Shooting Star Postage Stamp (American Wildflower Series, Botanical, Flower, Wedding, Pink) Vintage Unused USPS Postage 29c

These vintage unused postage stamps will evoke a touch of whimsy and add personality to your mailings!

STAMP INFORMATION:

• Name: Shooting Star
• Series: American Wildflower
• Year Issued: 1992
• Face Value: 29 cents each (USD)
• Topic(s): Botanical, Flowers, Wildflowers, State Flowers, Nature, Watercolor
• Color(s): Pink, Black, Multicolored 
• Printing Method: Offset Lithography
• Adhesion Type: Gummed (see adhesion instructions below)
• Condition: Genuine Unused USPS Postage Stamps, Ready to Use for USPS Mailings, Mint Condition

STAMP HISTORY: The 29c Shooting Star postage stamp was part of the 1992 “American Wildflower" commemorative series, a pane of 50 stamps celebrating endemic American flora. Issued on July 24, 1992, in Columbus, Ohio, its release coincided with the AmeriFlora '92 International Floral and Garden Exposition. The stamp features a watercolor painting of the Shooting Star flower, a species native to woodlands and meadows across the U.S. that was selected and illustrated by Alaskan artist Karen Mallary. 

The Shooting Star (Primula meadia, formerly Dodecatheon meadia) is a distinctive perennial wildflower named for the unique, swept-back appearance of its flowers, which look like falling stars or rocket ships. It grows in a variety of habitats across the eastern and central United States, as well as parts of Canada. The flowers have five large, petallike lobes that are strongly reflexed, or bent upward and backward, from the base. The flowers can be white, various shades of pink, or light purple. Often, the petals are fused at the base, where rings of white, yellow, and reddish-brown may be present. From the base of the petals, a cluster of yellow stamens and a protruding pistil converge to a point, creating a prominent "beak" that nods downward. Several flowers (an umbel) dangle gracefully from the top of a sturdy, leafless stalk, or scape, that can grow up to 20 inches tall and arises from the plant's base. 

STAMP MEANING & SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE: The flower's appearance, with its reflexed petals giving the impression of a star plummeting to Earth, symbolizes a deep connection between the heavens and the terrestrial world. It is often seen as a spiritual guide, bridging the gap between higher realms and earthly existence. The Shooting Star is associated with finding one's true self and personal path in life, helping to alleviate feelings of alienation or being "off-track". Flower essences derived from the plant are used to encourage individuals to trust their inner intuition and align with their soul's purpose. Native American cultures historically viewed the Shooting Star as a symbol of protection and guidance, believing its appearance heralded good fortune and spiritual epiphanies.

SERIES HISTORY: The 1992 American Wildflower postage stamp series was a commemorative issue featuring a pane of 50 different 29-cent stamps, with each stamp displaying a unique watercolor illustration of a native U.S. wildflower. The series was released on July 24, 1992, in Columbus, Ohio, to coincide with the AmeriFlora '92 international exposition. Alaska-based watercolor artist Karen Mallary designed the artwork and selected the 50 distinct flowers featured in the collection, with at least one stamp/flower representing each of the 50 states. The U.S. Postal Service described the 1992 American Wildflower series as carrying a message of "natural grace and beauty". In dedicating the pane of 50 different stamps, Assistant Postmaster General Gordon Morison stated they would "blanket the postal landscape" and carry the message that "our nation's wildflowers add natural grace and beauty to our lives". 

GUMMED STAMPS: These postage stamps have a traditional moisture-activated gum on the back. These stamps require licking or wetting to adhere to envelopes or other surfaces. To ensure good adhesion, apply vintage gummed stamps to your mailings with a glue stick (we recommend using Elmer's "Re-Stick" glue sticks).

GENUINE USPS POSTAGE: These unused vintage postage stamps are perfectly valid for use as current postage for mailing with USPS as long as you use the adequate amount of postage to achieve standard postage rates according to the weight of your mailing. Check current postage rates at USPS.com.

QUESTIONS? We love hearing from our customers and replies to inquires are usually answered the same day. Need more of this stamp? Looking for a particular stamp not found on our website? Want a curated postage set for your special event?  Contact us with questions about vintage postage stamps and our services… 

ABOUT HERITAGE POST HOUSE: Jennifer Kramer is the founder of Heritage Post House, a boutique vintage postage house located in Northern California. Jennifer sources the most beautiful unused vintage postage stamps ever issued by USPS and artfully arranges them into curated postage sets that are sure to add a special touch to your invitations, announcements, and special mailings. In addition to creating pre-arranged postage sets, Jennifer also works with couples (and their stationers) to create one-of-a-kind custom postage arrangements for wedding invitations, save the dates, and other special occasions.