New stamp celebrates Colorado's 150th birthday

Between the lines: The move birthed Colorado's official nickname, the Centennial State, forever tying the state with the U.S.'s birthday, which will mark its own semiquincentennial — its 250th anniversary — in July.

Zoom in: The forever stamp features a photograph of Jagged Mountain by the late John Fielder, showing scenery often associated with a state whose Rocky Mountain peaks later inspired the lyrics to "America the Beautiful."

Flashback: Colorado spent 15 years as a territory before becoming the 38th state on Aug. 1, 1876, when President Ulysses S. Grant issued a statehood proclamation.

What's next: The stamps go on sale starting Jan. 24, but are now available for pre-order online.

• A dedication ceremony for the stamp at History Colorado Center in Denver will coincide with the debut of a new Fielder exhibit at the museum.