50 stamps for 50 states

Postal Service unveils 'Greetings from America' series

NEW YORK (CNN) -- At simultaneous ceremonies in all 50 states, the United States Postal Service unveiled the "Greetings from America" stamp series Thursday.

The stamps were inspired by old postcards and include images of state landmarks and state flowers.

"The timing is right for the release of these stamps," said John Hargett, a spokesman for the postal service. "Let's hope that when these stamps travel the country on envelopes they inspire people to get out and see this great nation and help revive the travel-related businesses that support so many Americans."

RESOURCES Click here to see each stamp

The main stamp unveiling took place at the Postage Mega Stamp Event, a stamp show at Pier 88 in Manhattan.

Also on display at the stamp show was the 1-cent Z Grill stamp, an 1868 one-cent stamp valued at $2.5 million. It is owned by Donald Sundman, president of Mystic Stamp Company.