Third Group of GASS 2024 Rooms Now Available

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The question is, for how much longer will these rooms at the Capitol Hotel in downtown Hartford be available? And, if these sell out, will the APS be able to get a fourth block of rooms?

The Great American Stamp Show rate is $114. The Capitol Hotel (part of the Choice group) is about a mile from the convention center, but still on the free Dash shuttle route. It appears to be near Stop 6.

Click here to go right to the GASS/Capitol reservation page. It appears to work better with Chrome than with Firefox.

Molly the Cat (Netherlands 2024)

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[from PostNL press material] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Molly personalized stamps

Issue date: 12 February 2024
Appearance: sheet of five personal stamps in five different designs with denomination ‘1’ for post weighing up to 20 g with a destination in the Netherlands
Item number: 840019
Design: Yvonne Warmerdam | Orange Licensing, Gouda
Illustrations: Francien van Westering

In addition to the official issue programme, PostNL also has an annual issue programme for personal stamps, which is flexible.

The Molly stamp sheet features illustrations by Francien van Westering and was issued on 12 February 2024. Each of the five personal stamps bears the denomination ‘1’ for post weighing up to 20 g with a destination in the Netherlands. The stamp design was created by art director Yvonne Warmerdam of Gouda-based Orange Licensing. A sheet of five stamps costs €5.45.

The cat Molly is the main character in van Westering’s columns and books. She first came up with and drew Molly when she was a child. It was not until later in life, after making a career and name for herself as the ‘cat artist’ of the Netherlands, that she brought Molly back to life. She did so in columns in the women’s magazine Margriet and children’s magazine Bobo Magazine, as well as in books that she wrote and drew about Molly. Molly goes on little adventures in the countryside, loves nature, wears flamboyant dresses and doesn’t go anywhere without her hat with flowers on it.

A large drawing of Molly in a hammock covers the sheet border. One of the stamps has a cut-out of this illustration. The other four stamps feature drawings of Molly with flowers, Molly with flowers and a cat at her feet, Molly sitting against a tree and Molly with a wheelbarrow with two cats in it. Of the five illustrations on the stamps, two fill the entire picture plane and three are individual illustrations. The three stamps with an individual illustration feature flowers against a white background. The Molly logo serves as the title of this issue on all stamps and at the top left of the sheet border.

The design of the Molly stamp sheet was created by Yvonne Warmerdam, art director of Gouda-based Orange Licensing. She is intimately familiar with the work of Francien van Westering. “We have represented Francien from the very start [of the firm 10 years ago],” she said. “Until now, we have mostly used her lifelike cat drawings, but recently began also using her Molly illustrations – first on greeting cards, followed by Christmas cards and now on this stamp sheet.”

“Every cat lover is familiar with Francien van Westering. It is clear that she has a huge fan base by the enthusiasm of the response to more products with Molly’s drawings now becoming available.”

Warmerdam had access to a huge collection of Molly drawings, which made “it easy to tell the story of Molly: a city cat who moves to the countryside. As a child, Francien often went on holiday to England with her mother and younger brother. She has always loved the country and its beautiful landscapes, especially the hills. This same landscape can be seen in the drawing I chose for the background, with Molly in the hammock.”

Warmerdam believes that the Molly character comes across well in all the illustrations. “Molly is really a little lady who is always groomed to perfection. She loves the countryside, being outdoors and flowers. The illustrations have lots of character, with soft colours and a nice nostalgic and warm look & feel. There is a sweetness about them, which we could all use nowadays.”

This is the second set of Dutch stamps to use van Westering’s drawings. In 2015, PostNL issued Francien’s Cats, with four sheets of three stamps each.

The Molly stamp sheet is available only through the Collect Club philatelic service, either via the website or telephone ordering.

