Thread by @PostalMuseum

The new #USPSTRexStamps depict the lifespan–from baby to fossil–of a T. rex. The remains of the “Nation’s T. rex” inspired the stamp art. A 1st Day of Issue Ceremony streams live at 11AM from the @smithsonian Nat'l Museum of Natural History @NMNH: s.si.edu/30U5vV2 ©USPS

@smithsonian @NMNH Discovered by chance in Montana in 1988, the Nation’s T. rex was amazingly & perfectly preserved in action with its jaws around a hapless Triceratops. This so called “death pose” is on view at the National Museum of Natural History @NMNH in its newly opened #DeepTime fossil hall

@smithsonian @NMNH "There is a sense of balance and tension in this pose...In fact, the T. rex is decapitating the Triceratops" according to @NMNH curator Matthew Carrano. If you haven't had a chance to visit the new #DeepTime fossil hall, you can check it out online: s.si.edu/2WkRG3i

@smithsonian @NMNH Learn more about the fascinating discovery, preservation, & meticulous assembly of the Nation's T. rex for the @NMNH #DeepTime fossil hall in this fun piece from @SmithsonianMag: "Like a Homecoming King, the Nation's T. rex returns to the @smithsonian" po.st/ywP1Nl

@smithsonian @NMNH To celebrate the new #USPSTRexStamps & the newly opened #DeepTime fossil hall at the National Museum of Natural History, today we’re sharing some of our favorite dinosaur stamps from our collection starting with this 2000 “Jurassic Park” stamp. @NMNH ©USPS

@smithsonian @NMNH Part of the "Celebrate the Century: 1990s" series, the stamp features a T. rex, the movie's villain (hero? anti-hero?). The 1st Day of Issue Ceremony for the new #USPSTRexStamps is streaming live NOW from the Natural Museum of Natural History: bit.ly/2MvjhdH @NMNH @USPS

@smithsonian @NMNH Illustrator & muralist John Gurche designed the 1989 "Prehistoric Animals" issue which included this vibrant stamp of a couple of T rex BFFs.

Not a cell phone in sight, just dinos living in the moment. Absolutely beautiful, wish we could go back. #JK #USPSTRexStamps @NMNH ©USPS

@smithsonian @NMNH John Gurche is known for his realistic depictions of prehistoric animals in National Geographic and at the @smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Tyrannosaurus rex translates to tyrant lizard KING #accurate #USPSTRexStamps @NMNH

@smithsonian @NMNH The"Prehistoric Animals" issue also included the hearty Stegosaurus ("roof lizard"), mid-step on a rock formation. These herbivorous creatures lived during the late Jurassic period, some 155-145 million years ago. #USPSTRexStamps #DeepTime @NMNH ©USPS; all rights reserved.

@smithsonian @NMNH The 1997 "World of Dinosaurs" stamps include 15 different prehistoric animals that make up 2 scenes - 1 from the Colorado region of 150 million years ago & 1 from the Montana region of 75 million years ago. @NMNH #USPSTRexStamps #DeepTime ©USPS; all rights reserved.

@smithsonian @NMNH Illustrator James Gurney worked with paleontologists & paleobotanists to ensure the accuracy of the dinosaurs, flora & fauna on the stamps. The 1st Day of Issue Ceremony was at the Museum of Western Colorado's Dinosaur Valley Museum. @NMNH @DinosaurJourney #USPSTRexStamps

@smithsonian @NMNH The Colorado scene features the Ceratosaurus, Camptosaurus, Camarasaurus, Brachiosaurus, Goniopholis, Stegosaurus, Allosaurus & Opisthias kicking it in the middle Jurassic period. @NMNH #USPSTRexStamps #DeepTime ©USPS; all rights reserved.

@smithsonian @NMNH The Montana scene features the Edmontonia, Einiosaurus, Daspletosaurus, Palaeosaniwa, Corythosaurus, Ornithomimus & Parasaurolophus during the late Cretaceous period. (opossums, we see you!) @NMNH #USPSTRexStamps #DeepTime ©USPS; all rights reserved.

@smithsonian @NMNH “Dinosaur” is rooted in the Greek “deinos” (terrible, potent, or fearfully great) & “sauros” (lizard). But dinosaurs are not lizards. They are their own category of reptilian animal more closely related to birds & crocodiles. Dinosaurs, you do you! @NMNH #DeepTime #USPSTRexStamps