99% Invisible You Ain’t Nothin But a Postmark
8 snips
Oct 10, 2023 
Gabe Bullard, a reporter, takes us on a nostalgic journey through the 1992 election for the Elvis Presley postage stamp. He highlights how this vote became a cultural phenomenon, capturing public sentiment about the King of Rock & Roll. The discussion dives into the evolution of U.S. stamp design, the unprecedented popularity of the Young Elvis stamp, and the unexpected marriage of pop culture with postal policy. Gabe also shares insights on the stamp's legacy in promoting pop icons and its impact on future commemorative stamps.
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Elvis vs. Elvis
- In 1992, a popular vote decided which Elvis portrait would be on a stamp.
- This vote captivated the nation, overshadowing even the presidential election.
Stamp Variety
- The wide variety of stamp designs is a relatively recent phenomenon.
- Stamps provide a unique form of expression and commemorate various aspects of American culture.
The 10-Year Rule
- The post office had a rule that people on stamps had to be dead for ten years.
- This rule aimed to avoid commemorating figures with later-revealed flaws.