U.S. 1913 Rural Mail Carrier parcel post stamp a good buy

Stamp Market Tips by Henry Gitner and Rick Miller

The United States Post Office Department issued a total of 12 parcel post stamps in 1913. The stamps were produced to meet the needs of the Act of Congress of Aug. 24, 1912, which created postage rates on fourth-class mail weighing 4 ounces or less, at 1¢ per ounce or fraction thereof. Use of the stamps went into effect on Jan. 1, 1913.

All 12 stamps were printed in carmine rose to make them readily recognizable as parcel post stamps. Initially, parcel post stamps could not be used to pay postage, and parcel post rates were not authorized to be paid with regular postage stamps. Effective July 1, 1913, the restriction on use was lifted. Parcel post stamps could be used to pay regular postage, and regular postage stamps could be used to pay parcel post rates.

The parcel post stamps feature eye-catching and innovative designs highlighting aspects of mail transportation and delivery as well as segments of commerce, industry and farming. For instance, the 20¢ stamp (Scott Q8) is the world’s first to picture an airplane.

The 4¢ Rural Mail Carrier parcel post stamp (Scott Q4) shows a mail carrier in his postal wagon, which is pulled by a horse. The Scott Specialized Catalogue of United States Stamps and Covers values the stamp in very fine grade and mint, never-hinged condition at just $77.50 and in unused, hinged condition at $27.50. This stamp is less common than you might think. It is a good buy in mint, never-hinged condition at around 80 percent of Scott U.S. Specialized catalog value. An example in very fine grade and unused hinged condition is a good buy at 70 percent to 80 percent of Scott U.S. Specialized catalog value.

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