United States 2015 Rose and Heart pane of 20 in strong demand

Stamp Market Tips by Henry Gitner and Rick Miller

On Feb. 14, 2015, the U.S. Postal Service issued a nondenominated (49¢) Rose and Heart forever stamp (Scott 4959) in panes of 20. The engraved stamp was designed by Jeanne Greco and printed by Banknote Corporation of America for Sennett Security Products.

The stamp is self-adhesive with phosphorescent tagging and gauge 10¾ by 11 die cuts.

It was printed in sheets of 240 that were divided into 12 panes of 20 for sale and distribution. Die-cut and imperforate uncut press sheets were also sold to the public.

As a modern engraved U.S. stamp, this issue is popular with many collectors.

Greco, the owner of Cafe Greco Design, is a freelance graphic designer specializing in logos and packaging for luxury brand products. She has a strong following in the world of art and graphic design.

Panes of 20 of the 2015 Rose and Heart stamp were withdrawn or sold out before the market was satiated and are in great demand by dealers and collectors.

The Scott Specialized Catalogue of United States Stamps and Covers values a mint single at $5 and a mint pane of 20 at $100 against a postage value of $13.20.

Mint panes of 20 are currently selling at full Scott catalog value. This stamp was heavily counterfeited, and counterfeit panes of 20 are widely and routinely offered at $10 to $20.

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