After 100 years, taking care of collectors and spreading the joy of collecting is still what we’re all about…
Mystic Stamp Company is America’s Leading Stamp Dealer, with headquarters in the small town of Camden, New York. Every day, our staff of 150 colleagues fulfills the stamp needs of thousands of collector-friends.
We serve the Mystic family of collectors with our easy-to-use MysticStamp.com website and popular 164-page U.S. stamp catalog. Our big selection of stamp clubs and free at-home approval service provide even more opportunities for stamp lovers to choose exactly what and how they want to collect.
In order to fill the requests of our valued customers, we need many stamps. Today Mystic is the largest buyer of stamps in the United States. Because we think collectors are special and the world is better off with more, Mystic works closely with the Smithsonian National Postal Museum and the American Philatelic Society to grow our hobby of stamp collecting. To nurture the next generation of collectors, we also donate free stamps and collecting supplies to school, scout, and church groups.
If you’d like to know more about us, check out the following timeline of important landmarks in the long history of Mystic Stamp Company.
After years of selling stamps from a room behind his father’s business, young Lawrence Shaver founds Mystic in our little village of Camden, NY, population 2500.
Mystic’s first home over Camden’s former Post Office Building. The company begins with one room and later occupies three floors.
During a visit with his friend, wholesale stamp dealer H.E. Harris, Larry Shaver takes Harris’ suggestion to name the growing business “Mystic”, after Boston’s Mystic River.
This begins Mystic’s long tradition of supporting our stamp hobby.
America’s first Souvenir Sheet – Scott #630 – the White Plains Souvenir Sheet was issued for the 1926 International Philatelic Exhibition.
Like most businesses, Mystic experiences tough times during the Great Depression. Bank failures due to the economic crisis force Mystic to ask customers to pay by money order instead of checks which couldn’t be cashed.
He says “I owe my life to my hobbies, especially stamp collecting.” Millions more Americans start to collect. Click here to read more about FDR and his love of stamp collecting.
– after FDR declares a “bank holiday”, freezing the banks. Mystic holds more than $2,000 in bank checks it’s unable to deposit. But we weather the storm, stamp collecting booms, and Mystic grows to over 100 employees.
Mentored by H.E. Harris, stamp wholesaler and biggest name in the stamp world, Maynard is just 20 years old. Forty years later, his 19-year-old son Donald would become general manager of Mystic.
expands his business and his family. This sets the stage for Mystic’s future president Don Sundman to learn the stamp business from the ground up.
Maynard and Fannie Sundman
the former Presbyterian Church building at 96 Main Street, Camden. 50 employees move with it.
Mystic did business in this former church building from 1949 until 1989
It’s the beginning of his lifelong love affair with stamps. He learns so much more from his dad Maynard – good business practices, good ethics, and how to treat loyal customers.
Don discovered the love of stamp collecting at an early age.
from his longtime friend-competitor and Mystic founder, Lawrence Shaver. His son Don comes to Camden from Littleton’s New Hampshire home to manage Mystic.
Don and colleagues in the 1970s
It becomes a wholesale division of Mystic, buying and selling used U.S. stamps. Most of Mystic’s used U.S. stamp needs are met by Ben-Art, which purchases stamps soaked off envelopes and sent in by individuals, churches, and civic groups around the country.
Distributing hundreds of thousands of catalogs each year introduces Mystic and stamp collecting to a wide audience of people. The catalog integrates history and collector information with a price listing and illustration for virtually every U.S. postage stamp. Click here to view Mystic’s U.S. Stamp Catalog online.
We begin purchasing millions of dollars’ worth of stamps every year in order to fulfill the dreams of our big family of stamp collectors. Click here to see one of Mystic’s well-known buy ads.
This modern-day detective story captures the attention of the world press. In one of the most thrilling highlights of Mystic’s history, Don files a Freedom of Information Act request for a copy of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) investigative report. He’s told it has to be cleared by the CIA! The heavily censored report arrives and… Click here to discover the dramatic story of the CIA Candleholder Caper.
The famous $1 “CIA” Candleholder Invert would be the basis of a modern philatelic detective story.
with Don’s gift of one of the rare CIA Inverts. The donation also begins Mystic’s long-time relationship with the Smithsonian National Postal Museum, which would open its doors in 1994. This is one way Mystic helps preserve America’s philatelic history for future generations. And how we enable current collectors to see stamp rarities they would otherwise never see!
