United Postal Stationery Society Modern Envelopes

Modern Postal Stationery ‘Gold’ Changes in U.S. Postal Stationery envelope production have made some types scarce. Some types are worth significantly more than other types of the same die. Finding these types is a challenge

Modern Postal Stationery Changes In the 1990s, the US Postal Service began to use to envelope paper with varying percentages of “post consumer content”. This led to the appearance of Recycled Logos on the reverse side of the envelope. Recycle logos were added when the post office began using a portion of recycled paper in envelope production Recycle logo A

Tagging Types One of the first envelopes with a recycle logo was the 29¢ USA Star with Recycle Logo A. This envelope was issued with both block and bar tagging. Phosphorescent tagging was added (either to stamp ink or to block along side the stamp to help the facer/canceler locate stamp to cancel. Bar tagged issues are rarer with a value of $5.00 mint. Block tagged issues are more common and are listed at $1.25 mint.

Nonprofit Sheep Envelopes Originally issued in 1995, this envelope has 3 different Recycle Logos. Envelopes with: Type B logos are common. Type D logos appear on either white or Manistique paper and are listed at $5.00 and $7.50, respectively. Type E logos are rare with no known mint copies but only 2 used envelopes reported. These have not yet been priced. Type B Type D Type E

33 Cents Flag Issues The 33¢ Flag envelope was the last embossed envelope produced. It was issued with bar tagging on either the right or left side of the indicium. Most of these are common but the size 12 (92 mm high by 166 mm wide) widow version envelope, with tagging on the right, is valued at $15.00. The non-embossed 33¢ security envelopes (image shown left) occur with both Recycle logos C and D. Envelopes with recycle logo C are common while those with recycle logo D are priced at $20.00 (plain face) or $30.00 (with window). Both envelope types occur both with and without a window. Recycle logo types are described in the United Postal Stationery Soceity Catalog of 20th and 21st Century Envelopes and Wrappers of the United States.

33 Cents Victorian Love The 33¢ Victorian Love envelope was issued with bar tagging on either the right or left side of the indicium It is common with tagging on either side and Recycle logo C with a listed value of $1.25. A subsequent envelope was issued with the bar tagging to the right of the indicium and with Recycle logo D which lists for $5.00. Type C Type D

34 Cents Federal Eagle The color shades of the eagle for this issue vary considerably and, although not listed in catalogs, are highly collectable. This envelope is quite common on white (Tyrone) paper and is listed at $1.25. In contrast, the same envelope produced with a blue/gray tinted (Manistique) paper is valued at $75.00 for plain face and $90.00 with window.

(10¢) Stylized Eagle, nondenominated This envelope was issued for 3rd class, nonprofit, bulk mailings. Produced on Manistique paper (blue/gray tint) and with recycle logo B, this envelope is valued mint at $1.25. With white Tyrone paper and recycle logo D it is valued at $5. However, the real scarcity is for used envelopes. The 10¢ rate was in effect for only 10 months and few were used. Thus the envelope, properly used without additional postage, is valued at $20 and $30 for the two paper/logo types, respectively.

42 Cents Elk Although rather common, this issue has many varieties since it was produced by three different companies during the 2008 change in the envelope production contract. Production of this envelope includes: 6 different knife types, 3 different tagging sizes and 4 different Recycle Logo types For a total of 18 different envelopes! Type ‘F’ in black at bottom center, Type ‘G’ in black under left top flap, Type ‘H’ in green at bottom left Type I

Seabiscuit Along with the Forever Liberty Bell, these envelopes were the first to be issued to the public with a pressure sensitive adhesive. The Seabiscuit design occurs on envelopes with many differences: 2 window sizes 2 Security Overlay types 3 new Recycle Logos 2 gum types – Water activated and pressure sensitive adhesive.

Forever Liberty Bell The Forever Liberty Bell issue was the first “Forever” envelope meaning it can be used regardless of the postal rate in effect. It was issued in 2009 and again in 2011, as denoted by the year shown on the crown of the bell. year There are 53 known varieties of this envelope. Five different Recycle Logos were used with this issue. Some varieties were not available through the USPS Philatelic store and are only known with a return address corner card. They are listed at $5.00 to $25.00 mint and $7.00 used. Other varieties are likely still waiting to be found!

Forever Liberty Bell The word ‘FOREVER’ on this issue appears in both multicolored and copper versions. Multicolor ‘FOREVER’ is composed of individual red, yellow and cyan/blue dots, in varying amounts, visible under 30x or higher magnification. Copper Forever envelopes are valued 60 to 500% higher than multicolor envelopes! Copper ‘FOREVER’ is composed of solid/mottled copper color and may appear with irregular overtones of red.

Forever Liberty Bell Beginning in 2012, some envelopes were produced only for special request orders (envelopes printed with corner cards). These envelopes, not available through the USPS Philatelic Agency, such as UPSS 3949B (shown), are therefore much more scarce. All envelopes not available through the USPS Philatelic Agency are known only with corner card. Forever Liberty Bell with Logo O

United Postal Stationery Society catalogs are a one source reference for all postal stationery listings including illustrations, prices, knives, logos and more. Enhance your collecting experience by obtaining a catalog now and joining the United Postal Stationery Society today! What may look like an everyday item could be something more valuable than imagined! Order printed or electronic books from the Society website at: www.upss.org