Renewed interest in local stamps

Article Abstract:

These private companies outdid the postal service by offering pickup and delivery. They were curtailed in the 1860s when most roads became federal postroads. An 1862 law does allow the private firms where US service is nil, but US stamps must be used. Philatelists operate many of these local firms today.

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Catalog information justifies the cost

Article Abstract:

In 1929, stamps in Kansas and Oklahoma were overprinted with the states' initials. This was to prevent businesses from reusing stamps. The plan lasted only a few months but the stamps are now collector's items. A catalog can help new collectors understand what the overprints mean.

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Think twice before investing in mint sheets

Article Abstract:

Fresh mint sheets of stamps bought at the post office are attractive to many uninformed buyers. Unfortunately when trying to dispose of these sheets, the collectors find that they are not very valuable. Several anecdotes about hapless buyers of mint sheets are recounted.

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