Don Sundman donates a rare CIA Invert to the Smithsonian National Stamp Collection.
to better serve our customers. 20,000 square feet holds a lot of stamps! (We would expand in later years to 48,000 square feet.)
Home Sweet Home!
to force release of all Legends of the West error sheets (#2870) and prevent their destruction. Offering them all for sale would give thousands of collectors a chance to own a modern error. But the Postal Service wins and sells just 150,000 by mail order lottery, not nearly enough to meet collector demand. Though we lose, we’re proud to stand up for our fellow collectors. Click here for more highlights of the Legends of the West Error story.
Above left to right: Scott #2870 Error Sheet featuring Bill Pickett’s brother Ben and the reprinted Legends of the West sheet #2869 showing the real Bill Pickett, rodeo star of the Old West.
The Council works with the NPM executive director and staff to support the museum and hobby.
Zachary Sundman, Don’s 11-year-old son, raises the winning paddle, purchasing the 1868 1c Z Grill #85A for $935,000. Only two exist – just one in private hands. Mystic exhibits the rarity at stamp shows so thousands of collectors can see it. Click here for more of the story.
Don and Zachary close the deal for America’s rarest postage stamp
Funds for the series are donated by Don, and his brother David, of Littleton Coin Company. The lectures honor their father, a pioneer in the stamp business. They showcase topics of interest to stamp collectors, presented by experts, and encourage philatelic scholarship. These free lectures are one more way Mystic helps spread the joy of collecting to millions of people. Click here to view the lectures and other fun videos.
He continues to donate not only funds, but his time and expertise to help the museum and our hobby grow. He stepped down as chair around 2021, but remained on the council as a member.
The trade focuses media attention on our hobby. Click here for the full story.
. 
Left: The Unique Jenny Invert Plate Block
Right: Don Sundman makes the $6 million trade: Mystic’s 1868 Z Grill for the unique Jenny Invert Plate Block
We continue to produce top-quality covers for virtually every U.S. postage stamp. Fleetwood is the oldest FDC producer still making covers for collectors.
A present-day Fleetwood First Day Cover
The Foundation specializes in certifying the authenticity of rare and valuable stamps. Its experts have issued Certificates of Authenticity for over half a million stamps since 1945. Don served on the board until 2016.
is published, co-authored by Don Sundman and former American Philatelic Society president Janet Klug. Click here to see Don and Janet’s Maynard Sundman Lecture on creating their book.
with the William H. Gross Stamp Gallery. Our donation sponsors the Postmaster General’s Stamp Collection in the Gross Gallery, so collectors from across the country get to enjoy viewing it. Click here for more about the Postmaster General’s Collection.
Don visiting the Benjamin K. Miller and Postmaster General’s Collections at the National Postal Museum. Mystic’s contribution made this exhibit a reality.
The award recognizes Don’s support of the APS and the hobby as a whole. It is seldom given to a stamp dealer. Don is top all-time sponsor of new members to the APS. He’s also involved with many other initiatives of the APS to grow our hobby.
Don signs the scroll listing all preceding recipients of the Luff Award
used to produce Confederate stamps and displays it in Mystic’s lobby. Click here for story
Don stands beside the last Confederate press that used to print stamps for the Confederate States of America.
($50,000 each) to the American Philatelic Society. One is located in 2016 and the young man who returned it is $50,000 richer. Don gives the other $50,000 to the APS for general use.
Don with the lucky young man who earned the $50,000 reward!
to famed shoe designer Stuart Weitzman. Click here for details.
to ensure continuous service to our stamp collectors for generations to come. The transition was made for the benefit of our customers, colleagues, and community. Stable jobs and a thriving business are good for the economic health of Camden and surrounding areas. This also ensures our collecting family will have us to rely on for many years into the future.
Each Mystic colleague receives this special t-shirt.
This award recognizes Don’s many efforts to grow stamp collecting for the benefit of all.
Don has recently been made a fellow of the RPSL, the oldest philatelic society in the world. He is invited to attend the dedication of its new location in London. He is privileged to meet the Queen, patron of the Royal, and a collector with her own immense collection of United Kingdom stamps. 
