Entries Tagged 'US Stamps' ↓
January 19th, 2012 — Back of Book, Duck Stamps, Stamp Collecting, US Stamps
If you are a lover of wildlife, or simply enjoy collectible stamps, the US stamp collection called the Duck Stamp is a terrific stamp to consider learning more about. These are not actually valid for postage, and were first released in 1934 as a way to raise money for conservation projects. They quickly became incredibly popular and through the years this popularity has only grown.
The Duck Stamps are actually made for the US Fish and Wildlife Service by the US Postal Service and every year a new design is introduced. Recently, the postal service began holding contests were amateur designers could submit their duck stamp designs for a chance to win the prize of having their stamp be the one that was produced that year. This is a competitive, but fun event and thousands take part every year.
For every dollar that is spent on a duck stamp, the US Postal Service donates 98 cents to the Fish and Wildlife service. Through the years, this funding has become vital and has gone to many special waterfowl and wildlife conservation projects. Without the duck stamp, it is highly possible that many wildlife would now be extinct or at the very least, could have lost their habitats.
The popularity of the regular duck stamp led to a new program that was introduced in 1989. Called the Junior Duck Stamp program, the proceeds from this go back into education. Through this program, children are encouraged to design their own stamps for inclusion in the project and they also learn more about conservation. This project also took off and once more, the stamps became very popular.
Another recent change was the introduction of the pass system, where a duck stamp could be used to gain admittance to a National Park free of charge. While few people like to part with their duck stamps, this program has also been a success. The success of the numerous duck stamp programs has spread, and now many states have their own special national park and stamp programs that are modeled on this original.
The most collectible duck stamps are the ones that were produced during the early stages of the program, but nearly all carry some value. While the primary purpose of the stamps may be to fund conservation and education programs, there is also a large selection of the population that collects these stamps for their artistic value. You can typically find a new US duck stamp for around $15, but the collectible and desirable stamps from many years ago can fetch much more than that at auction.
Many consider the duck stamp to be the perfect introduction for children into stamp collecting. Since they can participate in the design process and enter the contest to have their design chosen, it is a great interactive form of stamp collecting that could spark a life long interest in becoming a philatelist. If you have children, consider getting them their first duck stamp and watch their creativity and love of nature blossom.
Originally posted 2008-08-20 05:00:48. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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All About Collectible Postage Stamps The art of collecting collectible postage stamps is a hobby that has become popular with several millions of Americans as well as people all throughout the world, including young and old alike. Many people that are just beginning with collectible postage stamps enjoy the thrill and the challenge that comes...... -
Collecting Stamps as an Enjoyable Hobby When people are just starting out, the idea of stamp collecting can be relatively confusing. This is because it can be difficult for starters to distinguish regular stamps from valuable ones. Collecting stamps is a truly enjoyable hobby, however, so many more serious collectors recommend that the best possible way...... -
Collecting Postage Stamps Many people do not think of collecting postage stamps as a suitable collection, because collecting small sticky images and placing them in plastic sheets in a binder or book does not appear to be the most exciting past time in the world. The truth is, however, that collecting stamps can......
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New Collectible US Currency Pieces There is something to be said for focusing on all of the different pieces of US currency that go into circulation, whether they are old and rare or new and readily available. Many of the newest coins on the market are actually created with coin collectors in mind, especially those...... -
Collecting Walt Disney Collectibles One of the types of Walt Disney Collectibles that is available to you is Walt Disney Classics Collection or WDCC, which was originally introduced in the year 1992 at a collectibles show known as South Bend Collectible Show. Three years of work went into the creation of this collection of...... -
Silver Tea Sets Collectibles -> Housewares-and-Kitchenware -> Tableware The first silver tea set was created in 1790, almost 100 years after the first known silver tea pot was created. That first silver tea pot is now in a London museum and is much smaller than what we think of as a tea pot...... -
US Currency and Your Child’s Coin Collection (Pros & Cons) If you are thinking about getting your child started on coin collecting, you are going to want to get them to stick to one specific niche or theme. This helps to give them direction as they work to start their coin collection and helps to give them specific benefits. While...... -
School and State at Ends over Gun Decision The decision was made less than a day before the East Wake High School (North Carolina) marksmanship team was set to face off in a statewide shooting competition. At the behest of one of the principals of East Wake, along with the superintendent, the school team was barred from competing......
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January 8th, 2012 — Rare Stamps, US Stamps, Z Grill
Collecting stamps from around the world is a popular hobby for many, but there are also many valuable stamps that are hard to find. US Stamps in particular can be very rare, and there are quite a few that collectors would give their eye teeth for. Here is a quick guide to most collectible US stamps that are currently available.
1. US Franklin Z Grill – 1867 US Stamp
This one may be hard for the average collector to find since only two were ever made. While all Z Grills are considered to be collectible, these two stamps are by far the most valuable. One recently sold at auction for just under $1 million.
2. Hawaiian Missionary Stamps – 1851 US Stamp
The first stamps that were issued by what would later become the state of Hawaii are considered to be incredibly rare and will fetch upwards of $225k at auction. The first series were missionary stamps. They got this name from the multitude of American missionaries that were stationed in the islands during that time period. These were the same stamps that they used to write home and report on their efforts at spreading the gospel.
