US PINBACK FOREVER STAMPS SEND A WHIMISICAL COLORFUL GREETING ON LETTERS

Since their first appearance in 1896, pinback buttons have expressed viewpoints, made statements and showcased the interests of those who wear them. Covered in clear celluloid to protect the paper underneath and constructed of stamped metal that was easy to reproduce, the first pinback buttons were more colorful and versatile than the metal buttons and other insignia that preceded them. The novel medium quickly came into popular use for advertising and political campaigns. For more than 120 years, buttons of various sizes have helped spread ideas and broadcast opinions on a wide variety of topics. The designs and slogans adorning buttons reflect the era and values of the time in which they were created, like any other piece of pop culture ephemera. In this way, pinback buttons become historical tools providing insight into the moods, sentiments and worldviews of people living in a particular time and place. The pane of 20 stamps features 10 typographic designs by various artists in their unique styles, each with a single word as the prominent design element –– “Smile” (Don Clark), “Hello!” (Tré Seals), “Peace” (Jay Fletcher), “Love” (Juan Carlos Pagan), “Fun” (Gia Graham), “Sweet” (Jeff Rogers), “Yes!” (Ryan Feerer), “Cheers!” (Lisa Congdon), “Kudos!” (DKNG Studios) and “Happy” (Gina Triplett). The round shape of the stamps as well as shadowing and reflection effects give the appearance of three-dimensional pinback buttons. The pane verso features an illustration of a round silver button back with pin fastener repeated 20 times, one for each pinback button shown on the front of the pane. The versatility of pinback buttons has created endless opportunities for graphic and typographic treatments. Whether to convey a political leaning, tell a joke, champion a social or environmental cause or simply to serve as a souvenir, these small tokens of one’s thoughts and interests are meant to be worn and shared with others.

View this great issue at stampcenter.com