Celebrate the Century — 1920s "Art Deco" Stamp (Chrysler Building, New York City, NYC, Celebrate the Century) Unused USPS Postage 32c

Add glamorous Art Deco architecture and vintage New York City style to your letters with these unused Art Deco Style postage stamps from the USPS Celebrate the Century — 1920s series! Featuring photographer Peter B. Kaplan’s dramatic image of Manhattan’s iconic Chrysler Building, this sophisticated design is perfect for adding geometric elegance, architectural imagery, Jazz Age character, and New York City charm to save-the-dates, wedding invitations, thank you cards, destination wedding mail, engagement announcements, anniversary correspondence, and other snail mail.

In pristine mint condition and valid for current postage use, each stamp holds a face value of 32-cents. These authentic USPS postage stamps are suitable for current mailing when used with the total required postage based on the weight of your mailing. These are NOT forever stamps — you must combine additional postage with this stamp to mail your correspondence according to current USPS postage rate requirements.

STAMP INFORMATION:

• Stamp Name: Art Deco Style
• Stamp Series: Celebrate the Century — 1920s
• Year Issued: 1998
• Face Value: 32-cents (USD) per stamp
• Topic(s): Art Deco, Chrysler Building, New York City, Manhattan, Architecture, Skyscraper, Jazz Age, 1920s, Geometric Design, American Architecture, Peter B. Kaplan, Celebrate the Century, New York, USPS Commemorative Stamps
• Color(s): Blue, Silver, Black, White, Multicolored
• Mailing Occasions: Wedding Invitations, Save-the-Dates, Art Deco Weddings, New York Weddings, Destination Weddings, City Weddings, Jazz Age Weddings, Vintage Weddings, Engagement Announcements, Anniversary Cards, Thank You Notes, Everyday Correspondence
• Printing Method: Offset and Intaglio
• Scott Number: 3184j
• Adhesion Type: Gummed (see adhesion instructions below)
• Stamp Size: 30 x 30 mm / 1.19 × 1.19 in
• Condition: Genuine Unused USPS Postage Stamps, Ready to Use for USPS Mailings, Mint Condition

STAMP DESCRIPTION & HISTORY: The 1998 Art Deco Style stamp was issued as part of the USPS Celebrate the Century — 1920s pane and commemorates the Art Deco movement that became one of the defining design styles of the era. The stamp features photographer Peter B. Kaplan’s image of New York City’s Chrysler Building, whose stainless-steel crown, geometric ornamentation, and streamlined silhouette made it one of America’s most recognizable examples of Art Deco architecture. Issued on May 28, 1998, in Chicago, Illinois, the 32-cent stamp paid the contemporary First-Class Mail rate. It was printed by Ashton-Potter (USA) Ltd. using offset and intaglio printing and appeared in a pane of 15 stamps highlighting significant people, events, culture, technology, and design associated with the 1920s. The historical text on the reverse describes Art Deco as combining sleek elegance, geometric shapes, and varied materials and identifies the Chrysler Building as one of the style’s finest examples.

ABOUT ART DECO STYLE: Art Deco emerged internationally during the 1920s and became associated with modernity, luxury, geometric ornament, streamlined forms, and new industrial materials. Its influence extended across architecture, furniture, jewelry, textiles, ceramics, and graphic design. Art Deco emerged after World War I as a visual expression of confidence and renewal. Originating in France and gaining international prominence after the 1925 Paris Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, it combined modern materials and machine-age precision with fine craftsmanship and ornamentation. In America, the style flourished not only in architecture but also in industrial design, fashion, graphic arts, and even cinema, symbolizing the nation’s growing modern identity.

ABOUT THE CHRYSLER BUILDING: Designed by architect William Van Alen for automobile executive Walter P. Chrysler, the Chrysler Building was constructed in Manhattan (New York City) between 1928 and 1930. Its distinctive stainless-steel crown incorporates triangular windows, radiating sunburst motifs, and stepped geometric forms that exemplify the Art Deco aesthetic. At approximately 1,048 feet tall, the Chrysler Building briefly held the title of the world’s tallest building before the Empire State Building opened in 1931.

STAMP MEANING & SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE: The Art Deco Style design can symbolize sophistication, ambition, creativity, glamour, progress, optimism, and reaching toward new heights. The Chrysler Building’s soaring form and intricate geometric crown reflect the confidence and exuberance associated with the Jazz Age. For weddings, engagements, milestone celebrations, and New York City events, the stamp offers an elegant visual expression of aspiration, style, and a bold new chapter.