In this episode we look at an iconic series of U.S. stamps, the so-called "Fourth Bureau Issues"—a quintessential example of early twentieth-century American definitives produced by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) starting in 1922. This series ushered in major changes in both the speed and scale of stamp production—moving from flat plate to rotary presses—as well as the kinds of images that found their way onto these gorgeous issues. We're also joined by a special guest to learn a little more about the production details.

As always, we'd love to receive some mail from our dear listeners. Write us at:

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Grand Central Station

New York, NY 10163

Note: We've received some wonderful listener mail since the recording of this episode, so if you've sent us something and we don't mention it here don't fret! We're diving into your wonderful missives and a long-awaited answer to our Irish stamp riddle in next week's episode.

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We're very grateful to the band All Good for supplying our intro and outro music, check them out on Instagram and head over to Spotify or wherever you stream your music to give them a listen.

The Fourth Bureau Issues (Smithsonian)

Portrait of Sioux Chief Hollow Horn Bear (Smithsonian)

Close up of the 15c Statue of Liberty Single (Smithsonian)

Close up of the 30c American Buffalo Single (Smithsonian)

$5 Head of "Freedom" Single (Smithsonian)

Our Special Guest's Hipstamp store

Special thanks to Rod Juell's excellent writing and research on the Fourth Bureaus, much of which we relied on for this episode.