Nature of America Series USA Postage Stamps (1999 ? 2010 Issued single sheets) ? Designer: Ethel Kessler ? Illustrator: John D, Dawson Sonoran Desert USA Postage Stamps (1999 1st Sheet Issued in Series) ? Date Place of 1st Issue: April 6, 1999 Tuscan AZ ? Stamps per Sheet: 10 ? MSR per Stamp: 33 cents ? Printer: Banknote Corporation of America The original idea in 1996 was for a set of four American desert stamps. John D, Dawson, who had illustrated other stamps for the postal service, was promoted for the project. From four single stamps, the concept grew to six single sheets of different eco-systems. Due to the commercial success of the early issues, the project added six more eco-systems. Before the issue of the Nature of America Series, stamp sheets were issued printed with gummed backs dot perforations between stamps. The design team felt that the old production method would distract from the mural ecosystem presentation of the Nature Series, so they created self-adhesive stamps die cut onto the non-stick backing. The self-adhesive stamp has since become the standard method of stamp production. This design allowed the back of the sheet to replicate the front and identify the flora and fauna in the mural. No stamps have been removed from the sheet, therefore none have cancellation marks. Although not in the original packaging from the Post Office, This sheet has spent over 20 years supported by a cardboard sheet within a plastic bag. ? Size: 9? x 8" sheet, Scott catalog: 3293. ? Condition: Fine (As New) Stamp Sheet ? 1st Edition. Always privately owned. No markings. Copyright 1999. First Edition.