This Department is conducted in the interest of stamp and coin collectors, and the Editor will be pleased to answer any question on these subjects so far as possible. Correspondents should address Editor Stamp Department.
The first instalment of the advance sheets of the 1897 catalogue has been forwarded to those persons who pay $5 for the same. Used U.S. stamps have remained stationary in many instances, with small advances in others; but unused U.S. have been greatly advanced. I quote a few instances, giving the 1896 prices first, the 1897 prices after. These prices refer, however, to unused stamps in mint condition, evenly centred, original gum, no perforations missing, etc. A slight falling off in any of these conditions reduces the value from twenty-five per cent. to fifty per cent.
1847 issue—5c., $5 to $7.50. 1851 issue—1c., ordinary type, 35c. to 50c.; 5c., ordinary type, $3.50 to $5; 10c., $1.25 to $3; 12c., $1.75 to $3; 24c., $6 to $7.50; 30c., $7.50 to $12; 90c., $22.50 to $27.50. 1862 issue—15c., $2.50 to $7.50. 1868 issue (grilled, 11 by 13)—1c., $5 to $6.50; 2c., $1.50 to $2.50; 3c., 40c. to $1; 10c., $3.50 to $6; 12c., $3 to $5; 15c., $20 to $25; grilled, 9 by 13, 2c., 75c. to $1.25; 3c., 25c. to 75c.; 5c., $10 to $12; 10c. and 12c., $3 to $5; 15c., $4 to $7.50; 24c., $12.50 to $15; 30c., $10 to $15; 90c., $35 to $50. 1869 issue—1c., $1 to $1.50; 2c., 60c. to $1.25; 3c., 25c. to $1; 6c., $3 to $4; 10c., $4 to $7; 12c., $2 to $5; 15c., $6 to $7.50; 24c., $16.50 to $20; 30c., $15 to $20; 90c., $35 to $40. 1870 issue, grilled, have advanced an average of one hundred per cent. The same issue, not grilled, printed by the American Bank-Note Company, 1c., 40c. to 50c.; 3c., 25c. to 40c.; 5c., 75c. to $1.50; 6c., 75c. to $2; 10c., 60c. to $1; 15c., reduced from 75c. to 50c.; 30c. remains $2; 90c., increased from $4 to $7.50. 1882 issue—5c., Garfield, 20c. to 50c.; 3c., re-engraved, 10c. to 15c.; 6c., re-engraved, 75c. to $1.50; 10c., re-engraved, 40c. to 50c. 1893 Columbian issue has been reduced an average of twenty per cent.
A. T. Adams.—There is no U.S. or Colonial cent of 1739. Your coin is probably an English penny worth 2c.
Philatus.
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A cream-of-tartar baking powder. Highest of all in leavening strength.—Latest United States Government Food Report.