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250th Anniversary of the American War of Independence Commemorated through Stamp Issue

250th Anniversary of the American War of Independence Commemorated through Stamp Issue

Isle of Man Post Office is pleased to unveil this collection of stamps marking 250 years since the American Declaration of Independence. This stamp collection honours six remarkable figures whose lives bridged the Island and the emerging United States. Their stories reveal connections of courage, trade, politics, and ideals that linked Manx shores to America’s revolutionary cause.

Developed in collaboration with Manx historian Matthew Richardson, the collection uncovers and celebrates the often-overlooked stories linking the Isle of Man to the War of Independence. Through meticulous research, Matthew Richardson has brought to life the roles, influences, and experiences of Manx individuals during this transformative period in the late 18th century.

Fighting between Britain and her American colonies began in 1775, and the earliest impact of the war upon the Isle of Man was the sudden arrival of armed press gangs, both off the coast and in the Island’s harbours and taverns. Manx sailors, merchants, and migrants were connected to the transatlantic world in which the war unfolded. The Island’s strong seafaring tradition meant that Manx men served aboard British vessels and merchant ships operating in American waters, while trade routes linking the British Isles to the American colonies brought the effects of the conflict closer to home. 

Matthew Richardson explains “The Declaration of Independence of 1776 was a pivotal moment in the history of both America and Britain. Though each nation charted a very different course thereafter in terms of constitution, legal and political system, and economy, for better or worse we are still after 250 years linked by bonds of shared history and common language. This stamp issue reflects the role the Isle of Man played in those turbulent times, and it has been a great honour for me to be involved in its production.”
The collection highlights the stories of Hugh Crow, Captain John Paul Jones, Mark Wilks, Sir George Moore, Vice Admiral William Bligh and Major Paul Crebbin, all of whom share distinct links to Manx shores as highlighted through Matthew Richardson’s fascinating accompanying text. The collection brings these stories to life through the use of immersive historical imagery. 

Isle of Man Stamps & Coins is pleased to share this issue ahead of the Boston 2026 World Stamp Exhibition, one of the most prestigious philatelic events in the global calendar, where we will be represented by members of the Universal Postal Union as we commemorate this historic milestone. 

Maxine Cannon, Isle of Man Stamps & Coins General Manager comments: “This release provides an opportunity not only to commemorate a globally significant anniversary, but also to explore the Isle of Man’s own place within that history. Working alongside Matthew Richardson has allowed us to uncover fascinating connections and present them in a way that is both engaging and meaningful.”

Released on 7th May 2026, the America 250 – The War of Independence collection is available online at iomstamps.com/collections/America250. The collection includes a Set, First Day Cover and Presentation Pack. 

High resolution images for this stamp issue can be found below:

Set
Stamp 1
Stamp 2
Stamp 3
Stamp 4
Stamp 5
Stamp 6
Presentation Pack
Presentation Pack
Presentation Pack
First Day Cover
First Day Cover
First Day Cover
Sheet Set

May 05, 2026