Fulfilling 2016 USPS Issues

Hi Family,

As I mentioned in an earlier thread, MYSTIC has released its 2016 supplements, including the Heirloom.

Last year (2015), I purchased issues from the USPO as the stamps were issued. Because the MYSTIC supplements sometimes call for a whole sheet, or a vertical strip, or a horizontal strip, or just a single stamp, I found I had to purchase entire sheets just to fulfill all of the options. Needless to say, I way over purchased and now have a ton of stamps available for general postage.

This year, I took a different approach. I purchased just the $2.00 Patriotic Wave stamp, The two Priority Mail stamps, and the two ducks.

When MYSTIC came out with the supplement, they also came out with the stamps to go with it. Now I knew which stamps I would need as sheets and booklets. So, I went to the post office to buy them.

Finally, I ordered the remainder from MYSTIC. Not the most cost effective way to complete a year, but at least it is more efficient than the way I approached it last year. Comments?

Jack Kelley

I had purchased USPS mail use packs for 2014 and 2015. It did not have all the stamps but got me going. I have found Fort Pitt Philatelisc eBay lots not too unreasonable but usually complete for commemoratives.

For 2016, I have all the sheets (annual Christmas gift) and purchased more from USPS to get singles. My order in late December has not arrived yet with some booklets and have plenty of extras now. I have strips of 1c,5c,10c coils along with others that USPS sold as blocks of 4.

My objective is to fill the MYSTIC 2016 supplement and then move on to things more philatelic ally pleasing. To be truthful, I hate the USPS stamps of today and am addressing them only to keep current. Distasteful but necessary.

Jack Kelley

Why necessary Jack? I gave up on US stamps back in the 70's but got interested in the Transportation Coils in the 80's. Those and the Great Americans issue are by itself well worth it in my opinion.
By the way, the US is not the only country to issue disappointing stamps!

Peter

Hi Peter.

It just a "thing" I have about keeping my collection current. I let it go for about 25 years one time and vowed I'd never do that again. Plus it was quite expensive.

By the way, I believe you've displayed your coils on this site before and they look really nice. Didn't you use Vario pages?

Jack Kelley

I find the mail use packets from USPS to be a great investment and it comes with clear mounts so you don't have to buy a pack of 40 just for the one odd size.

Well,

I received my 2016 supplement and stamps today. Cost was $100.15. Now to see if the MYSTIC 2016 stamp order follows the format of the 2016 MYSTIC supplement.

Jack Kelley