Technical Data:
Stamp size: 30 x 40 mm (wxh)
Sheet size: 170 x 122 mm (wxh)
Paper: normal with phosphor print
Gumming: gummed
Printing technique: offset
Print colours: cyan, magenta, yellow, black
Print run: number of sheets
Appearance: sheet with five personal stamps in five different designs
Denomination: denomination ‘1’ for post weighing up to 20 g with a : destination in the Netherlands
Design: Yvonne Warmerdam | Orange Licensing, Gouda
Illustrations: Francien van Westering
Item number: 840019

Note: PostNL does not sell directly to collectors in North America. Its website refers to a company called Nordfirm, which says it sells Dutch new issues at face value. The Virtual Stamp Club has no connection to this company.

Spice Girls (UK)

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[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Royal Mail Marks the 30th Anniversary of the Spice Girls with a Set of Special Stamps

Issue date: 11 January

  • The Spice Girls are one of the most successful British bands in history – selling over 100 million records worldwide and scoring nine UK number one singles
  • This is the first time Royal Mail has dedicated an entire stamp issue to a female music group
  • The stamps and a range of collectible products are available to order now at www.royalmail.com/spicegirls and by telephone on 03457 641641

Royal Mail have announced it is issuing a set of 15 Special Stamps to celebrate one of the world’s most successful pop groups of all time, the Spice Girls. With more than 100 million global record sales across three decades, and nine UK number one singles, they are one of the most successful British bands in music history.

This is the first time Royal Mail has dedicated an entire stamp issue to a female pop group and they become only the sixth music group to feature in a dedicated stamp issue – following on from The Beatles in 2007, Pink Floyd in 2016, Queen in 2020, The Rolling Stones in 2022 and Iron Maiden in 2023.

In partnership with Bravado, Universal Music Group’s brand management and merchandise division, Royal Mail worked closely with the band to carefully curate and select images that celebrated the incredible legacy of the Spice Girls.

The main set of 10 stamps features iconic images of group and individual live performances from 1997 to 2012:

  • Spice Girls performing at the BRIT Awards, 1997
  • Melanie Chisholm performing at the BRIT Awards, London, 1998
  • Spice Girls performing during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games
  • Geri Halliwell performing at the BRIT Awards, London, 1997
  • Spice Girls performing in San Jose, California, 2007
  • Emma Bunton performing at Wembley, London, 1998
  • Spice Girls performing in Istanbul, 1997
  • Victoria Beckham performing during The Return of the Spice Girls Tour at Madison Square Garden, New York City, 2008
  • Spice Girls performing in Dublin, 1998
  • Melanie Brown performing at the BRIT Awards, London, 1997

Completing the set are a further five stamps, presented in a miniature sheet, featuring individual images of the girls from the iconic Spice World photoshoot. The image was chosen as it worked perfectly to feature each of the Spice Girls individually on their own stamp, but also within a group shot.

Formed in 1994, the Spice Girls are the biggest female group of all time, with worldwide record sales in excess of 100 million. Emma, Geri, Mel B, Melanie C and Victoria – aka Baby, Ginger, Scary, Sporty and Posh Spice – spearheaded their own rise to chart dominance at a time when girl groups were not considered to be commercially viable. Their infectious pop sound and bold ‘Girl Power!’ philosophy changed the face of music and inspired a generation of artists and fans.

Spicemania swept the globe in 1996 with the release of the group’s debut single, ‘Wannabe’. Their influence reached into every corner of modern life. They became a lasting symbol of the ‘Cool Britannia’ era, owing in no small part to the iconic Union Jack dress worn by Geri for the group’s performance at the 1997 BRIT Awards.

The Spice Girls were awarded two Ivor Novello Awards, three BRITS – one of these a special BRIT Award in recognition of their global achievement – three American Music Awards and four global MTV Awards.

David Gold, Director of External Affairs and Policy said: “The Spice Girls have been a force to be reckoned with since they formed as a group in 1994. We are proud to celebrate the most successful female music group ever seen, not only for their music but their enduring influence over so many aspects of our lives.” [The item shown here is called a “definitive pane FDC with the alternative postmark,” but is not offered on the website.]

