The United States Postal Service will be issuing a commemorative stamp set featuring the popular animated character SpongeBob SquarePants starting August 1. The four limited-edition Forever stamps will be released in conjunction with a public event in New York City’s Times Square and will be available for purchase at all post offices and online.
The Forever Stamp is currently worth the same as a 1-ounce standard postage stamp and will be available at no additional charge in the event of future postage increases. A set of 16 SpongeBob stamps will be sold for $12.48.
The stamps were designed by Greg Breeding, art director for the U.S. Postal Service, based on original artwork provided by Nickelodeon. The four designs include two yellow stamps featuring close-ups of SpongeBob’s funny face, a group scene with the main characters, and a scene with SpongeBob and his friend Patrick frolicking under the sea. The characters include SpongeBob, Patrick, Squidward, Sandy, Mr. Krabs, Plankton, and Gary the Snail.
The launch event will take place on August 1st from 8am to 10am at Duffy Plaza in Times Square, New York City. The event is free and open to the public, and there will be stamp sales and autograph signings by designer Breeding. The official hashtag is SpongebobStamp.
The United States Postal Service has issued stamps centered on presidents, celebrities, and historical figures, but recently it has been actively including pop culture characters such as Buzz Lightyear, Bugs Bunny, and Disney villains. This SpongeBob stamp is evaluated as a case that symbolizes SpongeBob becoming a part of American cultural heritage beyond simple character merchandise.
