Forever Stamps 2023 Love Series – Romantic Collection, First-Class Postage

First Day of Issue:  January 19, 2023
First Day City(s):  Austin, TX
Printed by:  Banknote Corporation of America
Printing Method:  Offset
Format:  Pane of 20

Stamp Features: As part of the 2023 Love Series, issued alongside the 2023 Puppy and Heart stamp, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Love Series.

Design: The stamp features a kitten with its paws on a red heart against a yellow background. The design is derived from an oil painting on wood panel by Chris Buzelli, digitally edited for the stamp.

First Day City: Austin, Texas, during the “Austin Pets Alive!” event. The USPS chose this event to celebrate their nonprofit’s recent milestone of the 100,000th rescue.

About the Love Series: The U.S. Love Series began in 1973, with a new issue almost every year, typically for Valentine’s Day mailings. 2023 marked the series’ 50th anniversary.

History Represented: While some think cats are aloof, they express affection differently. Cats purr when relaxed or content, and studies suggest it promotes healing. Other signs include grooming, face rubbing, head bumping, showing their belly (a sign of trust), and slow blinking (a cat kiss). Despite unique ways, a cat’s love is comforting.