3. Abraham Lincoln – 1867 US Stamp
This is a very rare stamp indeed, but you may be able to find one since there are least more than two in existence. It features the Z Grill and is considered to be collectible due to the Civil War that was raging at the time and the history behind the stamp. If you are lucky enough to come across one of these, it can easily sell for more than $200k if it is in good condition.
4. Shield, Eagle and Flags – 1869 US Stamp
This stamp is so valuable that even one that no longer has gum on the back can still be worth more than $3500 if the rest of the stamp is in good condition. These are a little easier to come by for the average collector. Keep your eyes open however for one that is both unhinged and has gum since this can be worth more than $200k.
5. The Declaration of Independence – 1869 US Stamp
One of these used will sell more for more than $800, but if you can find one that is still intact, it can be worth a lot more. Many of these stamps, in mint condition, will sell at auction for more than $200k. Again, this is an easier stamp to find since more of them were issued.
US Stamps offer more than just a valuable collectible. Each one has a rich history tied to it that links us to our past. If you are just starting your collection, it is fun to see just how many rare stamps you can come across, and you never know just what treasures you may find. This is a great hobby for kids, and you can teach them a lot about the United States through these rare and valuable stamps.
Originally posted 2008-08-17 05:00:56. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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Valuable Stamps Stamps -> Worldwide -> Postal History If you are interested in stamp collecting as more than just a hobby, it is important to focus on finding valuable stamps. These are the ones that will enhance your personal collection and provide you with a solid investment that you can count on....... -
Post Office Stamps Stamps -> United States -> Collections Post office stamps are a great collectible for kids to enjoy, and luckily, it isn’t all that hard to start a collection. Before you start building your collection, it’s a good idea to make sure that you have all the supplies you’ll need. This...... -
United States Stamps Stamps -> Books and Manuscripts -> Back of Book United States stamps are fun to collect and you will have many different varieties from which to choose. If you are looking for a hobby for your kids, or you are just interested in US history, these stamps are a great......
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Get to Know the Most Collectible Coins in the World There are quite a few people in the world collecting coins. The coins which are being collected range from the ordinary to the extremely rare. The kind of people collecting coins also range from the child collecting the coins they find in pocket change to the serious collectors spending millions...... -
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The Best Story in Rare Coin Collecting There are many reasons why a coin will become rare and collectible. It may be that it was a commemorative coin which was intended to be rare and instantly collectible. It can also be because the coin was taken out of circulation or was not authorized for striking by the...... -
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Rare Coins to Add to Your Collection The wide variety of coins and paper money that can be added to your collection come in the forms of both easy-to-access money and rare coins. Rare coins are a special part of coin collecting, providing individuals with goals to set and coins to chase. There are some coins that......
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January 6th, 2012 — collectible stamps, Monroe Stamps, Stamp Collecting, stamp collection, stamp collector, Stamp Value, United States Stamps, US Postage Stamps, US Stamps, valuable stamps
The Marilyn Monroe stamp was released on June 1, 1995, on what would have been Marilyn’s 69th birthday. It joined the ranks of what the United States Postal Service calls “blockbuster” stamps, like the Elvis stamp, and some commemorative stamps like those honoring Civil War veterans. 400 million stamps were printed (almost as many as Elvis’ 500 million stamp print run), and while they’re popular with collectors, the value is generally no more than the face value of the stamp.
A stamp collector might enjoy owning a sheet of these stamps, or a single Monroe stamp, because they’re boldly colored, with Marilyn’s platinum hair, bright red lipstick and glitzy dress. And because they represent one of the most famous pin-up and movie stars of all time. But a Marilyn Monroe buff and collector will surely want these stamps in their collection because they’re just one more way to show that America never could get enough of Marilyn, and even over 30 years after her death they still feel the need to immortalize her beauty.
While Marilyn was a bonafide bombshell and movie star, maybe her humble beginnings and her struggle once she became popular help keep her an object of obsession and interest, one worthy of being honored with a Monroe stamp, after all these years. Born Norma Jean Baker, she started out in a way that few would associate with later fame. Childhood sexual abuse and poverty were just some of the tragedies of her early life. She lived in a series of foster homes and orphanages because her mother suffered from breakdowns that left her institutionalized.
She married at 16 to escape such a life, and soon began posing for pin-ups after her picture was taking while working in a factory. She didn’t get the name Marilyn Monroe until she was signed with RKO pictures, dyed her hair blonde and began appearing in small parts in films. Nude calendar photos in Playboy and a few starring roles shot her to fame in the early 1950s, and less than 10 years later she was dead of a sleeping pill overdose. Few stars are with us so short a time and then memorialized in ways like the Monroe stamp, but Marilyn captured the national consciousness and made people take notice.
A Marilyn fan and collector can find the Marilyn Monroe stamp on eBay or almost anywhere Marilyn memorabilia is sold. Chances are that a person wanting the stamp because it features Marilyn Monroe will care less about the stamp quality than the picture. So cancelled stamps, degummed stamps and other things that make it less desirable for a stamp collector are easy to find, and are relatively cheap.
