Having More Fun With Postage Stamp Errors

Last week I had so much fun finding postage stamps from around the world that had errors on them. I thought I would share a couple more with you. Leave a comment if you have a good one that you would like showcased and I will do my best to post information about it.

The top postage stamp will likely be more tricky to figure out the problem. It was issued by Saudi Arabia in 1949 and was never corrected. This plane looks correct…or does it? Can you figure out the problem? The picture appears to be one of a commercial aircraft. The first “jet” aircraft was developed in Germany in 1931. It was not until 1943 that the first jet fighter aircraft went into service. It was not until the early 1950’s that commercial jet airplanes began production. Perhaps Saudi Arabia had a vision into the future with this commercial jet postage
stamp. Technically, this airplane should have had propellers and not jet engines.

I laughed when I saw the lower postage stamp above. It was issued by Monaco and features America’s beloved President Roosevelt. Roosevelt, who was an avid postage stamp collector, appears to be admiring his postage stamp collection in this picture. Can you spot the trouble? Look closely at Roosevelt’s left hand. He is sporting one too many fingers. I count five fingers and one thumb. Oops! The stamp was issued in 1947. It was never corrected or reissued by Monaco.

Don’t forget to check out the many fun postage stamps that are available at Stamp Center today!

What’s A Newbie To Do? Part II Of II

Continuing from Wednesday…

Paying for a stamp can be tricky endeavor when you are new to collecting. It is wise to check out the “Scott Catalogue” for the most up to date information about postage stamps and their values. The books are issued each year and depict interesting and valuable information about what each stamp is worth. In 2008, there were six large volumes of the book. You can also find it available in DVD and printable CD formats.

Old postage stamps can be found via internet websites, stamp shows, auction sites, other collectors and Stamp Dealers. When buying from someone you do not know, always remember to get information in writing as to what you are purchasing. Reputable Stamp Dealers are a great source to buy stamps from. They not only have a good supply of stamps to choose from, but they have a wealth of knowledge to share with you.

New postage stamps that originate in the United States can be found at USPS.com. If a stamp is in high demand, you usually can find them available at a Stamp Dealer.

If you are lucky enough to have inherited a stamp collection from a relative, it would be a good idea to find out how much the collection is worth before you decide what you are going to do with it. An experienced Stamp Dealer will be able to accurately appraise the collection. Depending on what is in the collection, a Stamp Dealer may even want to purchase the collection themselves. Knowledge is power so you definitely want to know what you are dealing with before you decide to keep or sell the collection.

What’s A Newbie To Do? Part I Of II

The art of stamp collecting has been around basically since postage stamps were created. If you are new to stamp collecting, you might be asking yourself some of these questions…

"Which stamps should I collect?”

“How much should I pay for a stamp?”

“Where do I find old postage stamps?”

“Where can I buy new postage stamps?

“What do I do with Grandpa’s stamp collection now that he is gone?

Stamp collecting has evolved since the Great Britain released its first adhesive postage stamp in 1840. There are literally thousands of different stamps to choose from that are issued from almost every nation in the world. The good news is that most stamps are very reasonably priced for collectors. New stamp collectors can decide to keep their collecting focus on a particular type of stamp or a stamp that comes from a specific country or region. Perhaps you like stamps with the faces of world leaders or you prefer ones with pretty flowers instead. Maybe you want to focus your stamp collection on cartoons or stamps from specific regions of the world. The choices are endless and deciding what you want for your collection is such great fun! Beginners could decide to buy stamps in bulk to see what types of stamps they are actually interested in before they pick a specific type.

Please check back on Friday for the conclusion to this post.

Lincoln Brings In Millions

Last Friday a fantastic postage stamp collection went up for auction in New York City. By far, it is touted as one of the most amazing collections of President Lincoln stamps ever to be created. In total, the collection has more than 10,000 stamps depicting President Lincoln.

Originally inherited from his father, the stamp collection began to grow in 1977 when William J. Ainsworth’s interest in philately was sparked once again. Over the next 32 years he worked to create the most definitive collection of Lincoln’s image on United States postage stamps.

