6003a-05a – 2025 73c Celebrating 250 Years of the US Army, US Navy, & US Marine Corps – Imperforate Stamps

US #6003a-05a
2025Armed Forces: US Army, US Navy, US Marine Corps
Imperforate

• Commemorates 250th anniversary of founding of three military branches
• Each stamp features an emblem of one branch

Stamp Category:  Commemorative
Set:  Armed Forces
Value:  73¢, First Class Mail (Forever)
First Day of Issue:  May 16, 2025
First Day City:  Washington, DC
Quantity Issued:  18,000,000 per military branch (54,000,000 total) (Includes die-cut AND imperforate stamps.  The exact quantity of imperforate stamps is unknown, but it is only a tiny fraction of the total print quantity, making the imperforates much scarcer than traditional die-cut stamps.)
Printed by:  Banknote Corporation of America
Printing Method:  Offset, Microprint
Format:  Pane of 20

Why the stamps were issued:  Stamps were issued to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the US Army, Navy, and Marine Corps.

About the stamp design:  Art director Antonio Alcalá designed the stamps.  The emblem of each of the three military branches is featured against a white background.  The phrases “250 YEARS OF SERVICE” and “SINCE 1775” are on each stamp.

First Day City:  The dedication ceremony took place at Freedom Plaza in Washington, DC.

About the Armed Forces set:  The USPS celebrated the 250th anniversary of the establishment of the US Army, Navy, and Marine Corps by issuing a set of three stamps, one honoring each branch. 
In 1775, the Second Continental Congress saw the need for a military force to fight for America’s independence.  The Continental Army was founded on June 14, and the Continental Navy was formed on October 13.  The Continental Marines was authorized on November 10.  Though all three forces were disbanded after the Revolutionary War, they were all reestablished when it became clear that the new country needed a standing military.

History the stamp represents: 
US Army
Smoke drifted across Lexington as determined militiamen raised muskets against the world’s most powerful army.  In the tense silence, a single shot rang out—marking the birth of the American fight for freedom, and the legacy of the United States Army.
Founded on June 14, 1775, the US Army began as the Continental Army under George Washington. Tasked with winning independence from British rule, it forged a nation from rebellion.  In the centuries since, the Army has evolved from musket-wielding volunteers to a global force specializing in land warfare, engineering, cyber defense, and humanitarian aid. 
It faced monumental challenges in the Civil War, stormed the beaches of Normandy in World War II, and defended South Korea in the Cold War.  Adapting during Vietnam and modernizing after 9/11, it remains a vital presence in world affairs and national resilience.
In 2025, the USPS issued a stamp marking the Army’s 250th anniversary picturing the official Army service mark.  The bald eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch symbolizes readiness for war and commitment to peace.  Above the eagle, a constellation of stars represents unity under a higher purpose.  This stamp stands as a tribute to the centuries of service, sacrifice, and strength that define the Army’s role in safeguarding America’s freedom.

US Navy
Black powder smoke curled across the Atlantic as cannons roared in defiance of tyranny.  A fledgling fleet, outnumbered and outgunned, fought with fury to carve America’s place on the seas.
Established on October 13, 1775, the United States Navy began with a ragtag group of ships and patriots challenging the British Navy.  The Navy’s daring raids during the Revolution set a precedent for maritime courage.  By the War of 1812, legends like the USS Constitution earned the nickname “Old Ironsides,” while naval might helped shape a growing empire.  The Navy surged to prominence in World War II, leading amphibious assaults across the Pacific and securing victory in battles like Midway and Leyte Gulf.  Its aircraft carriers and nuclear submarines now project power worldwide, safeguarding commerce, deterring conflict, and providing disaster relief.
To mark the Navy’s 250th anniversary, the USPS issued this stamp. The eagle perched on an anchor is a symbol of the Navy’s vigilance, strength, and global reach.  It’s a powerful emblem of maritime excellence, linking early sea raiders to today’s modern fleets.  This commemorative stamp honors the Navy’s unbroken tradition of defending America’s interests across every ocean, and it salutes the sailors whose courage has shaped history and secured the seas for 250 years.

US Marine Corps
The call “To the shores of Tripoli!” is a line from the Marines’ hymn.  Born from the charge of leathernecks into legend, it was at Tripoli the US flag was first raised in victory over foreign soil.  Where the fiercest fighting rages, the Marines are already there—first to fight, last to forget.
Founded on November 10, 1775, at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, the Marine Corps began as shipboard fighters for the Continental Navy.  Swiftly becoming elite shock troops, they made their mark in the Barbary Wars and storming Chapultepec during the Mexican- American War.  Marines were instrumental in the Pacific Theater of WWII—raising the flag on Iwo Jima and securing blood-soaked islands like Guadalcanal.  They defended Inchon in Korea, fought house-to-house in Fallujah, and innovated warfare through rapid deployment units in the post-9/11 world.  Though small in number, the Corps’ unmatched readiness makes them a singular force in global combat and crisis response.
The 2025 Marine Corp 250th anniversary stamp bears the unmistakable Eagle, Globe, and Anchor emblem.  Representing air, land, and sea, it reflects the Corps’ global presence and unshakable commitment.  The stamp is a salute to the Marines, a symbol of their courage, discipline, and the motto that binds generations: Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful).

Scarce Modern Imperforates
In 2012, modern imperforate stamps were one of the hottest stories around.  The US Postal Service released some issues as press sheets.  The sheets with die cut perforations were issued in limited quantities. 
To the surprise of many collectors, officials then issued a small number of press sheets without perforations.  The uncut sheets were only available in Kansas City, Missouri, and most sold out immediately.  In an instant, the imperforate stamp sheets became modern rarities.  For example, only 75,000 Baseball All-Star se-tenant sheets were issued compared to 118,000 Bugs Bunny sheets with the 10th stamp imperforate.
In a controversial move, the editors of Scott Catalogue announced they would not list or give numbers to these stamps because they did not fit Scott guidelines.  This decision was strongly debated since the imperforate stamps are valid for postage.  They eventually decided to give the stamps minor numbers.
Because they are issued in such limited quantities, these scarce modern imperforates can be difficult to find.  Luckily Mystic purchases a small number of each imperforate stamp issued so you can add these modern rarities to your collection.  Be one of the lucky few – order today.