Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly Stamps (North American Wildlife Series, Multicolored) Vintage Unused USPS Postage 22c

Add timeless elegance to your letters with these vintage unused North American Wildlife Series "Tiger Swallowtail" butterfly postage stamps! This classic wildlife design is perfect for adding a bit of nature to your cards and letters or save-the-dates and weddings. In pristine mint condition and valid for current postage use, each stamp holds a face value of 22-cents. These USPS postage stamps are suitable for current mailing when used with the total required postage based on the weight of your correspondence. Embrace the call of the wild with this captivating postage stamp!

STAMP INFORMATION:

• Name: Tiger Swallowtail
• Series: North American Wildlife
• Year Issued: 1987
• Face Value: 22-cents (USD) per stamp
• Topic(s): Wildlife, Nature, Insect, Flying Insect, Butterfly, Pollinator, Flight, Forests, Meadows, Gardens, Wildlife Conservation
• Color(s): Yellow, Black, Red, Multicolored
• Mailing Occasions: Wedding Invitations, Save the Date Announcements, Shower Invitations, Thank You Cards, Snail Mail, and more
• Printing Method: Photogravure
• Scott Number: 2300
• Adhesion Type: Gummed (see below for adhesion instructions)
• Condition: Genuine Unused USPS Postage Stamps, Ready to Use for USPS Mailings, Mint Condition

STAMP HISTORY: Part of the North American Wildlife series, this vintage postage stamp depicts a Tiger Swallowtail butterfly, showcasing its striking yellow and black patterned wings. The stamp’s design captures the distinctive yellow and black striped wings of the butterfly, which are key characteristics of the species. This unused 22-cent gummed stamp celebrates the North American continent's rich biodiversity, showcasing this species in its typical environment, emphasizing the importance of habitat in wildlife conservation. 

The Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly (Papilio glaucus) is one of the most recognizable butterflies in North America, especially found in eastern and central parts of the U.S. Its name comes from the yellow and black striped pattern, which resembles the colors of a tiger. The yellow wings are marked with black stripes, and the hind wings have characteristic blue and orange spots. The tail-like extensions on the hind wings resemble "swallowtails," contributing to its name. Females are typically larger and can be either yellow or dark brown (melanic form), while males are almost always yellow. The Tiger Swallowtail can be found in forests, meadows, and gardens, especially in areas where nectar-producing plants like lilacs, milkweed, and wildflowers are abundant. These butterflies are migratory and are often seen in groups during warmer months, especially from spring to early fall.

The Tiger Swallowtail is often used as a symbol in wildlife conservation efforts, particularly in initiatives that aim to protect native pollinators and biodiversity. The butterfly’s life cycle serves as a reminder of the importance of healthy ecosystems and the fragility of nature.

STAMP MEANING & SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE: Like all butterflies, the Tiger Swallowtail represents the process of transformation, symbolizing a journey of growth, change, and personal evolution. The transition from caterpillar to butterfly can symbolize shedding old skin and emerging as something new. The butterfly’s life cycle mirrors the idea of rebirth and embracing new phases in life, encouraging individuals to embrace change as part of the natural flow of life. Butterflies, including the Tiger Swallowtail, are often seen as symbols of freedom, as they flutter freely in the air, unencumbered by the ground. Spiritually, the butterfly teaches us to rise above challenges, live lightly, and enjoy the present moment. It’s a reminder not to hold onto heavy emotional baggage and to embrace joy and playfulness. The striking yellow and black wings of the Tiger Swallowtail are symbols of natural beauty, grace, and elegance. Spiritually, they represent the ability to see and appreciate beauty in both nature and life. The butterfly is also seen as a creature of balance, moving gracefully between earth and sky, and in many cultures, it symbolizes harmony between physical and spiritual realms. Some cultures view butterflies as messengers between the physical and spiritual worlds. The Tiger Swallowtail, with its vibrant colors, may be interpreted as a symbol of divine presence or a reminder to connect with one’s higher self. In Native American traditions, butterflies represent transformation and the spirit world, often believed to carry messages from ancestors.

SERIES HISTORY: 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.

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 additional 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… 

TELL YOUR STORY IN STAMPS: We’ve worked with hundreds of couples and their stationers to custom design highly stylized personalized postage sets based on our customer’s life stories. We can help you curate personalized vintage postage sets to commemorate your save-the-date, wedding, shower, announcement, and other special occasions in a truly unique fashion. Drawing on our encyclopedic knowledge of every stamp ever issued by the USPS, and sourcing from our extensive inventory of collectable unused vintage stamps, we’ll help you tell your unique story in stamps!

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.

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