But it seems to be at least as much about money as admiration. For years, the post office has been facing severe financial problems due to the growing use of e-mail. A burst of interest in stamp design and collecting - which the Postal Service is seeking to promote partly through social media - could bring in new dollars, since stamps that are collected rather than used for postage provide added revenue.

Poking fun at the Postal Service’s money woes, comedian Stephen Colbert has been pushing to become the first living person depicted on a government-issued stamp. His Comedy Central website proposes a “Farewell to Postage’’ stamp with a photo of him holding up a smartphone that shows an e-mail telling the Postal Service “See Ya!’’

Judging by initial public reaction in interviews yesterday, Colbert faces competition.

Cyndi Scarlett, 54, of Alexandria, Va., who works in humanitarian development, touted her choice of Apple Inc. founder Steve Jobs to be the first living person on a stamp. Walking by a post office in downtown Washington, D.C., she cited his company’s role in reshaping everyday life, from the ubiquitous Macintosh and iPod to the iPad.

“He has changed the face of technology in America,’’ Scarlett said. Other suggestions included evangelist Billy Graham, President Obama, General Norman Schwarzkopf, actress Tyra Banks, and Paralympic athlete Bonnie St. John.