For generations, it was a widely accepted rule: no living person could grace the face of a United States postage stamp. This policy fostered a sense of historical reverence, reserving this special honor for those who had already contributed their life's work and passed into history.

The underlying principle was simple yet profound. Stamps were not meant for celebrity endorsements or fleeting fame. Instead, they were reserved for commemorating legacies, ensuring that the honor was bestowed posthumously, after a person's full impact could be assessed.

The Longstanding Tradition

Historically, the United States Postal Service (USPS) maintained a firm stance. An individual typically had to be deceased for a significant period, often five or even ten years, before their likeness could be considered for a stamp. This waiting period served as a buffer, allowing for a clearer perspective on their historical significance.

There was one notable exception to this rule. Former U.S. Presidents, due to their unique role and enduring public interest, could be commemorated on a stamp just one year after their death. This small concession acknowledged the immediate historical weight of their tenure.

A Brief Modern Experiment

In a surprising shift, the USPS announced a significant policy change in September 2011. Breaking decades of tradition, the new guidelines declared that living or recently deceased individuals would become eligible for commemoration on stamps. This move aimed to allow honorees to appreciate the recognition during their lifetime.

The then-Postmaster General, Patrick Donahoe, articulated the rationale, stating it would "pay tribute to individuals for their achievements while they are still alive to enjoy the honor." This short-lived era saw the public actively encouraged to suggest contemporary figures for this prestigious recognition.

Return to Tradition: The 2018 Reversal

However, this modern experiment was not destined to last. By 2018, the USPS quietly reversed course. The revised subject selection criteria effectively reinstated the prohibition on honoring living people directly on U.S. stamps. The policy had swung back, emphasizing historical distance once more.

The current policy now stipulates a **three-year waiting period** after a person's death before they can even be considered for a stamp. This updated rule seeks a balance between timely recognition and the traditional reverence for historical figures.

Nuances and Statutory Limits

Despite the general rule, some subtle distinctions exist. An **1866 statute** remains in effect, prohibiting the likeness of any living person on U.S. currency and securities. Historically, this has often been interpreted to extend its spirit to postage stamps as well, reinforcing the posthumous honor tradition.

It's important to differentiate between direct honor and incidental appearance. The USPS may portray identifiable living people if their image is **incidental** to the event being commemorated. For instance, a crowd shot or a historical scene might inadvertently include a living individual, but they are not the subject of the stamp's honor.

Direct Honor: Strictly reserved for those deceased for at least three years.
Incidental Appearance: Permitted if the living person is not the primary subject, such as a model or a background figure in a commemorative scene.
Fictional Characters: Stamps featuring characters like those from Star Wars or Harry Potter can depict actors who are still alive, as the honor is for the fictional entity, not the individual.

The journey of the U.S. postage stamp policy on living persons is a testament to evolving cultural norms and a persistent respect for tradition. While the rules have shifted, the core idea of stamps as enduring tributes remains firmly in place, largely focusing on those whose stories are complete.

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