The French government announces the early withdrawal of the 75-centime adhesive stamp, the 5c. and 60c. envelopes, and the 3c. newspaper wrapper.
The new Japanese stamps which were to be issued in Japan on September 12, 1896, were received on letters in London on September 5.
The S.S.S.S. adds the following to its list of speculative stamps the collection of which should be discouraged:
Uruguay (Suarez memorial), 1c. black and violet; 5c. black and blue; 10c. black and red. Venezuela (Miranda), 5c., 10c., 25c., and 50c., and 1c. Bolivar.
The desire to differentiate minute varieties on the part of advanced collectors gives point to a story which is going the rounds of the philatelic press. A certain dealer secured a lot of U.S. stamps with original gum, etc. Some were older than other copies of the same issue, others were a little "off," still others had had the gum soaked off, etc. He began marking them "uncancelled"; a better copy became "unused," a still better one "original gum"; then advancing, "old original gum," "older original gum," "very old original gum"; and still there were a few which seemed to him should be classed by themselves, so after much thought they were labelled "pre-historic gum."
McHenry Coal.—The 1827 dime can be bought for 20c.
W. G. Crawford.—I do not understand your inquiry regarding postal-cards. There is a "Postal-Card Society" in existence which is quite active, but stamp-collectors, as a rule, confine themselves to adhesive stamps. In many instances, however, cut square envelopes are added. Entire envelopes of the U.S. are coming into favor gradually.
W. T. Holden, 36 Marcy Ave., Brooklyn, N. Y., wishes to exchange stamps. I believe dealers are eligible to membership in the Dorchester Stamp Exchange. I do not know the New York Stamp Exchange. All the philatelic societies in New York have exchange circuits of their own, confined to their own membership. Dealers are not eligible to membership in "The Philatelic Society, New York"; but members who afterward become dealers can continue their membership if they wish.
H. O. Koerper.—The 1839 dime is offered by dealers at 20c. each; the 3c. piece in fair condition from 10c. to 20c. each. Worn copies of either are worth face only. U.S. fractional currency which is not fresh and clean is worth face only.
L. V. Green.—Continental, Colonial, and Confederate paper money is extremely plentiful. With a few exceptions, dealers do not care to buy, except in large quantities. One house held Confederate money in bales, and sold it by the pound. The copies mentioned by you have no money value.
T. A. B. Osage.—No illustration of the St. Louis stamp appeared in No. 871 Harper's Round Table, page 875. It was illustrated in No. 826 (August 26, 1895). You say you have a copy of the 5c. St. Louis, and ask its value. It is impossible to express any opinion as to the value of a rare stamp until after examination. I am always glad to oblige a subscriber to the Round Table, but I cannot be responsible for the loss of stamps in transit. If you wish me to examine it I will do so, provided it be sent by express prepaid. When returned, it would be sent express at your expense. In the case of less valuable stamps, they can be sent by registered mail, and an addressed envelope stamped for return in the same way should be enclosed with the stamps. If stamps are sent in the regular mail, they will be returned the same way, provided an addressed and stamped envelope be enclosed.
Mary Willis.—French assignats are worthless. The French government made thousands of millions, which gradually sunk in value from par with gold to absolutely nothing within four years. The same was true of Colonial and Continental currency in this country, with the solitary exception of Vermont Colonials, which were redeemed at par.
G. T. T.—Your 1853 quarter is the common variety, worth face only.
Philatus.
YOUNG MOTHERS
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