The collection was broken into more than 600 lots at the auction. One of the interesting favorites was the mint 90 cent vertical block of six Lincoln stamps that were issued in 1869. The stamps feature Lincoln’s portrait in black with a red background. They are considered rare because they have never been broken apart. There was also a proof of a block of eight mint condition 90 cent stamps of Lincoln with his image accidentally printed upside down.
This proof is one of only two proofs known to be in existence. There were many other Lincoln items available at the auction. Lincoln tax stamps, private issues, test printings, etc. There was even a die impression in red sealing wax of a test design with Lincoln’s profile. It was originally purchased at a flea market for 50 cents and included as one of the rare auction items.

This amazing collection sold at auction for almost $2,000,000.

Barack Obama Stamps Have International Appeal

Stamp collectors may find these stamps interesting, no matter which side of the political spectrum you align yourself with.

Although you must wait a while for the United States postage stamps to be issued, we can usually count on the international community to supply certain stamps that would create great interest, to be released at a much faster rate. Stamp Center has several postage stamps available that honor President Barack Obama. These beautiful stamps have been issued by the following Nation’s:

Tanzania

Sierra Leone

St. Vincent/Canouan

St. Vincent/Union

St. Vincent/Bequia

St. Vincent – a couple of different ones to choose from

Palau

Liberia

Grenada

Grenada Grenadines

Gambia

Nevis

Some of the stamps issued include the White House or the Capitol as a backdrop and others feature the Presidential seal as a backdrop. All of the stamps feature Obama with his trademark friendly grin. The United States is represented well on many of these stamps as they showcase “Old Glory” waving in the background. All of the stamps feature Obama with his trademark friendly grin.

The stamps issued from Tanzania have one in the set that includes Michelle Obama, the Presidents wife. The stamp issued from St. Vincent/Union features a background of people holding signs from either the inauguration or perhaps an Obama rally. I wonder if those people even know that they are issued on an official postage stamp. Unless they are collectors and have looked, it is doubtful!

Please stop by Stamp Center and check out all of the Barack Obama postage stamps that are currently available.

When Philately And A Presidency Collide

When do stamp collecting and politics appear in the same newspaper article? When the President of France decides to take up this fantastic hobby!

President Sarkozy, who has been known to be unpredictable and have a hot temper in the past, is enjoying his new found love…stamp collecting. This wife, Carla Bruni reports that she is glad that he has taken up such a calming activity as well.

His new passion is even being fueled by the upper echelon of political society. At a visit to Windsor Castle last year, Queen Elizabeth gave President Sarkozy a set issued by the Royal Mail in 2004. These stamps were issued to celebrate the centenary of the Entente Cordiale (Sarkozy’s now prize possessions) and many new stamp releases from Great Britain were supplied personally by the Queen. Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Governor of California, gave him a leather album filled with postage stamps as well. Other heads of state are jumping on the band wagon and sharing their stamps too. His collection to date is already quite extensive. I guess this is just another bonus given to a seated President. I wonder what Barack Obama will have in store for Sarkozy in the future.

President Sarkozy is now sponsoring a newly formed stamp club called the Elysee Philatelist Club, which is named after his official residence.

Other famed heads of state stamp collectors include Franklin Delano Roosevelt, King George V, Prince Albert, and Tzar Nicholas III of Russia, Prince Rainier III of Monaco and King Carol II of Romania II, to name a few.

Honest Abe On Sale Now

The new set of Abraham Lincoln postage stamps were released by the United States Postal Service on Monday. The release ceremony was held in Springfield, Illinois at the Old State Capitol building where Lincoln spent many days as a lawmaker. These postage stamps commemorate the 200th birthday of this amazing past President. In keeping with his continued connection with Abraham Lincoln, President Barack Obama and other invited guests attended a banquet in Springfield on Monday to help kick off the release. Another special ceremony was also held at Lincoln High School in Rhode Island in front of hundreds of students and dignitaries.

The first day sales of these new postage stamps have drawn huge crowds already. It was reported that within a short time, the line to receive a free limited edition “first day of issue” envelope stretched around the Old State Capital. The free envelope contained all four first class stamps that were officially cancelled with a special Lincoln stamp, by the USPS. These 42-cent stamps show Lincoln as a rail splitter, a lawyer, a politician and a president.

Abraham Lincoln is one of America’s most treasured presidents. He is a hero and he serves as an example to all of the greatness that is the United States.

Presidential Libraries

August 4, 2005 was a special day in American postal history. It was on this day that the United States postal service released a commemorative postage stamp to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Presidential Libraries Act of 1955.

