The ABCs of US Alphabet Transitional Stamps

We cover the history of undenominated US stamps focused on the alphabet transition stamps. We dig into the rate change process and even talk about how to tell sheet stamps from booklet stamps and coil stamps.

[@chrislovesstamps]

Very interesting the story behind these stamps. I generally prefer stamps with ‘proper’ denominations on them, but these are definitely interesting anyway. Thanks for the video!

[@KensStampCollection]

These are a pain

[@GreatStampAdventure]

Interesting. Bureaucracy - always a thorn in the side. I like how neat and logical you lay out your pages! Thanks for the video.

[@KensStampCollection]

I’m a nerd deep down to my bones

[@GreatStampAdventure]

@@KensStampCollection To do something so excellently is just a virtue. :)

[@kengilbride7182]

Great Video as always. Looking forward to your next video. Happy Stamp Collecting the other Ken

[@KensStampCollection]

Ken’s are a supportive bunch. Thanks for sticking with me

[@billsweeney4785]

I really like your execution' nice job. you're a very fluent speaker with no wiskers, 👍

[@KensStampCollection]

Thank you. I’m happy you liked it

[@chrissahar2014]

Actually there is a market for Forever stamps but limited. The USPS began to make Forever Stamps geared to the wedding industry and some of the stamps targeted for wedding invitations actually sell for a premium on the secondary market. Also, as with with the common vintage stamps from 1940 - 1960, sheets and panes can be sold at a modest premium . Why? It is simply less labor intensive to sell a sheet than trying to sort and store bins of single stamps of varying designs from different years. The shipping costs may be a little higher for sheets but not tremendously so. Also, Forever coils can occasionally be worth holding onto. But it is a niche market you need to get accustomed to. The whole area of plate number coil grew substantially and founded in its modern form in the 1980's with the Transportation Series. Yes there were coil collectors before but the Transportation series offered several additional factors - new plate numbers would be issued with some somewhat scarce and add to that some pre-cancellations are hard to come by. The series is a fascinating one and the artwork and engraving nicely done. To this day the plate number collector niche continues with the Flag definitives, low denomination definitives, postcard stamps, some of the flower definitive stamps, pre-sorted issues and even non-profits. Plate number coils are an entire video in itself and for your viewers who are more along in their stamp collecting adventures the subject may be of interest.

[@KensStampCollection]

So interesting. I definitely get the wedding secondary market. Those big eyed dog and cat stamps aren't for everyone.

[@nathanaeltrayner6819]

Awesome

[@KensStampCollection]

Awww