Holiday Snowflakes Sets of 4 Stamps (Four Distinct Snowflake Designs Per Set — Holiday, Christmas, Blue, Winter) Vintage Unused USPS Postage 39c ea/$1.56 per set (4 stamps total per set)

These stunning snowflake designs are perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to your holiday cards and letters or winter save-the-dates and weddings! In pristine mint condition and valid for current postage use, each stamp holds a face value of 39 cents, totaling $1.56 for the complete se-tenant set of four. They are suitable for current mailing when used with the total required postage based on the weight of your correspondence. Embrace the charm of winter with this enchanting collection!

STAMP INFORMATION:

• Name: Holiday Snowflakes
• Series: Contemporary Christmas
• Year Issued: 2006
• Face Value: 39 cents each/$1.56 for the se-tenant set of four (USD)
• Topic(s): Christmas, Holidays, Snow, Snowflakes, Winter, Frosty
• Color(s): White, Blue
• Printing Method: Lithography and Photogravure
• Adhesion Type: Self Adhesive
• Condition: Genuine Unused USPS Postage Stamps, Ready to Use for USPS Mailings, Mint Condition

STAMP HISTORY: A delightful set of four vintage unused snowflake stamps, each individual stamp in the set showcases a unique crystal design that embodies the beauty of winter. These self-adhesive postage stamps, issued by the United States Postal Service (USPS), feature stunning microphotographic images of real snowflakes captured by renowned California Institute of Technology physics professor Kenneth Libbrecht. These remarkable snowflake images are often mistaken for artistic illustrations, but are actually derived from photographs taken in Fairbanks, Alaska, Houghton, Michigan, and northern Ontario. This postage set was introduced by the USPS during a special philatelic event held at Madison Square Garden in New York City on October 5, 2006. 

These stunning holiday postage stamps highlight two of the most recognizable snowflake patterns: stellar dendrites, with their branching, treelike arms, and sectored plates, which form elegant, plate-like shapes. Capturing these fleeting works of nature was no simple task. A freshly fallen snowflake begins to melt and lose its sharp edges within minutes, so Libbrecht had to move quickly. Using a fine paintbrush, he gently lifted each crystal from cardboard and placed it on a glass slide. Inside a temperature-controlled enclosure, he then photographed the snowflake with a digital camera attached to a high-resolution microscope. The result was a series of breathtaking images that revealed the astonishing complexity of snowflakes—tiny masterpieces of ice that rarely survive long in the natural world. Through these stamps, the USPS preserved that fragile beauty, transforming the fleeting into the enduring and bringing the magic of snow to holiday letters across the country.

STAMP MEANING & SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE: A snowflake symbolizes purity, uniqueness, and transformation, representing new beginnings, the interconnectedness of nature, and the idea that everything happens for a reason. Their perfect, individual structure serves as a reminder that each person is unique and divine. The journey of a snowflake from the sky to the earth also reflects spiritual renewal and embracing change and growth. The white, pristine color of a snowflake evokes feelings of peace, serenity, and new beginnings. Each snowflake is completely individual, a profound reminder of your own unique spirit and value. As snowflakes fall and then evaporate, they symbolize growth, change, and the cycle of life and rebirth. Native American traditions see snowflakes as a symbol of the deep, sacred connection between all living beings and nature. While a Zen proverb suggests a snowflake never falls in the wrong place, meaning everything happens as it should and life leads you where you are meant to be. And in Christian symbolism, snowflakes can represent the cleansing power of forgiveness. 

SERIES HISTORY: For many years, the USPS received thousands of requests for Christmas-themed stamps to adorn holiday mail. In response, the nation’s first Christmas stamp was issued in 1962. Although some critics argued that it blurred the line between church and state, the stamp quickly sold out and proved to be immensely popular. Its success marked the beginning of a long-running tradition, with new Christmas stamps released almost every year since. These issues, known as the “Contemporary Christmas Series,” highlight images and themes connected to modern holiday celebrations. During the 1990s, the stamps in this series featured a wide variety of festive designs, including Santa Claus, stockings, Christmas trees, toys, angels, and more. Some showcased contemporary interpretations of holiday traditions, while others drew on classic artwork from more than a century ago, blending modern cheer with historical charm.

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.