The Forever Stamps 2026 program continues the rich tradition, delivering diverse and meaningful designs ranging from cultural celebrations and historical tributes to nature-inspired art and seasonal favorites.
Since their introduction by the USPS in 2007, Forever Stamps are unique: once purchased, they remain valid forever – even if postage rates rise. This permanence, coupled with beautiful design and thematic depth, makes them both practical tools for mailing and treasured collectibles.
Forever Stamps 2026
From stamps celebrating love and iconic figures like Muhammad Ali and Bruce Lee, to cultural heritage issues like Phillis Wheatley and Lowriders, the 2026 lineup is one of the most diverse and engaging in recent memory.
Below is a complete overview of all the Forever Stamps issued or scheduled for release in 2026 – including descriptions, themes, and why each matters to both mail users and stamp collectors.
Love
Issue date: January 13, 2026
The 2026 Love stamps captures affection through four delightful scenes of stylized birds interacting in a whimsical world filled with hearts. These tender illustrations evoke gentle moments of care and connection – perfect for wedding invitations, Valentine’s gestures, anniversary mail, and everyday expressions of love.
Across the designs, the bird couples express affection through simple, thoughtful gestures. Whether perched among branches decorated with hearts, sharing a heart-shaped flower, playfully investigating hearts drifting down like spring petals, or resting peacefully beneath a heart-shaped moon, each scene conveys a universal message: true love is found in quiet moments of togetherness and care.
Muhammad Ali
Issue date: January 15, 2026
This powerful commemorative stamp honors Muhammad Ali — the legendary boxer, cultural figure, and civil rights icon. Known for his unmatched skill in the ring and bold influence outside it, Ali transformed sport and society alike.
Widely known as “The Greatest,” Muhammad Ali (1942–2016) was a three-time heavyweight boxing champion whose influence extended far beyond the sport.
Adding to the design’s energy, the name “ALI” appears repeatedly across the stamps, alternating from top to bottom in shades of dark brown and red.
The stamp pane is arranged in a striking checkerboard format and features a powerful black-and-white Associated Press photograph from 1974. The image captures Ali’s commanding presence and unmistakable charisma.
Colorado Statehood
Issue date: January 24, 2026
Colorado became the 38th state on August 1, 1876 – exactly 100 years after American independence – earning the nickname the Centennial State. In 2026, it celebrates its 150th anniversary of statehood.
The Colorado Statehood stamp features a striking photograph of Jagged Mountain in the Weminuche Wilderness of the San Juan National Forest, highlighting the state’s rugged natural beauty.
Named from the Spanish word colorado, meaning “red,” the state is renowned for its Rocky Mountain landscapes. Covering about 104,000 square miles, Colorado is the eighth largest state and has the highest average elevation in the nation at approximately 6,800 feet. Denver, the capital, is its largest metropolitan area, along with Colorado Springs, Aurora, Pueblo, Grand Junction, and Fort Collins.
Colorado is home to four national parks – Rocky Mountain, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Great Sand Dunes, and Mesa Verde – along with numerous forests and monuments offering year-round outdoor recreation. Rich in history and culture, the state also features historic districts, museums, a thriving craft brewery scene, and the United States Air Force Academy near Colorado Springs, one of its most visited landmarks.
Phillis Wheatley
Issue date: January 29, 2026
The 49th stamp in the Black Heritage series honors Phillis Wheatley (ca. 1753-1784), the first author of African descent in the American colonies to publish a book. Enslaved as a child in West Africa and brought to Boston, Wheatley was educated in the household of John Wheatley and began writing poetry at a young age.
Her 1773 collection, Poems on Various Subjects Religious and Moral, earned acclaim in America and Britain, showcasing her skill in religious, elegiac, and philosophical verse. Freed from slavery in 1773, she later expressed support for the American Revolution and even exchanged correspondence with George Washington, who praised her talent.
The stamp artwork, created by Kerry James Marshall, reimagines Wheatley as confident and self-possessed, inspired by the only known portrait published in her 1773 book.
Though she died in her early thirties, Wheatley’s poetry was widely reprinted and later championed by abolitionists as proof of the intellectual achievements of people of African descent. Today, she is remembered as a pioneering literary figure – often called the “mother of African American literature”—whose legacy continues to inspire generations.
Lunar New Year • Year of the Horse
Issue date: February 3, 2026
In 2026, the U.S. Postal Service releases the seventh stamp in its latest Lunar New Year series, a 12-stamp collection celebrating the rich traditions of the holiday.
Launched in 2020, this third – and current – Lunar New Year series honors each zodiac animal in sequence. The 2026 issue marks the seventh stamp in the series, which will continue through 2031 with designs representing the Year of the Ram, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Boar.
The Year of the Horse stamp showcases a striking, colorful three-dimensional mask shaped like a horse, reflecting the festive artistry associated with the holiday.
The Year of the Horse begins on February 17, 2026, and ends on February 5, 2027. Individuals born under this sign are often described as energetic, independent, confident, and hardworking. In many cultures, the horse symbolizes speed, strength, and endurance – qualities linked to success, determination, and prosperity in the year ahead.
In the United States, the Year of the Horse holds special appeal for its associations with ambition, freedom, and self-reliance – values that strongly resonate with the American spirit.
Bruce Lee
Issue date: February 18, 2026
Chinese American martial artist, actor, and filmmaker Bruce Lee (1940–1973) broke barriers as the first Asian leading man in American film. With unmatched skill, charisma, and screen presence, he reshaped action cinema and influenced everything from popular culture to mixed martial arts through his philosophy of Jeet Kune Do (“The Way of the Intercepting Fist”).
Major Films & TV Appearances
- The Green Hornet (1966–1967) – Played Kato, introducing his martial arts talent to American audiences.
- The Big Boss (1971) – His breakout Hong Kong hit.
- Fist of Fury (1972) – Cemented his superstar status in Asia.
- The Way of the Dragon (1972) – Produced, directed, wrote, and starred; famous for the Colosseum fight scene.
- Enter the Dragon (1973) – His first major Hollywood production and global breakthrough.
- Game of Death – Released posthumously.
Tragically, Bruce Lee died on July 20, 1973, at age 32 – just weeks before the premiere of Enter the Dragon. Yet his legacy endures, inspiring generations of filmmakers, athletes, and fans worldwide.
Harriet Powers
Lowriders
Issue date: March 13, 2026
Sunflowers
International Peace
Sarah Orne Jewett
Declaration of Independence
Squirrels & Chipmunks in Snow
American Bison
Bald Eagle: Hatchling to Adult
Route 66
A Day at the Beach
Figures of the American Revolution
Tips for Collectors & Mailers in 2026
- Buy early – Purchase stamps before expected price increases
- Preserve mint condition – Use stamp albums & protective sleeves
- Track upcoming announcements – USPS could add surprise issues
- Follow USPS release calendars – Updated monthly on USPS.com
2026 Forever Stamps offers a rich, engaging lineup that celebrates community, creativity, history, and nature.
Whether you’re a seasoned philatelist or a casual mail user, this year’s series has something worthy of attention – from cultural icons like Muhammad Ali and Bruce Lee to nature themes like Sunflowers and Squirrels in Snow.
