The first USPS Commemorative Panel was issued in 1972.  Since then, over 600 different panels have been produced, one for almost every commemorative stamp of the last 26 years.  Usually, a panel will bear two or three engravings, more or less related to the subject of the stamps.  Most of the engravings are great art work.  Along with these engravings is a text that provides an interesting insight into the stamp's subject.  There is often information about the subject that will be not be found from any other philatelic source.  The 8-1/2 x 11-1/4 inch panels are a great addition to a specialized collection and many are attractively framed.

As you know, or may discover, some USPS Commemorative Panels are easy to acquire and others are very difficult.  This is no surprise, the situation is cause by those old straw men, supply and demand.  At different periods, the USPS has produced different quantities of Panels, even though at any point in time the quantities sold to subscribers are equal.  Therefore, two panels, issued in nearly identical quantities will vary in price by a factor of 10 or more.

Images and research material used with permission of The Stamp Professor
Updates and modifications by Keith Larson