Maryland Bicentenary Statehood Postage Stamps | Statehood Issue | Annapolis | Chesapeake Bay | Sailing | Vintage Unused USPS Postage 22c

Add historic Chesapeake Bay charm to your letters with these vintage unused Bicentenary Statehood series “Maryland” postage stamps! This classic statehood design is perfect for adding meaningful regional history to save-the-dates, wedding invitations, thank you cards, graduation announcements, travel-themed mailings, patriotic correspondence, and other snail mail. In pristine mint condition and valid for current postage use, each stamp holds a face value of 22-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.

STAMP INFORMATION:

• Stamp Name: Maryland Statehood
• Stamp Series: Bicentenary Statehood
• Year Issued: 1988
• Face Value: 22-cents (USD) per stamp
• Topic(s): Maryland, Statehood, Bicentenary, Maryland State House, Annapolis, U.S. History, American States, Chesapeake Bay Heritage, Sailing, Nautical, Skipjack, Ship
• Color(s): Yellow, Red, Brown, Blue, Green, Multicolored
• Mailing Occasions: Wedding Invitations, Save-the-Dates, Maryland Weddings, Annapolis Weddings, Chesapeake Bay Mailings, Patriotic Correspondence, Graduation Announcements, Thank You Notes, Travel Mail, Everyday Correspondence
• Printing Method: Lithographed, Engraved, Photogravure
• Scott Number: 2342
• Adhesion Type: Gummed (see adhesion instructions below)
• Stamp Size: 40.0 x 25.0 mm / 1.57 × 0.98 in
• Condition: Genuine Unused USPS Postage Stamps, Ready to Use for USPS Mailings, Mint Condition

STAMP DESCRIPTION & HISTORY: The 1988 Maryland Statehood stamp honors the 200th anniversary of Maryland’s ratification of the U.S. Constitution. Maryland became the seventh state on April 28, 1788, and this commemorative issue was released as part of the Bicentenary Statehood series celebrating the original 13 states. The stamp pictures Annapolis from across the harbor on the Severn River. Skipjack sailboat No. 48, the Clarence Crockett, glides along the water. On the shore in the background the dome of the Maryland State House and St. Anne’s Church can be seen. Featuring historic Maryland imagery associated with Annapolis and the state’s early role in American government, this stamp evokes stately, patriotic character suited to regional and historical correspondence.

STAMP MEANING & SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE: Maryland statehood imagery evokes heritage, civic identity, home, independence, and connection to place. With its historic Chesapeake associations and constitutional anniversary theme, this stamp carries a sense of rootedness, continuity, and public purpose. It is especially fitting for Maryland weddings, Annapolis mailings, graduation announcements, patriotic correspondence, travel-themed letters, and messages celebrating family roots, civic pride, or meaningful milestones.

STAMP SERIES HISTORY: The Bicentenary Statehood series honored the 200th anniversaries of statehood for the original 13 states. Issued from 1987 through 1990, the stamps appeared in the order in which the former colonies ratified the U.S. Constitution, with each design featuring symbols, scenery, or historic imagery associated with the state. The Maryland stamp was the seventh stamp in the series and commemorated Maryland’s April 28, 1788 ratification of the Constitution. The 22-cent issue was part of the group printed for the first-class letter rate then in effect.