The Spice Girls, said: “We are so excited to be celebrated by Royal Mail, alongside some of the most iconic and influential music legends. When we formed the Spice Girls we couldn’t have dreamt that 30 years later we would be the first female group to be dedicated an entire stamp collection, that’s Girl Power!”

The stamps, and a range of collectible products, are available to order at www.royalmail.com/spicegirls and by telephone on 03457 641 641. A Presentation Pack including all 15 stamps in the set is priced at £19.65. The stamps went on general sale on 11 January.

[VSC: The gold stamps set, which comes with the certificate shown in the foreground of this photo, is £149.99. A platinum miniature sheet is £199.99.]

Canada Post Proposes May 2024 Rate Hike

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[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Canada Post proposes new postage rates for 2024
Price of a domestic stamp in a booklet, coil or pane would rise to 99 cents

Canada Post is proposing to increase postage rates in 2024. For stamps purchased in a booklet, coil or pane, which represent the majority of stamp sales, the rate would increase by seven cents, to 99 cents per stamp. The new rates would take effect May 6, 2024.

Prior to these proposed changes coming into effect, domestic letter mail rates have increased twice over the last decade (five cents in 2019 and two cents in 2020), with the last major pricing change made on March 31, 2014.

Minimizing the impact
Canada Post understands the importance of the delivery service it provides and works to minimize the impact of price changes on all customers, ensuring any increases are fair and reasonable. The impact of the rate increase for the average Canadian household is estimated at 65 cents per year. For the average Canadian small business, the estimated impact is $12.07 per year.1 Permanent™ stamps will always be accepted at the current domestic postage price.

Small businesses looking for support or special discounts on shipping and other services are encouraged to sign up for the free Canada Post Solutions for Small Business™ program.

Growing financial pressures on the postal system
While the Corporation has worked to minimize or hold rates for much of the last decade, the cost of providing a postal service to all Canadians has also been steadily impacted by inflation. This, combined with the fact that each year there are fewer letters to deliver to more addresses, has put considerable financial pressure on Canada Post. As an organization funded by revenue from the sale of its products and services, not taxpayer dollars, rate changes are a reality.

The proposed rate changes would also affect other products, including U.S., international letter-post and domestic Registered Mail™ items. The price of a single stamp for a domestic letter (30 grams or less) would increase from $1.07 to $1.15. When purchased in a booklet, coil or pane, the price would increase from 92 cents to 99 centsper stamp.

The proposed rates were published February 9 for public comment in Part I of the Canada Gazette. Subject to regulatory approvals, they would take effect May 6, 2024.

1 Estimate based on average annual spending of businesses and households.

[en Francais pour les médias d’information]
Postes Canada propose de nouveaux tarifs postaux pour 2024
Le prix d’un timbre du régime intérieur en carnet, en rouleau ou en feuillet passerait à 99 cents l’unité.

OTTAWA, ON, le 9 févr. 2024 /CNW/ – Postes Canada propose d’augmenter les tarifs d’affranchissement en 2024. Les timbres achetés en carnet, en rouleau ou en feuillet, soit les plus vendus, coûteraient 99 cents du timbre, c’est-à-dire une augmentation de 7 cents. Les nouveaux tarifs entreraient en vigueur le 6 mai 2024.

Les tarifs des envois poste-lettres du régime intérieur ont augmenté deux fois dans les 10 dernières années (de 5 cents en 2019 et de 2 cents en 2020), la dernière majoration importante ayant été apportée le 31 mars 2014.

Réduire au minimum l’incidence
Postes Canada comprend l’importance de son service de livraison et s’efforce de réduire au minimum l’incidence des changements tarifaires sur la clientèle, en veillant à ce que toute augmentation soit juste et raisonnable. L’incidence de la hausse tarifaire sur le ménage canadien moyen est estimée à 65 cents par année, et à 12,07 $ par année pour la petite entreprise canadienne moyenne.1 Les timbres PermanentsMC seront toujours acceptés au tarif d’affranchissement actuel du régime intérieur.

