This Department is conducted in the interest of stamp and coin collectors, and the Editor will be pleased to answer any question on these subjects so far as possible. Correspondents should address Editor Stamp Department.
This is the height of the auction season. One auction a day is a fair average, and several lists with reserved prices have been sent out to prospective buyers, who are asked to compete against each other by mail. The straight auction where no stamp is held at a reserve will always commend itself to collectors. In the few instances where it was suspected that "a string was attached to the valuable stamps," such dissatisfaction was aroused that no self-respecting or far-sighted dealer will countenance any thing which savors of unfair bidding.
In the issue of January 5 I referred to a rumor that the Bureau of Engraving contemplated a new issue of U.S. stamps. Although no official notice has been given, it is believed the government intends to issue the new set during the International Postal Union Convention which meets in Washington this spring. I advise young collectors to look up the blank spaces especially in the current issue. For instance, the guide-lines now used make eight varieties of the 1c. and 2c. stamps, viz., guide-line at the top, bottom, left, or right, and the lines at top and left, top and right, bottom and left, and bottom and right. Then there are the three varieties of triangles in the 2c. stamps, and also the marked varieties in the color of the early compared with later printings.
BALTIMORE.--The Nova Scotia 1c. black is worth 30c.; the 5c. blue about 10c.
E. C. WOOD.--U.S. stamps issued before 1861 are not available for postage, but all issues from 1861 are valid to-day.
J. E. KINTER.--The "Army and Navy" is not a coin, but is one of the many war tokens issued in 1861.
J. MANN.--The early Portugal have been reprinted. The Argentine 1892 2 centavos and 5 centavos were formerly high-priced, but of late they can be bought for 75c to $1 for the two.
A. DANBY.--The Cape of Good Hope first issue were triangular. They are slowly advancing in value.
J. JOYNER and J. RASMUSSEN.--We do not sell albums or stamps or coins, nor supply catalogues. Refer to advertisements of dealers.