USA: Muhammad Ali

On January 15, 2026, the United States Postal Service issued two Forever Stamps honoring Muhammad Ali. The designs were created by USPS art director Antonio Alcalá, based on a 1974 Associated Press photograph of Ali in his boxing pose. Muhammad Ali (born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr.; January 17, 1942 – June 3, 2016) was an American professional boxer and activist. A global cultural icon, widely known by the nickname "the Greatest", he is often regarded as the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time.

The first-day-of-issue ceremony was held in Ali's hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, which is reflected in the cancellation on this cover: First Day of Issue – January 15, 2026 – Louisville, KY 40231. The envelope carries three of the stamps side by side, two showing the portrait design and one the typographic "ALI – The Greatest" variant.

 

Stamps on this Cover

3× Muhammad Ali Issued: 15-01-2026

Many thanks to John!

Germany: Minehunter Fulda (M 1058) on Mission SNMCMG2 - May 2026

This cover shows a Missioncachet of the Minehunter Fulda (M 1058) from its departure in Kiel on 4 May 2026 heading to the Mediterranean as part of SNMCMG2 (Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2). The Fulda is being pre-positioned as a precautionary measure for a potential deployment related to the Strait of Hormuz crisis, where mine-hunting vessels like this one could play a critical role. She is equipped with underwater drones and sonar systems for locating and neutralizing sea mines.

Stamp on this Cover

1× Lüneburg Heath Issued: 02-04-2026

Many thanks for the help to Kay Neuthor!

Picture of the Ship:

© Bundeswehr/Alexander Ullmann

North Korea: Sports

The "Democratic People's Republic" (DPR) of Korea is one of the most isolated nations on earth – and also one of the most prolific producers of thematic stamps. This illustrated cover was sent by the Korea Stamp Corporation, the state philatelic agency based at Yonggwang Street in the Central District of Pyongyang, which regularly dispatches philatelic covers to collectors worldwide. 

Three se-tenant stamps from the sheet "Sports" issued 25th July 2020 are used here, showing Volleyball, Speed Skating and Diving – each at a face value of 50 won. An additional 10-won definitive stamp depicting the North Korean national flag completes the franking to a total of 160 won. 

What makes this cover particularly special is a purple framed handstamp reading "Delivery delayed due to COVID-19 / DELAYED". North Korea closed its borders in January 2020, making it one of the first countries in the world to do so in response to the pandemic – and one of the strictest. International mail services were severely disrupted or suspended entirely for an extended period. Now, almost 6 years later, it seems the letters that have been sitting there are finally starting to be mailed out.

Stamps on this Cover

minisheet Sports Issued: 25-07-2020

1x 10-won Definitive stamp (Flag) Issued: unknown

Many thanks to Yue Xu!