Les petites entreprises voulant du soutien ou des réductions spéciales sur l’expédition et d’autres services sont invitées à s’inscrire au programme gratuit Solutions pour petites entreprises de Postes CanadaMC.

Pressions financières croissantes sur le système postal
Bien que la Société se soit efforcée de réduire au minimum les majorations tarifaires ou de maintenir ses tarifs pendant une bonne partie de la dernière décennie, le coût des services postaux offerts n’a cessé d’être touché par l’inflation. Cette augmentation et le fait qu’il y a chaque année moins de lettres à livrer à plus d’adresses exercent une pression financière considérable sur Postes Canada. Puisque cette dernière est financée par les revenus générés par la vente de ses produits et services, et non par l’argent des contribuables, les changements tarifaires sont une réalité.

La majoration proposée toucherait également d’autres produits, y compris les envois poste aux lettres à destination des États-Unis et du régime international, et les envois Courrier recommandéMC du régime intérieur. Le prix d’une vignette à l’unité pour une lettre du régime intérieur (30 grammes ou moins) passerait de 1,07 $ à 1,15 $. Achetés en carnet, en rouleau ou en feuillet, les timbres coûteraient 99 cents chacun plutôt que 92 cents.

Les tarifs proposés ont été publiés 9 February dans la Partie I de la Gazette du Canada aux fins de consultation publique. Sous réserve des approbations réglementaires, ils entreraient en vigueur le 6 mai 2024.

1 Estimation fondée sur les dépenses annuelles moyennes des entreprises et des ménages.

Vikings Legacy (UK 2024)

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[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Legacy of the Vikings in Britain Celebrated with a Set of Eight Special Stamps from Royal Mail

  • Issue date: 20 February 2024
  • The stamps also mark the 40th anniversary of the JORVIK Viking Centre opening in York
  • Featuring striking images, the stamps showcase Viking artefacts and locations of significance from around the UK
  • The stamps and a range of collectible products are available to pre-order now at www.royalmail.com/vikingbritain and by telephone on 03457 641641

Royal Mail has revealed images of eight new stamps that celebrate the history, impact and legacy of Vikings in Britain and mark 40 years since the JORVIK Viking Centre opened in York.

Featuring striking images, the stamps showcase Viking artefacts and locations of significance from around the UK, and include:

  • an iron, silver and copper sword
  • a silver penny minted in York
  • Silver penannular brooch, Penrith, Cumbria
  • Lindisfarne Priory in Northumberland
  • Norse settlement remains in Jarlshof, Shetland
  • an antler comb and case from Coppergate, York
  • Gilded bronze brooch, Pitney, Somerset
  • a Hogback gravestone from Govan Old, Glasgow

The Coppergate Dig that began in May 1976, led directly to the creation on the excavation site of the JORVIK Viking Centre, to showcase the finds and recreate the urban landscape of Viking Age York – including its sounds and smells – all based on detailed research.

When it opened, the Centre made a global impact. It showed that the Viking world was based on more than violence, and told a complex story of settlement, manufacture and trade.

Opening in 1984, JORVIK welcomed 900,000 people during its first year of operation. Over the intervening decades, and after three updates, the Centre has entertained and interacted with over 20 million visitors, including many children.

In addition to the team at the JORVIK Viking Centre, Royal Mail also worked closely with Dr Gareth Williams, curator at the British Museum and Thomas Williams, author of Viking Britain and Viking London, and previously also a curator at the British Museum.

Viking Britain:
The Vikings were seaborne adventurers of Scandinavian origin whose activities in the British Isles from the end of the 8th century onwards changed the languages, economy, society and political geography of these islands forever.

Early raids targeted Christian monasteries and coastal communities but, by the mid-9th century, these incursions had evolved into large-scale invasions that tore up the traditional patchwork of small independent kingdoms.

The waves of migration, settlement and conquest that followed transformed Britain; by the early 11th century, kings and earls of Danish and Norwegian heritage ruled the whole of England and large parts of Scotland and dominated the Irish Sea. And while ultimately the sounding horns of the Viking Age fell silent, the echoes still remain.

