199 1c Kestrel Packaging

I have an envelope from the USPS that contains 50 1c Kestrel stamps. The envelope is sealed and has the barcode for the Kestrel stamp I have never seen this type of USPS packaging referred to in any reference and am trying to determine if this is a variety and has its own - or perhaps should have its own - Scott Number. See attached photos - any information would be appreciated.


***Title Typo Fixed - Mod***

This is how the USPS sent out an order of 50 stamps. I do not quite understand what you are asking


Peter

Is there a separate Scott Number or a variety value for a sheet that is still in the original packet like this?

No, they are common modern stamps with no premium for multiples or USPS packaging.

In fact USPS packaging is NOT designed for long term storage of stamp materials.

It is a glassine envelope just like stamps have been stored in for decades. I would not sweat long term storage. The plastic stuff that USPS and auction firms advise to not store stamps in is another matter although I have purchased auction lots stored in original pouches for decades that were just fine.

With few exceptions, the Scott catalog assigns numbers and values to stamps without regard to any packaging. The extreme specialist (typically an exhibitor) would seek to acquire and various ways their stamp was distributed such as this individual wrapping you show. They may be willing to pay a modest premium for some unusual packaging formats, but this is waaay beyond what the Scott catalog will ever list. In this case, I believe the extra demand from specialists is so close to zero, that there would be no premium.

Thanks to all - novice here and attempting to learn.

Glassine safe? Yes

SELF ADHESIVE price and barcode label, NOT AT ALL.

Luckily, they did not adhere the label to the stamps.

This is a packet made for vending machine sales. The type of vending machine used is obsolete. I have several of these packets for various stamps. When time permits, I'll post some scans.

Yes, for vending machine sales, sometime back in the 1990s. These were electrically operated machines that looked like and probably were improvised candy vending machines. Your purchase dropped into the same kind of delivery tray; I've also seen the inside of one. I don't know if yours has a piece of cardboard inside (probably heavy enough), but cardboard was needed for some vended stamp combos that were otherwise too light and would get hung up in the machine.

I believe this packaging was just for shipping since this Kestrel version was issued in 2000.

Here are a few more of these packets. Some of those that I have do have a piece of cardboard for stiffening, especially if the number of stamps in the envelope was small. All that I have are from the 32c-33c-34c first class rate period, so late 1990s-early 2000s. This was also the time period when the blue cover MDI booklets were produced for vending machine sales.

Rodgcam: Don't understand your comment.

Thanks, philatomic! I wondered at the time if these would ever be Scott-listed.

Rodgcam, these were not for shipping by Fulfillment or whatever was the equivalent at the time. Imagine the squawking with panes and plate blocks being folded up. USPS is dumb but not that dumb.

The vending machine windows only showed the stamp on offer, the quantity and total $, so I was hoping to get MDI booklets but got none. The glassine packs seemed to be what was on offer in the San Francisco Bay Area in post office vending machines. Were these used in certain regions only?

When did they terminate their vending efforts?