1979-1981 Vending Machine Test Stamp Folders

From 30 April 1979 to 30 January 1981, APO tested vending machines in Brisbane as noted in the SG Catalogue. These dispensed what APO called "Stamp Folders", with either 3 or 4 20c SG673 stamps. These are pictured below.

There is no SG number for these folders. The SG catalogue skips from SB51 (1972) to SB52 (1982) which followed further tests in Melbourne and Sydney with experimental booklets with an unprinted cream card cover.

My question is: do the 1979-81 folders have any intrinsic value over and above the value of the stamps they contain?

Interesting.
Never seen these in 15? years of collecting.

I wonder if they are listed in the Australian Commonwealth Specialists
catalogue ?
I am not sure if I have a catalogue that recent.
I'll have a gander.

Another source, and our member 22crows is very adept at, perhaps they are mentioned in the appropriate Australian Bulletin for that period.

The "Little Grebe" the most common stamp in metric currency Australian catalogue ?

Courtesy
Comprehensive Colour Catalogue of Australian Stamps
2nd edition 1999

isbn 0646224433

My "feeling" would be that these may attract a very good price to the
fanatical Australian collector.
Perhaps contact some well known Australian dealers in Melbourne
for their point of view / experience.

Perhaps email Ace stamp auctions Perth
http://acestampauctions.com/
(ex Stanley Gibbons member- London)

Well why didn't I look at both of my ACS Catalogues. I tend to use "newer" copy( about 2000) rather than the other, which on a page dated 1995 notes that stamp booklets were discontinued in 1973 because they could not find an advertiser to subsidize the cost of putting the bootlegs together.

In my 1980s era ASC Catalogue, the stamp folders are mentioned on a "Temporary Page" dated 1988. ACSC does not give the folders catalogue status as they were not generally available across Australia. It does, however, suggest values of about 2-times face value.

Then, the temporary pages go on to describe later Booklets up to the 1987 Aboriginal Arts issue. Its odd that these were not covered in the later ACSC's permanent pages.

I don't think there is much value in these, they are frequently seen.

Right. Thanks.
must have just passed my attention at auctions.

Hi all,

You can read about these, plus plenty of other Australian booklets on our site.
The link below will take you straight to the article on these booklets and you can click at the end of the page to go to the other booklets.

All information only, no adverts or jumping kangaroos.

Regards

Ron

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Interesting stuff, Ron. Many thanks.Frank.

Thanks Frank
Glad you found something of interest
Ron