Don meets Queen Elizabeth II
It’s his pleasure to introduce collectors to “America’s Stamp Club”.
Mystic’s future goals are to continue to find ways to delight collectors and introduce the joy of collecting to new people!
The award is given to recognize “…outstanding lifetime accomplishments in the field of philately,” including “exceptional service to the philatelic community, and the overall promotion of philately for the benefit of current and future collectors.”
Don and family receiving the SPAA award at the National Postal Museum Gala
Neat Story!
didn’t know the heritage.great history!
From Barbara
Interesting story; wait-this is history in the making. I’ve joined a stamp group that meets in Red Hook NY. Small group but we too are inviting as many ‘new’ folks to join and experience the joy of collecting these little treasures we put on our letters.
Glad there still is interest. I’ll keep spreading the news about this hobby!
Wonderful background story of the Mystic Stamp Company and its beginnings. My father introduced me to stamp collecting years ago and I have continued the tradition inheriting both his stamp and coin collection. I enjoy reading the history of a stamp and learn so much about why the stamp is important. Thank you for providing this online stamp resource and the opportunity to collect both US and foreign stamps. Congratulations on such an outstanding stamp company for collectors!
That’s so cool I’m 56 and I use to collect stamps back when I was in high school they were sold without my say so and I never done it again I wish I had’ve
While I was able to rescue my stamp collection, the rest of my possessions got sold when a family crisis developed and I was Vietnam. Lost my baseball cards, including a near complete 1957 set, and pictures of Texas court houses. Lots of books, my desk, bed and clothes. Oh well! At least I rescued the stamps. I think you should start a collection with a particular theme.
So interesting. Wish I had a lap top and printer so I could print this store. Can you send me a copy?
Wow, my dad was born in 1925 and served in The Navy as a fireman. Mom, horn in 35 collected stamps. She brought me a book and spent so many hours as a young girl with my stamps and making scrapbooks. I still have moms scrap books Liz Taylor color pictures even a James Dean stamp. We have come a long way evolving to Face book and instagram. Thank you for living out your fathers dream. My mother’s dream was to homestead in Alaska. She read us the books and dreamed out loud. I followed her dream. Thankful for My Heavenly Father giving me my parents to further His kingdom ~ Tami in Alaska –
How do you contact this company? I tried to send e-mails, but they never seen to be delivered!
Here you go…
https://www.mysticstamp.com/Contact/
I have a detailed and informative request, attempting to send via email. However, I am unable to forward same due to not having your email address. Suggest?
Thank you,
Lee Almquist
Leealmqui@aol.com
I’ve been collecting since I was five. My grandmother started my sister and I in the hobby that she held so dear. My grandmother is now 98 and legally blind so now I have the honor of having her collection. She still talks about her collection and how she longs to go through her stamps again. As I take time to go through and try to organize more of her stamps into books I’m taken down memory lane. I came to a pile of tri folded little yellow sheets of paper from Mystic still with the stamps attached. I can just imagine the thrill my grandmother got receiving these in the mail on review. .. probably as much as I get looking at them now. Taking the stamps off and placing in my album seems like such a crime, but I am so I can have them in my collection. Thank you for the years of history and memories!
Wow – thanks for sharing such a wonderful story! Please give our best to your grandmother, too.
I am a returned collector after I retired. I collected as a kid but my new collection has grown to over $5000. Thanks Don and crew for all the help. Steve Twiselton
I would like to get an appraisal on my stamp collection, mostly 1940s-1960s. There are many plate blocks and full sheets.
Hi Pat,
Please check out this link, so we can get your info. Thanks!
https://www.mysticstamp.com/Selling-Stamps/Tell-Us-About-Your-Stamps/
I live in Portchester NY. Where are you and can I come and visit
I have some old stamps I got from my uncle who had past. I have no idea what I’m doing can someone help please
Hi Candy,
Please fill out this form, the best you can: https://www.mysticstamp.com/Selling-Stamps/Tell-Us-About-Your-Stamps/
Or please call 1-800-835-3609 to speak to a stamp buyer.
Great history! I love to hear about the small town business doing well!
You guys are a great company to do business with and I look forward to many
years of building my collection through Mystic Stamp Comapny!
I did not know the information provided.
Thanks
sir,firest time i visit your site and its really very impressive.i am a new collector and found many informations about USA stamps on this site.
