How Would You Deal With US FDCs Without Their Stirling Silver Proofs?

Hello,

I recently purchased a lot of Kiloware for $53 USD from Quebec and while it is not in my possession yet, I had a question for all you more knowledgeable collectors than myself on how to deal with a stack of US FDCs (First Day Covers) without their Stirling Silver Proofs? They appear to be from the 1976 bicentennial.

I don't exactly know what happened to the Stirling Silver Proofs, I assume the seller removed them (most likely) or received them as they are (somewhat likely), so I am questioning how do I deal with them.

Now normally, I store FDCs as they are. Never have had a problem with that as that's what I consider the "normal" thing to do. However, I have never dealt with FDCs with additional items included in them or in this case excluded.

So I am going to be left with a stack of FDCs with holes in them which unless they are extremely cheap would likely go unfilled. The question is would you soak the stamps off? Keep them as an FDC? What would the value be in such a case anyway? I am not concerned about values since I collect for pleasure and not for profit but I would be curious to know what you would do.

Given that FDCs are usually worth next to nothing, I'd soak off the stamps if I wanted the singles, or move them on as kiloware.

GeoffHa, that is what my first instinct was to soak them off but I thought I might as well ask, given that there may have been some value in preserving them as they were for historical purposes.

Some student or beginning collector might enjoy them as-is as First Day Covers rather than just the individual stamps off cover.

Unless you value your time at near-zero, the effort to soak the stamps will not be recouped. Either way, as kiloware or addressed un-cached FDCs, they aren't worth the time or shipping fees to even try to sell them, in my opinion. Best bet is if you have a local stamp club or school rummage sale to give them to and let someone else deal with them.

If you want to soak the stamps for your own collection or add to your own kiloware, that seems fine. If these were early covers, the postal history value would merit keeping them whole, but there is nothing special about these to keep them in their current state, unless you happened to find that novice or future collector that you could connect with. When I was a kid, a neighbor gave me a C76 moon landing FDC that I thought was the most amazing thing. You might find someone to inspire with these covers, or you might not.

I recently gave about 600 FDCs to a elementary school Social Studies teacher to use in her class as she covers some of the events or individuals depicted by the stamp and cachet. You might consider doing something similar.

I think everyone is correct in suggesting that you move them on. Of those visible 50% (1 of 2) have pretty bad foxing so you may want to be real selective of those that you want to soak and keep. I would suggest that is why the previous collector only retained the sterling silver proofs.

Since you're asking our personal opinions, I throw stuff like this away. To give this to another person gives the implication that stamp stuff is junk and people are doing everything they can to rid themselves of it. Schools are in need, but not in need of junk. I'm sure they'd be happier with the recycling value of the paper the stamps are on

Thank you all for your opinions! I really appreciate it.




Chesham85, Yes I just saw that too after purchasing it. I guess it is what it is and I can only see the damage when it is in my hands. Is there anything I can do to eliminate foxing aside from throwing it away?

I have bought my fair share of badly foxed stamps & covers. I always notice after I receive the purchase. I have always understood that there is nothing that can be done, it is uncurable and will only spread (love for someone to correct me). This is why I would not bother soaking any of them.

That's broadly been my thought, but has anyone ever tried this stuff or similar?

https://www.dauwalders.co.uk/fox-ma...106640-p.asp

I would vote for disposal as in dumpster. This type of stuff is the classic filler material in bulk auction lots that you pay to have shipped to you only to toss it in the bin. There will be people that say "no, never, ever" and it must be preserved. Poppycock. (Can I say poppycock?)

PS: Admittedly, on occasion I have taken such material and stuffed it in cartons to be resold once again at auction in a massive lot of stuff. The irony is that the auction houses make so much money recycling.

Put on ebay as a lot and sell for at least shipping to give someone else an option (Hunter Hoarder types).

Soak.

Edit: Clip as follows:

How to Clip Stamps for SFTW (Stamps for the Wounded):

Carefully clip, or tear the paper around outer edges of the perforations around the stamp. Do not clip off the perforations … this ruins the stamp. Please leave at least 1/4 inch; of margin around the outside edges of the perforations of the stamp which makes it easier to soak the stamp from the envelope.

Then send the to Stamps for the Wounded, a non-profit organization started during WWII to help wounded veterans. Google with take you straight to the website for Stamp for the Wounded.



It is a US IRS 501(c)(3) organization and all donations are US tax deductible, including your postage costs.

(all good suggestions)
One more, if interested in keeping some part, is to save the FDC part of the cover by clipping a 2x4 of the cancel.
One, it reduces the bulk of whatever you decide to do. Two, it gives someone else the option to keep or soak if you sell or donate.

Also don't forget to include at least one of the "Certificate of Authenticity" for historical reference! /s

pat

Pat, the SCF has a Smilie just for sarcasm:

Thank you all for your opinions! I guess when I actually get the parcel in my hand and look at the state of them (foxing, damaged, etc whatever needs to be sorted) I will then take up what to do based on all of your suggestions. Till then I guess I should just wait and see.