Elvis Remains The King Of Postage Stamps

This year's Wonders of America set climbed to second place in the most popular stamps, but Elvis is still the King, the Postal Service said Tuesday.

Some 124.1 million of the 1993 Elvis Presley stamps were saved by Americans, according to the post office, which does an annual survey of 10,000 households to determine which stamps are most popular.

Rising into second spot was the Wonders of America set with 87.5 million stamps saved, the agency said.

"Stamp collecting continues as one of the worlds most popular educational hobbies that the entire family can enjoy," Postmaster General John E. Potter said in a statement.

The post office receives stamp ideas from an estimated 50,000 people annually, with 20 to 25 suggestions making it onto postage. The avalanche of ideas is reviewed by an independent advisory committee which sends its recommendations to the postmaster general for a final decision.

"The fact that 10 of the top 25 were issued in the last three years serves as a testament to the committee's expertise in selecting dynamic subjects and America's continued interest in the hobby," Potter added.

People who want to make suggestions can send their ideas to the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee, Stamp Development, U.S. Postal Service, 1735 North Lynn St., Rm. 5013, Arlington, Va., 22209.

Following Elvis and the Wonders of America in popularity were Wildflowers, 1992, 76.1 million stamps saved; Rock & Roll/Rhythm & Blues, 1993, 75.9 million and DC Comics Super Heroes, 2006, 73.0 million.

Rounding out the Top 10 were Greetings From America, 2002, 71.4 million; Insects and Spiders, 1999, 61.0 million; Art of Disney: Romance, 2006, 57.2 million; Legends of Baseball, 2000, 53.9 million and Art of Disney: Celebration, 2005, 52.8 million.

And the rest of the top 25 are: Baseball Playing Fields, 2001, 49.0 million; Art of Disney: Friendship, 2004, 47.7 million; Civil War, 1995, 46.6 million; Legends of the West, 1994, 46.4 million; Marilyn Monroe, 1995, 46.4 million.