American Elk Stamps (North American Wildlife Series, Deer, Multicolored) Vintage Unused USPS Postage 22c

Part of the North American Wildlife series, this vintage postage stamp showcases the American Elk, a majestic species native to North America. The stamp’s artwork captures the elk in its natural habitat, highlighting its impressive antlers and robust physique. This unused 22-cent gummed stamp celebrates the North American continent's rich biodiversity, showcasing the elk in its typical mountainous environment, emphasizing the importance of habitat in wildlife conservation. 

The American Elk (Cervus canadensis) are found in forests, grasslands, and meadows across North America, particularly in the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Northwest. They are known for their large herds and distinctive bugling calls during mating season. 

The American Elk holds deep spiritual symbolism rooted in themes of strength, leadership, community, and connection to nature. Revered by many indigenous cultures, the elk represents a majestic and powerful presence in the natural world, symbolizing bravery, resilience, and the ability to navigate challenges with grace and determination. The elk is often associated with fertility, renewal, and the cycles of life, as well as spiritual guidance. The American elk, with its imposing size and impressive antlers, symbolizes physical strength, vitality, and the power of nature. Spiritually, the elk encourages us to harness our inner strength when facing challenges and obstacles. It is a reminder to stand firm in the face of adversity, using our power wisely and with integrity. Elk are known for their leadership qualities, especially during the mating season when dominant males guide their herds with strength and confidence. The elk spirit encourages courageous leadership, urging us to lead by example and take charge of our own lives, even in uncertain times. The elk reminds us that true leadership is grounded in wisdom, confidence, and the ability to protect and care for others. Many cultures view the elk as a symbol of fertility, renewal, and the life-giving forces of nature, particularly due to the elk’s mating behavior and the cycle of life they represent. Spiritually, the elk may appear when we are on the verge of new beginnings or personal growth, guiding us toward rebirth, healing, and the reawakening of our dreams and aspirations. The American Elk spirit is a reminder to embrace your power, lead with wisdom, and stay grounded in the beauty and cycles of nature. It calls you to honor your connections with both the earth and those around you, ensuring that you walk through life with strength, courage, and a deep sense of purpose.

This postage stamp has a traditional moisture-activated gum on the back. This means that the stamps required licking or wetting to adhere to envelopes or other surfaces.

On June 13, 1987, the United States Postal Service (USPS) issued the North American Wildlife postage stamp series, a commemorative sheet featuring 50 different gummed 22-cent stamps. This release celebrated the rich diversity of North American fauna, showcasing species from various regions, including Alaska and Hawaii. Renowned wildlife artist Chuck Ripper illustrated the series, capturing the essence of each species with remarkable accuracy and detail. The stamps not only highlight the animals but also incorporate elements of their natural habitats, emphasizing the importance of environmental conservation. USPS and The Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC) originally hoped to represent the State Animal of all 50 states. However, many states do not have a State Animal or share a State Animal with another state. Instead, USPS and CSAC opted to include avifauna, mammals, amphibians, and invertebrates from across the continent. Notably, the First Day of Issue ceremony took place at the Canadian Philatelic Exhibition (CAPEX) in Toronto, Canada, marking the third time a U.S. stamp issue had its inaugural event outside the United States. The North American Wildlife stamp series remains a favorite among collectors and nature enthusiasts, serving as a vivid reminder of the continent's rich and varied wildlife heritage.

These unused vintage postage stamps are perfectly suitable 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.