The 2026 Isle of Man stamp issue, America 250!, marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence, celebrating the remarkable Manx individuals whose lives intertwined with the events of the American War of Independence. This six-stamp collection explores the courage, commerce and ideals that linked the Isle of Man to the emerging United States.
The stamps feature figures such as Captain John Paul Jones, regarded as the father of the US Navy, whose early smuggling and privateering in Manx waters brought him fame, and Hugh Crow, the young Ramsey sailor who narrowly escaped impressment by British press gangs. Other designs highlight naval officer William Bligh, Major Paul Crebbin and clergyman Reverend Philip Moore, whose perspectives and experiences reveal the Island’s complex engagement with trade, conflict and global politics during the revolutionary era.
Each stamp conveys rich historical context, from battles in New England and European involvement to the role of privateering and prize ships in shaping fortunes. The collection, researched and written by Matthew Richardson, captures these extraordinary stories, offering collectors an insightful glimpse into a pivotal period for both the Isle of Man and America.
Available as a Mint Set, Presentation Pack and First Day Cover, America 250! is a must-have for history enthusiasts and philatelists alike, providing a tangible connection to Manx heritage and the Island’s transatlantic legacy.