Some people may think that the Presidential Libraries are our wonderful tax dollars at work, but that would not be completely correct. According to The National Archives, the Presidential Libraries Act “provides for the transfer of Presidential papers and artifacts to the Federal Government. The law also provides for the construction of "presidential libraries" at no expense to the Government and for the transfer of these facilities to the Government along with the President's personal property.” Basically the libraries are privately built and federally maintained. Former Presidents are not required to supply their papers to the libraries, but it is strongly encouraged so that they will forever be preserved.

The issuance of this postage stamp was celebrated around the nation. Dedication ceremonies were held simultaneously at the Hoover, Truman, Roosevelt, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Reagan, Bush, and Clinton libraries as well as the Ford Museum.

Presidential libraries are important because they help Americans have an understanding of time specific history and our countries leaders at that time. They hold historical documents that showcase our country’s amazing heritage for generations to draw upon many years from now.

Stamp Center has this Presidential Libraries postage stamp, and other fine stamps, available every day.

Things To Look Forward To In 2009

Well folks, it’s official. The United States Postal Service has released their list of commemorative stamps that will be available to patrons in 2009. The list includes a wide array of choices to be had next year. All of the stamps will be released at the 42 cent rate until the expected increase in stamp costs this coming May.

Here are the stamps (in no particular order) that I have found.

The Alaska Statehood

Lunar New Year – Year of the Ox

Oregon Statehood

Edgar Allan Poe

Abraham Lincoln – Rail Splitter, Lawyer, Politician and President

Miami University Stamped Card

Civil Rights Pioneers – Mary Church Terrell, Mary White Ovington, J.R. Clifford, Joel Elias Spingarn, Oswald Garrison Villard, Daisy Gatson Bates, Charles Hamilton Houson, Walter White, Medgar Evers, Fannie Lou Hamer, Ella Baker, and Ruby Hurley.

Love: King and Queen of Hearts

Wedding Cake

Wedding Rings

Bob Hope

Anna Julia Cooper

Flags of Our Nation (Set 3 of 6) – Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri and the Stars and Stripes.

Flags of Our Nation (Set 4 of 6) – Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota and the Stars and Stripes.

Hawaii Statehood

Gulf Coast Lighthouses

American Treasures: Edward Hopper

Early TV Memories: Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet; Alfred Hitchcock Presents; Dinah Shore Show; Dragnet; Ed Sullivan Show; George Burns & Gracie Allen Show; Hopalong Cassidy; The Honeymooners; Howdy Doody; I Love Lucy; Kukla, Fran and Ollie; Lassie; The Lone Ranger; Perry Mason; Phil Silvers Show; Red Skelton; Texaco Star Theater; Tonight Show; Twilight Zone; and You Bet Your Life.

Richard Wright

Thanksgiving Day Parade – Four stamps in the series.

Legends of Hollywood - Gary Cooper

United States Supreme Court Justices - Joseph Story, Louis D. Brandeis, Felix Frankfurter, and William J. Brennan, Jr.

Nature of America – Kelp Forest

Christmas – Madonna and Sleeping Child

Winter Holidays - Reindeer, Snowman, Gingerbread Man and Toy Soldier.

Angel with Lute

Hanukkah – Menorah

Kwanzaa – Family

Happy collecting everyone!

Franklin $2 and $5 Postage Stamps

Benjamin Franklin is often regarded as the “Father of the United States Postal Service.” He was a scientist, diplomat, thinker, inventor, author and publisher. Benjamin Franklin was very well known, but never sought to serve in public office. He gained considerable wealth and was able to “retire” at the young age of 42. Retirement for him allowed him to pursue his many interests at his leisure. There have been many stamps issued over time, with different designs and denominations, portraying the image of Benjamin Franklin.

The Benjamin Franklin $5 green black was issued on August 19, 1918. It was issued at the same times as the $2 Franklin stamp. Each stamp was printed in two different colors and with a new stamp design for that time. Both stamps are almost identical and are rectangular shapes that are 7/8 inch wide and 3/4 inch high. Both stamps have a profile picture of Franklin which is printed in black. The only real differences between the two stamps are the denominations and the border colors. No covers are known to have been produced on this issuance date.

These stamps are hard to find because of their age. To purchase the Franklin $5 green black and many other amazing stamps, check out this site.

Calvin Coolidge Stamp

The thirtieth (1923 to 1929) President of the United States was John Calvin Coolidge, Jr. who is best known as Calvin Coolidge. Beginning his patriotism very early, he was the only President to ever be born on the 4th of July. He spent his childhood with his family growing up in Vermont.

