Why Stamp Collectors Love The Graf Zeppelins

This was a gift from one of our members !



I'd better not say who or he may get requests for more !!

And I might end up like that little smiley....there > >

Londonbus1.....Hates violence

Since about 95% of the C-13-C15 were destroyed by the PO this makes them fairly rare.
But it seems theres quite a many sets always around for purchase.
Back in the mid 80s a set of three mint Gems was selling close to $10,000.00.
Today their easily gotton for $1,000.00 to $1,300.00 for a decentely centered mint set. Gems go for much higher prices.
Since I live about 18 miles from Lousiville, KY. the Zepp sets are easily found around here considering they were also released in Louisville.
Several of my friends owns the largest stamp shop in Louisville and they always have several sets of Zepps on hand.
I'm talking now to eventually become another partner in their shop.
They are the only very large stamp shop for many states and have a lot of out of town customers.
With three large separate rooms, one specializes in US only, one for complete collections for sale and the third for covers and other items.
About 16 years ago they bought one of Louisvilles largest US collection estates.
Out of that collection I was lucky enough to pick up two complete sets of C13-C15 on flight covers as well as a couple of the C18 flight covers.
Also picked up the Grafs Round The World and First Flight covers as well as eight First Flight covers from the Hindenburg.
Recentely I purchased a mint set of well centered Zepps for $1,000.00 from them.
They did sell a set of mint Zepps w/no gum for $500.00 quite a while back.
They sell for way under what most dealers wants as well as mail orders.
They have a good selection of all US stamps including the Early Classics, Large & Small Bank Notes as well as the Washington/Franklin issues in both mint and used.


Ernie

Lovely cover Lb, a very generous gift.

Graf Zeppelin 50¢ Stamp

There is a widespread scramble for this stamp
since it departed so suddenly from the Philatelic
Agency, and particularly so since the number
issued has been announced as only 324,000.

Prices are mounting rapidly, and the stamp is
being talked of as worth "several times face."

Before the speculation advances too far, it
should be remembered that the 65¢ Zeppelin,
a much better stamp, of which there were
only 93,500, is retailing about $3.50.

- George B. Sloane
Sloane's Column
"Stamps"
December 21, 1935

Note:
Scott #C18 is currently catalogued at
$65 mint or used and $100 as mint not hinged.
Blair (TC-rcsd)

I just won my first Zep on ebay. Lucked out on a MHR C18 for around $20. I'll post a pic as soon as it comes in.

Late post
The C-13-C15 where issued in 1930 during the depression specifically for one Zeppelin flight. The prices ($.65, $1.30, $2.60) corresponded to postcard and letter rates for part of the flight and a full round trip. The excess cost went to the DZR or German Zeppelin Company to offset operating expenses. Since times were tough few stamps were purchased and the Post Office destroyed 90% of stocks making it a relatively rare stamp.

Except that practically all the remaining examples were saved by collectors; they have one of the highest survival rates of any stamp set. At any time anyone can purchase two dozen sets in any condition they want. All it takes is money. Uncommon, yes, but they are in no way rare.

Are most of the used sets on cover contrivances?

Agreed, Revcollector. They seem to be everywhere - mint, used, and everything in between. I really don't know why they have commanded such high prices for so long.

Jack Kelley

The 1930 Zeppelins are philatelic icons - hence the high prices.

The Century of Progress issue is an attractive stamp too!

What's not to like about these stamps (besides the cost)? They are beautifully designed, great examples of the engravers' art and as others have mentioned, icons in American philately.

I like my set.

Famous+popular=expensive. This formula explains the value of many readily available stamps. And even some genuinely rare ones that command prices out of line with the known quantities.

I'm glad I waited for 30 years before buying them. They were more expensive back then.

Jack Kelley

What's not to like? Pure philatelic hokum, depicting German militaria used for bombing civilians perhaps?

Speaking of 30 years ago, it was in 1979 that I sold my only stamp through R.A.Siegel auctions. In that sale, a set of 3 Graf Zeppelins (not mine) sold for over 8,000 $ I don't think a set has sold for that high since.