But for those who want the stamp because it’s part of US stamp history, you’ll want to find a sheet of uncut stamps in excellent condition on eBay or elsewhere. Though given the date of its release, a Monroe stamp with a first day cancellation can be a great part of your collection.
Originally posted 2008-12-24 14:00:41. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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Setting Up a Postage Stamp Collection Many people come by the idea of setting up a postage stamp collection in different ways. Some people come across a single stamp that inspires them while others fall in love with the hobby after someone they know exposes them to it. No matter how you came by the concept...... -
Guide to Selling Stamps and Stamp Collections Often people ask me for advice on what to do with their newly inherited or given stamp collection, usually with a bent on selling it. These are a few pointers I have slapped together. Number one: do not get your hopes up. Most people see albums or boxes full of...... -
Collectible Stamps Stamps -> United States -> 19th Century - Unused Finding the best collectible stamps can sometimes be difficult, especially if you don’t know what to look for. It’s never easy to guess when it comes to stamps, and if you are a serious collector, it pays to subscribe to stamp...... -
U.S. Air Mail Stamps Stamps -> United-States -> Postage Collecting US Airmail stamps has become such a popular hobby, by both those who collect all sorts of stamps and those who are just interesting in United States airmail stamps, that there are clubs and associations based on just that hobby. The American Air......
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Uses of a Concrete Stamp A concrete stamp is something used by contractors and home remodelers to stamp a design into wet concrete. It's simply a stencil that's used to create a pattern or some other marking in wet concrete. Homeowners who enjoyed do-it-yourself projects can purchase concrete stamps and do it themselves. Many people...... -
Royal Doulton Figurines Collectibles -> Decorative Collectibles -> Figurines Royal Doulton figurines are an incredibly popular collectible and once you see how intricate the designs are, it is easy to see why. These precious statues are manufactured by the Royal Doulton Company from England and there is quite a lot of history behind...... -
Antique Dolls Antiques -> Decorative Arts -> Figurines One of the most popular forms of antique collectibles are antique dolls and there are some that can bring in an astonishing amount of money. Whether you have an old collection of vintage dolls, or you are trying to find one to complete your...... -
3 of the Many Collectable American Coins There are several rare and collectable coins from all over the world. If you are looking to get into collecting coins and you have a special interest in specifically American coins then there are plenty of options for you to choose from. You can find collectable American coins which range......
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January 4th, 2012 — Antique Postage Stamps, Canceled Postage Stamps, collectible stamps, Old Postage Stamps, Rare Stamps, Stamp Collecting, stamp collection, stamp collector, Stamp Value, U.S. Air Mail Stamps, US Postage Stamps, US Stamps, Used Stamps, valuable stamps
Collecting US Airmail stamps has become such a popular hobby, by both those who collect all sorts of stamps and those who are just interesting in United States airmail stamps, that there are clubs and associations based on just that hobby. The American Air Mail Society was established in 1923 as a place for people interested in these stamps to come together, talk stamps, make exchanges and enjoy their unique hobby.
If you want to collect US Air Mail stamps, you should learn a little bit of the history of this stamp so you’ll know what to look for, and you’ll be able to tell which stamps are the ones you want to collect and which aren’t really worth the purchase price. If you shop for these stamps in online auctions like those found on eBay, which is an excellent way to find a variety of stamps, then you’ll want to know which stamps would make a great part of your collection.
Sellers on eBay will almost always use the words “rare,” “vintage,” “antique,” and “hard to find” in their auctions, if even the item is readily available and not really worth anything. These words make their items come up in a searches for rare and vintage items, and increase their chances of selling at a good price. Knowing a little of the history of US Airmail stamps will help you distinguish between stamps that are a little more valuable and ones that they’re only saying are rare and highly collectible.
The first US Airmail stamps were created in 1918 at a value of 24 cents, because airmail postage was established at 24 cents per ounce. This stamp is known as the Curtis Jenny issue, and is number as the Scott C3. There are two other stamps from this “series” but the C3 24 cent Curtis Jenny was the first. A few months after this stamp was created, the airmail rate was actually reduced to 16 cents, so the 16 cent Curtis Jenny was released (these are known as the Scott C2) and then about 6 months later the price dropped again to 6 cents, necessitating the Scott C1 issue in that amount.
These early releases are distinguishable by color. The C3, the earliest stamp, came in rose and blue, while the 16 cent stamps were green and the 6 cent stamps were orange. All featured an airplane and look similar aside from their color and denomination. These are probably the most valuable US Airmail stamps because they were the first. Later stamps showed a US map, different types of airplanes, and some stamps were long thin stamps while others were tall.
The American Air Mail Society has pictures of almost every US Airmail stamp all the way back to those first Curtis Jenny stamps, and is a valuable resource when you’re searching for stamps online. Stamps rarely bear the date, so comparing the stamps with the pictures at this website will ensure that you’ll purchase the exact stamps you want.
Originally posted 2008-11-15 12:35:19. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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