He was always interested in politics. Prior to becoming President, he was the Vice President, Governor, Lt. Governor, State Legislator, and mayor and a lawyer. Coolidge was known for his somewhat laid back presidential style. His most major presidential accomplishment was the signing of The Immigration Act of 1924. The law limited the amount of immigrants that were allowed into the United States. Only a total of 150,000 people would be allowed in each year. The people of Japan were forbidden from entering the United States under this new law.

Calvin Coolidge has appeared on two United States postage stamps. The first one was issued in 1938 as part of a presidential series. It was a $5 denomination. The second stamp was issued in 1986. It was issued in 22 cent denomination.

If you are interested in purchasing a 1938 $5 stamp of Calvin Coolidge, visit http://www.stampcenter.com/. A true piece of American history is available there.

Ronald Reagan Commemorative Stamps Part III of III

The conclusion to the series on President Reagan...

America's 40th President was known for his unwavering patriotism, great moral character, and devotion to his family. He fought to put an end to communism in the Soviet Union. He was well respected by not only American's, but by other countries. Ronald Reagan is regarded by a 2005 Gallop Poll as being the most favorite president among American's.

This commemorative stamp began circulating on February 9, 2005; three days after what would have been the President's 94th birthday. Traditionally, the US Postal Service does not honor prominent American's with a stamp until at least 10 years after their death. US President's are the exception to the rule. Their stamps may only be released after their next birthday following their death. Several other countries have also made commemorative stamps of President Reagan (Belize, Grenada, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, and Antigua, to name a few). The stamp was first issued at the 37 cent rate and then reissued in 2006 at the 39 cent rate.

If you are interested in buying these stamps, at either the 37 cent or the 39 cent rate, or other Ronald Reagan stamps, visit http://www.stampcenter.com/. Having a stamp issued and then reissued in Reagan's honor is an appropriate tribute to this great American hero, as he is known to have mailed over 10,000 letters in his lifetime!

Ronald Reagan Commemorative Stamps Part II of III

In continuation from the post last Wednesday….

His first service was as a Liaison Officer at Fort Mason. Soon he transferred to the 1st Motion Picture Unit in Culver City, California. He put his acting experience to work and was promoted to First Lieutenant and was then sent to the Provisional Task Force Show Unit of “This Is The Army” in Burbank, California. By the end of his tour of duty, he has produced over 400 training films. In 1945 Captain Reagan was released from active duty status.

He was married to actress Jane Wyman from 1940 to 1948. He then married Nancy Davis in 1952. She steadfastly remained by his side throughout the remainder of his life. Reagan is quoted as saying to Nancy in a one of his many love letters, “Whatever I treasure and enjoy….all would be without meaning if I didn’t have you.”

Ronald Reagan became the 33rd Governor of the State of California. He served as Governor from 1967 through 1975. Reagan first was a Democrat, but switched affiliations to join the Republican Party in 1962. He was defeated in his Presidential nominations in 1968 and 1976.

Ronald Reagan ran for President and was victorious over President Jimmy Carter. He began is Presidential life in January 1980. He ran for a second term and won again in a landslide victory winning 49 of the 50 states votes.

Please check back on Monday for the conclusion to this post.

Ronald Reagan Commemorative Stamps Part I of III

One of the most loved President’s in the United States was Ronald Reagan. He was born on February 6, 1911 in Tampico, Illinois. President Reagan died on June 5, 2004at his home in Bel Air, California when he succumbed to Alzheimer’s disease. Reagan was known for his strong faith in the goodness of people.

Reagan was a radio announcer for the Chicago Cubs. While traveling with the team in 1937, he took a screen test in California. He was then awarded a seven year contract with Warner Brothers. The film he enjoyed acting in the most was “Kings Row”. He gained his nickname “The Gipper” from his roll as George “The Gipper” Gipp in the movie “Knute Rockne, All American”. He was an accomplished actor in Hollywood acting in over 80 television and movie parts. He eventually served as the President of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) for many years.

After finishing college, Reagan, with his immense patriotic spirit, enlisted in the United States Army Reserves. He had already completed 14 home study Army Extension Courses in preparation for his enlistment. In 1942 he was called into active duty, but because he was near sighted, he was not able to serve overseas.

Please check back on Friday for the continuation of this post.