1991 US 29-Cent Desert Shield/Storm (Scott #2551-2552)

America's Stamps of Solidarity

The 1991 United States 29-cent Desert Shield and Desert Storm stamps (Scott catalog numbers 2551 and 2552) are among the most emotionally resonant commemorative issues of the late 20th century. Released during and immediately after the Gulf War, these stamps captured a moment of intense national unity and pride in the American armed forces. For stamp collectors, they represent an accessible and historically significant addition to any United States collection.

Issued by the United States Postal Service, these stamps honored the men and women who served in Operations Desert Shield (the defensive buildup beginning August 1990) and Desert Storm (the offensive campaign from January to February 1991). The stamps were enormously popular at the time of issue, with millions of Americans purchasing them as expressions of support for the troops.

The Stamps in Detail

The Desert Shield/Storm issue consists of two stamps, printed se-tenant (side by side) on the same sheet:

Scott #2551 - Desert Shield: Features a representation of the Desert Shield operation, depicting the military buildup in Saudi Arabia. The stamp carries the 29-cent denomination that was the first-class letter rate at the time.

Scott #2552 - Desert Storm: Depicts the offensive operation with military imagery. Like its companion stamp, it carries the 29-cent denomination.

Both stamps were designed by Jack Williams and printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing using offset lithography. The stamps measure the standard US commemorative size and were issued in sheets of 50 (25 se-tenant pairs).

The issue date was July 2, 1991, with the first day of issue ceremony held in Washington, D.C. The timing placed the release approximately four months after the conclusion of combat operations, when patriotic sentiment remained strong.

Mintage and Availability

The USPS printed these stamps in very large quantities, reflecting both the anticipated demand and the organization's desire to meet public enthusiasm for the issue. Total printing exceeded 200 million stamps, making this one of the larger commemorative printings of the early 1990s.

This high mintage means the stamps are readily available in all conditions, from mint singles to complete sheets. For collectors, this accessibility is actually a positive attribute. These stamps can be acquired inexpensively while still carrying genuine historical significance and patriotic appeal.

Varieties and Collectible Forms

Collectors pursue several forms of these stamps:

Mint Single Stamps: Individual stamps in unused, never-hinged condition. The most basic collectible form.

Se-Tenant Pairs: The stamps as originally configured, side by side. This is the preferred format for most collectors.

Plate Blocks: Corner blocks of four (or more) stamps showing the plate number used in printing. Plate blocks are traditional collection items that appeal to serious US stamp collectors.

Full Sheets: Complete sheets of 50 stamps. These are impressive display pieces and preserve the stamps in their original printing format.

First Day Covers (FDCs): Envelopes bearing the stamps postmarked on the July 2, 1991 first day of issue. FDCs with official USPS ceremony cancels and cacheted (illustrated) envelopes are popular with cover collectors.

Errors and Varieties: As with any stamp issue, minor printing varieties may exist. Color shifts, perforation misalignments, and other production anomalies are worth investigating but are not commonly reported for this issue.

Value Guide

These are not high-value stamps in monetary terms. Their appeal lies in historical significance, affordability, and the emotional connection they represent to a specific moment in American history.

Condition Grading for Stamps

Grade A (Superb/Gem): Stamp is perfectly centered within its perforations with equal margins on all sides. Colors are vivid and true. Gum is original and never disturbed (original gum, never hinged - OG/NH). No bends, creases, thins, or other defects. Perforations are intact and evenly spaced.

Grade B (Extremely Fine to Superb): Near-perfect centering with very slight deviation. Colors bright and clean. Original gum, never hinged. No defects. Perforations complete and intact.

Grade C (Very Fine): Centering is slightly off but the design is well clear of the perforations on all sides. This is the standard for most "nice" mint stamps. Colors good. Original gum, never hinged preferred but lightly hinged acceptable.

Grade D (Fine to Very Fine): Design may be slightly closer to perforations on one side. Still attractive. May show light hinge marks or very minor gum disturbance. No significant defects.

Grade E (Fine or Below): Centering may be noticeably off. Design may touch perforations on one side. Possible hinge remnant, gum disturbance, or minor defects. Still suitable for space-filling in a collection.

The Historical Context

Operation Desert Shield began on August 7, 1990, when President George H.W. Bush ordered American forces to Saudi Arabia following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait on August 2. The defensive operation rapidly grew into the largest American military deployment since Vietnam, with over 500,000 US troops eventually stationed in the Persian Gulf region.

Operation Desert Storm, the offensive campaign to liberate Kuwait, began on January 17, 1991, with an intensive air campaign followed by a ground offensive that commenced on February 24. The ground war lasted just 100 hours before a ceasefire was declared on February 28.

The war generated intense patriotic feeling in the United States. Yellow ribbons, "Support Our Troops" bumper stickers, and flag displays were everywhere. The stamps were part of this national expression of solidarity, and the USPS correctly anticipated enormous public demand.

Collecting Strategy

For most collectors, the Desert Shield/Storm stamps fit naturally into a United States commemorative collection organized by year or topic. Military-themed collections, Gulf War memorabilia collections, and patriotic-themed collections all benefit from including these stamps.

The low cost of entry makes this an ideal stamp for beginning collectors or for those who want to add a historically significant piece to their collection without significant investment. A mint se-tenant pair in a protective mount provides an attractive display piece for under $2.

For those seeking more depth, assembling a complete collection of the various forms (singles, pairs, plate blocks, FDCs, full sheets) creates a satisfying mini-collection that documents the stamp from every angle. Adding military free-frank covers (mail from service members in the Gulf theater) creates a broader postal history collection around the conflict.

Storage and Preservation

Store mint stamps in stamp mounts or stock pages that hold the stamps securely without touching the gum surface. Never use hinges on modern mint stamps, as hinge marks significantly reduce the value (and collector appeal) of post-1940 US stamps.

Keep stamps in a cool, dry environment. Modern stamp gum is particularly susceptible to tropical or high-humidity conditions, which can cause curling, gum disturbance, or adhesion to album pages.

For first day covers, use cover sleeves or cover albums that protect the envelope from handling and light exposure.

Browse all Stamps →

Related Items