2018 vs. 2019 U.S. Flag Stamps: A Visual Comparison
If you are trying to replace a previous order of U.S. Flag stamps, “the red, white, and blue ones” is not enough to identify the design. The 2018 and 2019 issues look distinctly different, even though both appear in searches for flag Forever stamps.
2018: a graphic flag with sharp folds
The 2018 U.S. Flag stamp uses a digital illustration by Kit Hinrichs, with Ethel Kessler as art director. USPS issued it on February 9, 2018. The flag is represented with two crisp folds rather than a photographic sky. The USPS 2018 issue announcement documents the design and its original formats.
In our listing image, look for the block-like color areas, the stepped outline on the right, and “USA” above “FOREVER” near the lower left. Those visible details are useful when comparing a saved product photo with a new listing.
2019: a photographed flag and blue sky
The 2019 issue uses Antonio Alcalá’s photograph of a flag at Chicago’s Navy Pier. It was issued on January 27, 2019. See the USPS 2019 stamp announcement for its release and format details.
Our listing image shows a pole along the left of the photograph, light and dark folds across the flag, and “FOREVER / USA” along the white lower margin. It is visually different from the graphic 2018 design; do not rely on a generic “US Flag” title alone.
| What to compare | 2018 listing image | 2019 listing image |
|---|---|---|
| Image style | Graphic illustration | Flag photograph |
| Background | White space around graphic flag | Blue sky behind flag |
| Lower lettering | USA above FOREVER | FOREVER / USA across lower margin |
Why a 2019 package can say ©2018
A copyright date is not necessarily the issue year. The official 2019 announcement lists ©2018 USPS markings on the booklet packaging. A 2018 copyright date therefore does not, on its own, identify the stamp as the 2018 design.
When matching an old purchase, compare the image, listing year, and selected option together. This is a design-identification guide, not an authentication test: a matching picture does not establish a stamp’s origin or authenticity.
Match the package as well as the year
At the time of checking, our 2018 U.S. Flag listing offers coils of 100 in several package quantities. Our 2019 U.S. Flag listing offers rolls of 100 and booklet packages starting at five booklets of 20.
These are the choices in our store, not a complete list of every format USPS issued. A booklet pack and a roll can contain the same total number of stamps while arriving as different physical units.
Keep a useful reorder note
Save the product link, design year, format, and total stamp count. For example: “2019 U.S. Flag, 10 rolls of 100, 1,000 stamps total.” Recheck those fields on the next order instead of selecting a similar-looking thumbnail.
If you want to compare other designs before deciding, browse the U.S. Flag stamp collection. Use the current product page to confirm price and availability.