The United States Postal Service released the 2019 First-Class Forever Stamps featuring Tyrannosaurus rex to honor one of the most well-known dinosaurs in history. The four stamps were introduced at the same time the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History opened a new T. rex exhibit. Each stamp displays a different illustration of the dinosaur created by scientist and paleoartist Julius T. Csotonyi. The stamps are unique because they use lenticular printing, which creates a holographic effect. When the stamp is tilted, the dinosaur’s skin appears to fade away and reveal its skeleton underneath.
The Postal Service created these stamps to encourage interest in dinosaurs, science, and museums. Because dinosaurs are popular with both children and adults, the stamps also made collecting and sending mail more exciting. Many stamp collectors appreciated the detailed artwork and creative design. The stamps combined science, history, and art in a way that captured people’s attention and celebrated prehistoric life.
Tyrannosaurus rex was one of the largest carnivorous dinosaurs to ever live. It lived about 66 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous Period. Commonly called T. rex, the dinosaur had massive legs, razor-sharp teeth, and an extremely powerful jaw capable of crushing bone. Although its arms were small, the rest of its body was built for strength and hunting. Scientists estimate that T. rex could grow up to 40 feet long and weigh several tons.
The first T. rex fossils were discovered in the early 1900s by fossil hunter Barnum Brown. He uncovered the remains in Montana and other parts of the western United States while searching for dinosaur fossils. In 1905, paleontologist Henry Fairfield Osborn officially named the dinosaur Tyrannosaurus rex, meaning “king of the tyrant lizards.” This discovery gave scientists important information about large meat-eating dinosaurs and helped make T. rex one of the most recognized dinosaurs in the world.
Dinosaurs are celebrated every year on Dinosaur Day, which takes place on June 1. The day encourages people of all ages to learn about fossils, prehistoric animals, and Earth’s ancient history. Museums, schools, and libraries often organize activities such as dinosaur exhibits, crafts, games, and science lessons. During these celebrations, Tyrannosaurus rex is usually one of the most popular dinosaurs because of its enormous size and fierce appearance.
Do you have these dinosaur stamps in your collection?
References:
- United States Postal Service
- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
- National Geographic Kids – Tyrannosaurus Rex Facts
- https://about.usps.com/newsroom/national-releases/2019/0829-fearsome-dinosaur-immortalized-on-forever-stamps.htm
- https://www.mysticstamp.com/5410-13-2019-first-class-forever-stamps-tyrannosaurus-rex/
- https://nationaltoday.com/dinosaur-day/
