USPS U.S. Flag 2018 Forever Stamps Book of 20 postage stamps For more than half a century, American postage stamps have depicted the American flag in vivid red, white and blue. This striking new release continues that tradition with an eye-catching banner graphic design. Kit Hinrichs' digital illustration shows a flag with crisp pleats and a modern look, with a small portion visible on the back shaded to suggest a sense of depth. Although the American flag appeared on U.S. postage stamps as early as 1869, often as a small element in a larger illustration, it wasn't until 1957 that the U.S. Postal Service developed a fast and economical way to produce two- or multi-color stamps, The method could benefit from a special printing press purchased from Switzerland by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, depicting the flag in true red, white and blue.