We’re continuing our year-long celebration of 250 years of postal service in the United States with the release of the 9th postcard in our 12-postcard Commemorative Collection.
Each postcard spotlights a pivotal moment in U.S. postal history—complete with interesting facts and trivia for context.
Our newest postcard highlights the introduction of ZIP Codes in the United States.
The ZIP Code system was introduced in the United States in 1963 as the Zone Improvement Plan (ZIP) to improve the speed and accuracy of mail delivery.
Here are 5 fascinating ZIP code facts:
- The first digit designates one of ten geographic areas in the U.S., beginning with 0 in the east and increasing westward to 9 in the west. The next two digits identify a processing center, and the last two digits identify the post office.
- The lowest ZIP Code is 00501, assigned exclusively to the IRS service center in Holtsville, New York.
- The highest ZIP Code is 99950, located in Ketchikan, Alaska.
- Many buildings in the U.S. have their own unique ZIP code.
- Probably the most famous ZIP code in the country is 90210, popularized by the 1990s TV show "Beverly Hills, 90210.
To promote the use of the newly introduced ZIP Code system in 1963, the U.S. Postal Service created Mr. ZIP, a cheerful, speedy-looking mail carrier who appeared in posters, advertisements, and postal materials to educate and encourage the public to include ZIP Codes on their mail.
BTW — We would have loved to feature Mr. ZIP on our postcard, but due to copyright restrictions and licensing requirements, we do not have permission to use the character on a postcard.
Limited-Edition – Only Available in 2025
Did you know? When arranged in the layout above, the postcards connect with a timeline weaving from 1775 to 2025—and together reveal the hidden 250th Anniversary postmark.
More Fun Together
You love postcards—they’re your passion. But sometimes sharing that joy feels like an uphill climb.
That’s where these postcards come in. They’re more than a set about postal history—they’re a simple way to invite others into the fun.
Send someone a postcard from this collection and watch their excitement grow alongside yours. Together, you’ll build a shared adventure that keeps the love of postcards alive.