David Gold, Director of External Affairs and Policy said: “If anyone was to ask ‘what did the Vikings ever do for us?’ the answer is that they transformed Britain and left an enduring influence on the languages, economy, society and political geography of the UK forever. Their impact was enormous and cannot be overlooked. We hope these stamps will inspire people to explore this fascinating period in Britain’s history further.”

David Jennings, Chief Executive of York Archaeology, the charity that operates JORVIK Viking Centre, commented: “The finds at Coppergate fundamentally changed our understanding of how the Vikings lived in England, and JORVIK Viking Centre put York’s Norse heritage on the international map. After over 40 years, and with over 20 million visitors passing through our doors, it is a real honour to be featured on these stamps and be part of this unique celebration of Viking culture.”

The stamps, and a range of collectible products, are available to pre-order now at www.royalmail.com/vikingbritain and by telephone on 03457 641 641. A Presentation Pack including all eight stamps in the set is priced at £13.80. The stamps go on general sale on 20 February.

 

Philatelic Products:

Stamp Set: £12.90
Presentation Pack: £13.80
First Day Cover [below]: £16.15
Stamp Souvenir: £16.15
First Day Envelope: £0.30
Postcards: £3.60
Framed Stamps: £34.99
Medal Cover [right]— Replica Viking Coin from York: £19.99
Full Sheet 60 x 1st Class Stamps: £75.00
Half Sheet 30 x 1st Class Stamps: £37.50
Full Sheet 60 x £1.00 Stamps: £60.00
Half Sheet 30 x £1.00 Stamps: £30.00
Full Sheet 60 x £2.00 Stamps: £120.00
Half Sheet 30 x £2.00 Stamps: £60.00
Full Sheet 60 x £2.20 Stamps: £132.00
Half Sheet 30 x £2.20 Stamps: £66.00

Technical details:

Number of stamps
Value of Stamps
Design
Format
Number per sheet
Size
Printer
Process
Perforations
Phosphor
Gum
Stamp designs		 Eight
2 x 1st Class, 2 x £1.00, 2 x £2.00, 2 x £2.20
Studio Up
landscape
30/60
50mm x 30mm
Cartor Security Printers
lithography
14 x 14
bars as appropriate
PVA
Stamp designs © Royal Mail Group Ltd 2024

Acknowledgements: Iron, silver and copper sword, Silver penny, Silver penannular brooch and Gilded bronze brooch © The Trustees of the British Museum; Lindisfarne Priory © AJM681/Alamy Stock Photo. Featured with kind permission of English Heritage; Norse settlement remains © Chris Griffiths/Getty Images; Antler comb and case © York Archaeological Trust for Excavation and Research Limited; Hogback gravestone © Alan McAteer. Featured with kind permission of Govan Old; Vintage paper texture © Javarman/Alamy Stock Photo; ‘Time of Viking Invasions’ map, from History of England by George Macaulay Trevelyan. Longmans, Green and Co. Ltd, London, 1926 © The Print Collector/Alamy Stock Photo; Antique map of Shetland and Orkney Islands © ilbusca/Getty Images

Kelley New Editor at U.S. Specialist

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A short announcement on the website of the U.S. Stamp Society says that Andrew Kelley of Denver will take the reins at the philatelic organization’s journal, effective with the March 2024 issue. He replaces Martin Kent Miller, who has been the editor since 2019. No reason was given.

Kelley recently received the Society’s 2023 Hopkinson Literature Award. His article “Authenticating Scott 530c — Triple Impression on the Three Cent Offset” appeared in the May 2023 issue of The Specialist.

The U.S. Stamp Society was founded in 1926 as the Philatelic Plate Number Association, but was known as the Bureau Issues Association from 1930 to 2000. Its members specialize in collecting U.S. stamps.

January 2024 AFDCS Cachetmakers Directory Available Free

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[press release]
Free AFDCS Current Cachetmakers Directory Updated

A new edition of the American First Day Cover Society’s AFDCS Directory of Current Cachetmakers is now available. The January 2024 version can be downloaded for free. Printed versions are available for $5.00 postpaid from AFDCS Sales, PO Box 44, Annapolis Junction, MD 20701 or may be ordered from the AFDCS website.

