Yep. That was me too starting 52 years ago right about now. Was fascinated a few years before by the first loose FDC’s I saw. Took me awhile to figure out what the hobby was and that blank cachets were publicly available.

Rode the bus downtown to buy a (print) copy of Linn’s Stamp News at a specialty newsstand, just about this time of year. It just so happened to have a large Artcraft ad offering blank envelopes for the announced subjects for 1973. My order went in quickly and I was in.

Probably have 98 percent of the issues for the first 45 years. But when the need for stamps shrank AND the post office started insisting on minimum quantities; I got more selective.

Agreed–way too many stamps. Pricing most casual collectors right out of the hobby. Oh to remember the days as a child collector when I could go to the PO and buy one of each.

So far the best overall stamp design year in a very long time. Even with a bit of subject overlap, and way too many “scenic” stamps for a single year (even if all the designs are good and make sense). A very good flag stamp (keep it for awhile–no reason to change them EVERY year).

But I have faith we’ve only seen half the list and they will still dilute it with way too many designs, and a few real turkeys.

‘Price Change Date’: 19 JAN 2025.