United States parcel post postage due set heating up

Stamp Market Tips by Henry Gitner and Rick Miller

An act of Congress on Aug. 24, 1912, created postage rates for fourth-class mail weighing 4 ounces or less at 1¢ per ounce or a fraction of an ounce. For mailpieces weighing more than 4 ounces, the parcel post rate was by the pound.

The Post Office Department issued 12 distinctive stamps for prepayment of parcel post mail and five parcel post postage due stamps.

As of Jan. 1, 1913, only parcel post stamps were valid for prepayment of postage on parcel post mail. On July 1, 1913, the rules were changed to allow the use of regular postage stamps on parcel post mailpieces.

The rule change also authorized the use of parcel post stamps for prepayment of regular postage and parcel post postage due stamps for postage due on other classes of mail.

The parcel post stamps (Scott Q1-Q12) are carmine rose with attractive engraved designs. The parcel post postage due stamps (JQ1-JQ5) are dark green with the design showing the numeral of value in the center.

The Scott Specialized Catalogue of United States Stamps and Covers values the five parcel post postage due stamps at the following values in unused, hinged condition and very fine grade: the 1¢ stamp at $8, 2¢ at $60, 5¢ at $9, 10¢ at $110, and 25¢ at $70.

This set is experiencing increasing demand. Examples in unused, lightly hinged condition are a good buy at up to 80 percent of Scott catalog value.

The 10¢ stamp is difficult to find in very fine grade and is a good buy at full Scott catalog value.

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