Compiled by John White of North Carolina, the directory seeks to list every individual or company currently producing cacheted first day covers, whether or not they are members of the AFDCS. There is no charge for listings; cachetmakers who wish to be included in a future edition should fill out the online form at www.afdcs.org/cmform.php

New editions of the directory are published when there are a number of additions or changes, so the next version may be next month or next year. The link to the latest edition — whatever it is — is on the AFDCS home page. The January 2024 edition adds 11 cachetmakers, removes 14 and updates six.

The American First Day Cover Society is a not-for-profit educational organization, with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status granted by the IRS. Established in 1955, the AFDCS also publishes handbooks, catalogues and its award-winning bimonthly journal, First Days. It also promotes first day cover exhibiting, both at Great American Stamp Show and at other stamp shows, and holds an annual cachetmaking contest.

For more information about the AFDCS, visit www.afdcs.org, e-mail afdcs@afdcs.org or write the AFDCS at Post Office Box 27, Greer, SC 29652-0027

AFDCS: Latest News about Americover/GASS 2024 (February)

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More hotel rooms available: The second block of rooms for Great American Stamp Show 2024 is now online: Click here or call Hilton at {800} 754-7941 and request the “APS Stamp Show” room block.

But this block at the Hilton was also getting snatched up. The APS is planning a third group of rooms, but at some point, the tap will run dry.

Remember that your credit card will not be charged until you check in and you can cancel your reservation at no charge until a few days before check-in. Never use a debit card for a hotel stay.

Stay Sunday night: The AFDCS again plans a “Dutch treat” post-show dinner at a local restaurant. It’s a great social event, a chance to unwind after the show and discuss your philatelic successes or your (grand)children. We’re still working on details.

No AFDCS events are planned for Monday, but travel in the summer is better during the day on a weekday during the summer anyway.

DASH around Hartford: The city has a free downtown shuttle bus service, called DASH. Normally it only runs Monday through Friday 7 to 7, but service is being extended for GASS 2024. Its stops include the convention center/Marriott, the Hilton, the art museum, the train station, and historic sites. Click here for a route map.

Inexpensive Airport Shuttle: It appears CT Transit has a $1.75 bus to and from the airport, the Bradley Flyer, with stops at the convention center and train station. We’re still checking it out. (If you’ve used it recently, please let us know how well it works.) Shuttle Information By the way, the airport’s code is “BDL” (Bradley).

Exhibit: Great American Stamp Show 2024 has a separate Americover 2024 first day cover exhibit of 156 frames. Entry forms are due May 3rd.

Also, there will be a discussion of where we stand on international exhibiting of FDCs on Saturday. The outlook is good!

Connect Online: While the AFDCS website is undergoing reconstruction, visit us on Facebook, either the Americover page (search for “Americover”) or the AFDCS group.

Also check out the APS’ GASS section.

Second Block of GASS24 Hotel Rooms Added

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The second block of rooms for Great American Stamp Show 2024 in Hartford is now online: Use this link or go to the APS website’s GASS section. Don’t wait! Last year, the second block sold out quickly. You won’t be charged for your rooms until you check in, so there’s no reason not to book now.

If you are told “your dates are not available” (or something like that), modify the dates. Earlier Friday, within hours of the new block being posted, Sunday night had sold out (and was re-stocked by the APS). You can then change the dates closer to the show.

The Hilton is at 315 Trumbull Street, about 8/10 of a mile from the convention center (according to Google Maps, and depending on the entrances used for either building). It is also on the DASH free shuttle bus service which will be extended for those attending GASS: 7 am to 11 pm Wednesday through Saturday and 7 am to 5 pm on Sunday. It also goes other places of possible interest to those attending the show. A map can be found here or you can click on this picture for a larger version without the “stops” listed.

The convention center is at 100 Columbus Boulevard.