Using older stamps for postage

[Immy]

The local coin and stamp shows I attend have me on their mail list, which is good since the postcard mailers they send which promote upcoming shows offer discounts on attendance fees.

My only problem is vintage stamps are almost always used on these mailers. Their latest was a 3 cent US Army commemorative from 1945. While these are perfectly fine to still use as postage, it makes me cringe to think that there's one less uncancelled version of this American collectible out there.

I've even spoken to the organizers and asked why they do this. Shrugs and a general "no idea" reaction is all I've gotten.

Am I making too much of this? Maybe it's the hardcore collector in me but I could never moisten and affix a 67-year-old stamp.

 

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[Mackaydon]

It reads like the Army stamp is Scott's 934 Army Victory March. A few years ago the retail value was 60 cents. More recently, the catalog value was 20 cents (MLH) and one sold last year for 15 cents. To me, by using that old stamp for current postage is a great (and very inexpensive) way to market their upcoming shows. It immediately draws your attention and interest. What more could the promoters of the event ask for?
Don.....

 

[skydog]

IDK, I see both sides of this.

 

[jeff of pa]

Yes there is, or at least was a mail order company here in pa That used to ship their catalogs out with Vintage used stamps.
Great way to get kids interested in stamp collecting

ad to that it's like melting US Silver roosies.

Eventially a 1964 Dime will be extremely coveted by someone trying to complete a collection

 

[bill from lachine]

Immy,

I've played around with stamp collecting on and off for about 30 years or so....and here's the catch....the common issues from say WW11 era to present have very little resale value.....the younger generations are not into collecting unfortunately.

What happens when grandpa passes away and the heirs have to liquidate the collection of modern mint stamps....dealers pay around 50/60% of face value and use the stamps as cheap postage for their mail outs.....just a heads up as to how it works.

Regards + HH

Bill

 

[uglymailman]

I once picked up mail w/ 1/2 cent stamps on the letter. Took it in to office to check if it was ligit. Sure enough, they once had them. I see few older stamps on what I pick up but have see many mailings using old stamps. Face value is still honored by the U.S.P.S.

 

[Immy]

Thanks for the opinions all. I just want to make clear that my concern is NOT the value of the stamp, it's simply that (at least) one more uncancelled example of this American collectible is now gone. Kinda sad, dontcha think?

 

[packerbacker]

Immy..........you're way too sensitive.......................................in 83 years are you going to be upset because I used a "forever" stamp I bought last week.?

 

[Mackaydon]

Immy,
I hope this is the saddest moment you will ever experience.

 

[Sovereignelite]

There were MILLIONS of these printed.

Thanks for the opinions all. I just want to make clear that my concern is NOT the value of the stamp, it's simply that (at least) one more uncancelled example of this American collectible is now gone. Kinda sad, dontcha think?

 

[Mackaydon]

You may wish to consider the current use of an old--unused stamp as "Phoenix rising" ; not a sad thought.
Don.......