The first USPS Commemorative Panel was issued September 20, 1972 for the 8c Wildlife Issue Block of 4 (Scott #1464-67). Since then, nearly 1,000 different panels have been produced, one for almost every commemorative stamp issue for more than 40 years. Usually, a panel will bear two or three engravings, more or less related to the subject of the stamps. Most of the engravings are great art work. Along, with these engravings is a text that provides an interesting insight into the stamp's subject. There, is often information about the subject that will be not be found from any other philatelic source. The 8-1/2 x 11-1/4 inch panels are a great addition to a specialized collection. Many are attractively framed and on the walls, of CPAs, War Veterans, and Sports and Animal lovers.

As you know, or may discover, some USPS Commemorative Panels are easy to acquire and others are very difficult. This is no surprise, the situation is cause by those old straw men, supply and demand. At different periods, the USPS has produced different quantities of Panels, even though at any point in time the quantities sold to subscribers are equal. Meanwhile, non panel collectors want only a few of some issues, while many of others. For example, many people would like to have a panel honoring a baseball player or Marilyn Monroe, while I have never found someone looking for just the 20c National Archives (Scott #2081) issue of 1984. Therefore, two panels, issued in nearly identical quantities will vary in price by a factor of 10 or more.