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Thursday, March 17, 2011

Stamp Investment Tip: U.S. 1997 Bugs Bunny Pane of 10, with extended die-cutting (Scott #3138)

In recent years, the U.S. Postal Service has issued several stamps picturing popular cartoon characters. Personally, I find these stamps imbecilic and trite, especially since there are many significant, non-fictional individuals who should be honored, and who are being sent to the back of the stamp selection line due to this decision to "dumb down" and cater to the increasing ignorance, juvenilization, and decreasing attention-span of the American public.


Of course, my own bias in this regard is irrelevant when it comes to determining whether a particular stamp is a good investment. Cartoon issues are popular, and if collectors want to include them in their albums alongside stamps that actually mean something, then that's their business, and therefore the business of a stamp investment blog.

In 1997 the U.S. issued a die-cut pane of ten stamps featuring Bugs Bunny. The normal pane (Scott #3137) is common, as 37.8 million were issued. However, there is also a scarce variety pane, in which the die-cutting extends through the backing paper (Scott #3138). Only
118,000 of #3138 were issued, and Scott '11 prices it unused at $160.00 .


Whether one likes the "silly wabbit" stamps or not, tucking away a few of the variety panes might not be silly at all. As the more vulgar aspects of American culture metastasize around the globe, infecting the growing middle-class in developing countries, demand for the scarcer items among the crowd-pleasing cartoon issues is likely to increase.


17 comments:

  1. How do you know if you have # 3138 or # 3137 ?

    I'm not a collector but have one , Thx , Mark

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  2. Anon,
    Die cutting on #3138 extends through the backing paper, while on #3137 it does not.- Alex

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have 2 stamps are they of any value

      gena

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  3. I also have these but I'm sure what you mean by it extends through the backing paper.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I have the single stamp on the card- is it have any value ?

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  5. This is so interesting blog. You are best listing knowledge provide at this site. I am very excited read this nice article. You can visit my website.
    stamps buy

    ReplyDelete
  6. I worked at the P.O. in 1997 and bought a First Day Issue Bugs Bunny 10 stamps framed with Warner Bros.Studios Burbank,CA May 22,1997 little plaque in the frame saying all the above. I wonder what it is worth today?






























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  7. I have a Bugs Bunny 1998 stamp booklet that the single stamp on the left is not centered. The perforation cuts into the blue border. Could this be and imperfection and collectible? Thanks.

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  8. You have provided very good information and very important. People benefit from reading such information
    Thank you so much

    Pincodezone

    ReplyDelete

  9. Superb kind of work by the writer as on this particular topic people needs more precise information and special attention to it.Thanks a lot.
    Pincodestreet

    ReplyDelete
  10. I have the entire booklet with impeforate edges in mint condition that I am selling if anybody is interested you can contact me at Lorinr69@gmail.com or text (803)342-4261

    ReplyDelete