Monroe Stamp

January 8th, 2010 | Monroe Stamps, Stamp Collecting, Stamp Value, US Postage Stamps, US Stamps, United States Stamps, collectible stamps, stamp collection, stamp collector, valuable stamps

US Stamps 325 3c Monroe Superb OG NH

US $226.60

Sale

US Stamps 325 3c Monroe XF OG NH

US $149.60

Sale

Stamps -> Topical-and-Specialty -> Famous People

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

Related Posts

Stamp Collector Stamps -> Worldwide -> Collections, Lots Few types of collectors get more excited and enthusiastic about a new acquisition than a stamp collector. Stamp collecting is one of the most popular hobbies in the world, enjoyed by young children, the elderly, and every age in between. Over 20 million people......
Valuing your Stamp Hobby Many aspiring stamp hobby collectors end up wondering if it would be possible to get rich through the collection of stamps. The truth is, no, you are not likely to turn a stamp hobby into a million dollar endeavor. Most philatelic stamp hobbyists are never going to become rich from......
Old Postage Stamps Stamps -> United States -> 19th Century Unused One of the best ways to get interested in stamp collecting is to take a look at some old postage stamps. These are truly unique items and although they may not be as glitzy or as useful as today’s stamps, there are......
1909 Lincoln Stamp Set Stamps -> United States -> Collections, Lots The 1909 Lincoln stamp set represents the first time the United States Post Office had issued stamps that didn't promote or commemorate a current event. The public complained about the change in stamps in 1908 to Washing and Franklin stamps, because Lincoln had......
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.......

Related Websites

Coca Cola Collectibles Collectibles -> Advertising -> Soda-> Coca-Cola By far, one of the most endearing collectibles that has become popular over the past few decades are Coca Cola collectibles. This company has done a great job of coming up with many ways to create valuable and memorable products that are highly sought......
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......
Plan Ahead and Make Your Holiday Budget Now Have you ever noticed how short the fall season is? Really, I feel like the days between Labor Day and Thanksgiving just fly by. One minute, I’m getting the kids ready for a new school year; the next minute, however, has me thinking about Christmas and the holidays. Wow! Being......
Gushy post ahead Happy blogoversary to me! It's been a year already since I started this blog -- time flies. I started this because I wanted to get into the habit of writing on a serious topic every day, and I've met that goal and learned a lot along the way. A very......
Casino Chips Collectables -> Casino -> Chips Casino chips, also known as casino tokens or checks, are the small round pieces that are similar to coins but only used as money inside casinos. They're usually made from molded plastic, clay or metal are are used at the table games inside a casino,......