Post Office begins selling Harry Potter stamps Tuesday

Donna Leinwand Leger | USA TODAY

The first U.S. postage stamps to feature images from Harry Potter movies go on advance sale Tuesday at usps.com/stamps.

The U.S. Postal Service will produce 5 million booklets of 20 First-Class Forever Harry Potter stamps, says Susan McGowan, executive director of stamp services for the postal service.

"Anyone who collects anything about Harry Potter will want this in their collection," she says. "We anticipate a big demand for these."

The limited-edition commemorative stamps have 20 unique images from the eight movies about the British boy wizard and his friends, foes and fantastic creatures. Among the images are Voldemort, Dumbledore and the Weasley brothers.

McGowan notes that Harry's adventure into magic begins when he receives a letter inviting him to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

"In the books and films, Harry Potter's life changed with a letter, so we couldn't envision a more fitting tribute to commemorate the world created by J.K. Rowling and brought to life in the Warner Bros. films," says Brad Globe, president of Warner Bros. Consumer Products. "We think fans around the world will share our excitement in seeing the films take their place alongside the most significant figures and events in history as part of the U.S. stamp program."

The official first day of issue, when stamps are available in post offices, will be Nov. 19, McGowan says. The postmark city for stamp collectors seeking first day of issue covers is Orlando.

Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe says he hopes the popularity of Harry Potter will fuel interest in stamps and stamp collecting. "I think the stamps will spark a lot of interest among young people."

The postal service will release more information about the stamps over the coming week on the postal service Twitter feed @USPS with the hashtag #HPstamps.

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