The Story of America’s Duck Stamps
Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation stamps, more commonly known as “Duck” stamps, have been a cornerstone of American conservation since their debut in 1934. The program was born out of…
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Discover Civil War U.S. Revenue Stamped Paper
Congress passed the Revenue Act of 1862 to raise money for the Civil War. This new act put a 2¢ tax on bank checks. While most paid the tax by affixing a 2¢ stamp to the check, Congress also authorized Revenue Stamped Paper where the stamp is printed right on the check, like this…
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The Roosevelt Small Die Proofs
Roosevelt small die proofs are impression proofs of US postage stamps, painstakingly prepared by the Bureau of Engraving & Printing in the early 20th century. These proofs were bound into deluxe presentation albums, unofficially called “Roosevelt Albums” due to their distribution during Theodore Roosevelt’s presidency.
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Original Gum
When collectors and dealers use the phrase “original gum”, they are referring to the adhesive coating applied to the back of a postage stamp at the time of its production, before the stamp was ever used.
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The Pan-American Inverts
The Pan-American Inverts are among the most storied and coveted errors in US philately. They capture both the drama of early 20th-century printing and the excitement of the Pan-American Exposition of 1901.
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Inverted Jenny Position 63
Position 63 from the sheet of 100 #C3a stamps purchased in 1918 by William Robey is, in my opinion, the Jenny Invert with the most tantalizing history.
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Why Collect Stamp Blocks and Strips of Four?
The broad appeal for blocks is scarcity or rarity, and eye appeal (blocks of 4 are balanced and pretty).
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The Perfect Stamps for Wedding Invitations
When it comes to wedding invitations, every detail matters—including the postage. The right stamp adds a finishing touch that sets the tone for your big day, making your invitations feel even more elegant and personal.
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Scandal, Love, and a Historic Pony Express Cover
This Virginia City Pony Express cover carried more than mail – it carries the weight of a scandal that rocked 19th-century America. Sent to Clara C. Crittenden in 1864, it…
