Add some festive flair to your holiday letters with this vintage set of four unused Christmas stamps! These stunning holiday botanical designs are perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to your holiday cards and letters or winter save-the-dates and weddings. In pristine mint condition and valid for current postage use, each stamp holds a face value of 5-cents, totaling 20-cents for the complete se-tenant (connected) set of four. These USPS postage stamps are suitable for current mailing when used with the total required postage based on the weight of your correspondence. Embrace the charm of winter with this enchanting collection!

Includes a total of TEN (10) se-tenant sets of four (4) 5-cent unused vintage “Christmas Issue Se-Tenant” postage stamps shown in the photos (40 individual stamps included).

STAMP INFORMATION:

• Name: Christmas Issue Se-Tenant
• Series: Contemporary Christmas
• Year Issued: 1964
• Face Value: 5-cents each/20-cents for the se-tenant set of four (USD)
• Topic(s): Christmas, Holidays, Winter, Botanical, Mistletoe, Holly, Poinsettia, Evergreen
• Color(s): Green, Red
• Printing Method: Giori Press
• Adhesion Type: Gummed (see adhesion instructions below)
• Condition: Genuine Unused USPS Postage Stamps, Ready to Use for USPS Mailings, Mint Condition

GENUINE USPS POSTAGE: These unused vintage postage stamps are perfectly valid for use as current postage for mailing with USPS as long as you use the adequate amount of postage to achieve standard postage rates according to the weight of your mailing. Check current postage rates on the USPS website.

STAMP HISTORY: Each set includes four 5¢ USPS postage stamps featuring holiday-themed illustrations of mistletoe, holly, poinsettia, and evergreen. These vintage stamps are in mint condition and are valid for current use as postage. This set is called the "Christmas Issue Se-Tenant" and was originally issued on November 9, 1964. It was the third set of Christmas stamps and the first se-tenant ever issued by the USPS, meaning that the stamps were attached/connected together, or "se-tenant" in French. A se-tenant is a sheet of stamps with different designs or values printed together. The name comes from the French phrase for "joined together" or "holding together." This third U.S. Christmas issue was unique because it was the first time the United States Post Office had printed more than one stamp design on one sheet.

STAMP MEANING & SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE: This se-tenant set of stamps features four different illustrations, each representing a traditional winter plant and symbol associated with Christmas. The mistletoe stamp represents peace, according to ancient tradition. Holly symbolizes the thorns placed upon Christ's head, while evergreens are often used for Christmas trees and wreaths. The poinsettia, known as the traditional Christmas flower, completes the set.

SERIES HISTORY: For many years, the USPS received thousands of requests for Christmas-themed stamps to adorn holiday mail. In response, the nation’s first Christmas stamp was issued in 1962. Although some critics argued that it blurred the line between church and state, the stamp quickly sold out and proved to be immensely popular. Its success marked the beginning of a long-running tradition, with new Christmas stamps released almost every year since. These issues, known as the “Contemporary Christmas Series,” highlight images and themes connected to modern holiday celebrations. During the 1990s, the stamps in this series featured a wide variety of festive designs, including Santa Claus, stockings, Christmas trees, toys, angels, and more. Some showcased contemporary interpretations of holiday traditions, while others drew on classic artwork from more than a century ago, blending modern cheer with historical charm.

GUMMED STAMPS: These postage stamps have a traditional moisture-activated gum on the back. These stamps require licking or wetting to adhere to envelopes or other surfaces. To ensure good adhesion, apply vintage gummed stamps to your mailings with a glue stick (we recommend using Elmer's "Re-Stick" glue sticks).

QUESTIONS? We love hearing from our customers and replies to inquiries are usually answered the same day. Need more of this stamp? Looking for a particular stamp not found on our website? Want a curated postage set for your special event?

ABOUT HERITAGE POST HOUSE: Jennifer Kramer is the founder of Heritage Post House, a boutique vintage postage house located in Northern California. Jennifer sources the most beautiful unused vintage postage stamps ever issued by USPS and artfully arranges them into curated postage sets that are sure to add a special touch to your invitations, announcements, and special mailings. In addition to creating pre-arranged postage sets, Jennifer also works with couples (and their stationers) to create one-of-a-kind custom postage arrangements for wedding invitations, save the dates, and other special occasions.


Product Specifications

Length: 02.0 in.
Height: 0.01 in.
Width: 1.75 in.
Weight: 0.01 lbs.