantern” itself comes from an old Irish legend about a man named Stingy Jack. According to the story, he wandered the earth with a glowing coal inside a carved-out turnip as his lantern. Each year, this folklore is remembered as families carve pumpkins anew, passing the story from one generation to another.
What Makes the Stamp Unique
The Jack-O-Lanterns stamp draws attention with its bold visuals. Each stamp spotlights a carved pumpkin, set elegantly against a jet-black background, with faces ranging in mood from cheerful to ghostly. Packs were sold as booklets of 20 stamps, with the four designs recurring throughout.
Collectors quickly noticed its special charm. Not only did it mark the very first time Halloween was featured on a USPS stamp, but the rare misprinted sheets added extra excitement for those looking for unique finds. That element of rarity, combined with the premiere status, made it an instant classic among US collectors.
USPS also offered various ways to enjoy the stamp—including special first-day postmarks and keepsakes, framed prints, and colorful presentation sheets. These thoughtful details helped boost both enthusiasm and the collectible value of these lively stamps.
Collector Stories and Reactions
People who collect stamps shared their excitement for the Jack-O-Lanterns release. Many commented on the way the designs reminded them of trick-or-treating as children or the fun of carving pumpkins with family. Some collectors mentioned how much they enjoyed sending Halloween cards with the new stamps, feeling it added an extra bit of holiday cheer.
One collector shared that using the stamp wasn’t just about postage; it was about sharing Halloween’s energy and tradition. Others appreciated the vibrant colors and unique artwork, remarking on how the stamps made their collection even more festive.
Over time, the continued demand made it clear—the Jack-O-Lanterns stamp had earned a place in both collectors’ albums and the memories of Halloween fans across the country.
Halloween Spirit on a Stamp
Releasing the Jack-O-Lanterns stamps did more than add a collectible to postal history—it recognized Halloween as a tradition worth celebrating. USPS’s decision to honor this energetic holiday showed how Halloween had become important for not just kids in costumes but entire communities coming together for fun, creativity, and shared memories.
Halloween celebrations had grown and changed over time, including people of all ages in the festivities, and the Jack-O-Lanterns stamp captured that inclusive spirit perfectly.
Lasting Impressions
A look at the Jack-O-Lanterns stamp sheet reveals four bright pumpkins glowing against black—their lively faces expressing everything from joy to mischief. For collectors and Halloween lovers alike, these little pieces of artwork are more than postage; they are colorful reminders of fall, creativity, and the bonds that seasonal traditions can build.
Since their launch in 2016, these stamps continue to bring out excitement each autumn. Whether displayed in a stamp album, shown off in a frame, or used on a festive invitation, the Jack-O-Lanterns stamp remains a charming symbol of the season—and a tradition that shows no sign of disappearing.