Thanks to adding me as amember of this family….
I have been collecting since I was 22 years old. I am 60 now and when I enter each stamp’s history into my database, I am amazed at the information Mystic Stamp Company lists on their website. I definitely find myself experiencing the artistic influence of each stamp I enter. I only collect United States stamps, and each stamp displays historical facts, both good and bad, of events Americans and Foreign individuals experienced. I give Mystic a resounding applause of providing not only the stamps to purchase, but also the rich history that tags each stamp. Thumbs up, people…thumbs up!
I’m a new collector. Enjoyed Mystic’s History and look forward to working with Mystic Stamp Company as I build my collection!
Does Mystic Stamp mail internationally?
Hi Jack,
May I suggest your start here? https://stg-mysticstampdiscoverycenter-test.kinsta.cloud/did-you-know-mystic-offers-flat-rate-shipping-and-guaranteed-delivery/
And if you have any questions, please call 1-866-660-7147, Monday through Friday from 8 am to 6 pm eastern time. A friendly customer service representative will be glad to help you. Have fun!
I remember Mystic ads in Boy’s Life magazine, about 1960,
for 225 stamps for 10c accompanied by approvals. I just wanted the stamps but couldn’t resist the approvals
A beautiful story. I started work at Mystic Stamp Company back in 1952, right after graduating
from Camden High School. Worked there for about 5 or 6 years.
Then moved to California when my husband was transferred there from Griffiss AFB when the
base closed. But always remember Camden and where I started work.
Really enjoyed reading the article. Same feeling as my twin sister (Marie Abess) stated, brings back a lot of memories. We both started work there the day after graduating in 1952. It was located then in the previous church building. Really nice article and shows how the establishment has grown over the years. You never forget your first job.
Your “This Day in History” is something I so look forward to every day. Please, keep up the good work and the e-mails.
I was an on and off collector from my mid teens in the 50s to middle age in the 90s. Could never really get into it. About 5 years ago, at age 70 I received 2 identical promotions two days apart “100 mint stamps for $1” from Mystic, I sent in my $2 and as they say “the rest is history”. I have acquired a formidable collection over the last 5 years and Mystic is responsible for a sizable portion of that collection. I am never less than astonished at the attitude and professionalism of Don’s “army” of customer service representatives. They really know their stuff, and if you have a problem, you can be assured it will be resolved before your call is terminated. And don’t forget the “Profit share program”, a genuine customer bonus program. I have read a broader history of Mystic and Littleton before, and the enormous influence the elder Sundman had in the stamp & coin collecting hobby. It’s very gratifying to see that his sons have carried on and guided these businesses in an honorable and successful direction. I am proud to stand among the many thousands of satisfied Mystic customers. Wishing you continued success. There is much more history about “Mystic Stamp Company” yet to be written.
Thank you for the kind words! All of us here at Mystic truly appreciate it.
Happy Collecting!
I have your Washton one cent stamps stamps and the 113-year-old postcard
I have a stamp collection I would like to a sell I could send you a email photo to see them
Hi Amelia,
May I suggest you please start here? https://www.mysticstamp.com/Selling-Stamps/Tell-Us-About-Your-Stamps/ Or please call 1-800-835-3609. Thanks!
Happy Collecting!
I am looking for the best and easiest book for collecting and keeping US stamps.
Hi Mabelle,
https://www.mysticstamp.com/Products/Supplies/M8104/USA/ is your best choice.
Happy collecting!
As a mid-teenager in early 60s, I used to collect adverts in the newspapers from Harris, Garcelon, Stampex, Broadway, when you could get, say, 25 free stamps from all over the world, and with this the companies included selections on offer. All one had to do is take which ever you liked, pay for it with extra coins saved as pocket money stuck between two bits of card box, post this back, and then get another lot on offer by way of return-post the following month. My first album was a Harris Citation, and this was truly all magic, and dare I say mystic. Thanks for the years of fun. GdR
I had an Ambassidor stamp album which I had almost full, then gave it to my father inlaw, after he passed I tried to get it back, good luck, they didn’t know what happened to it yeah right, my stupidity for giving it away
NICE STORY, I COULD TELL YOU ONE ABOUT H E HARRIS 108 MASS. AVE. BOSTON MA. I WORKED THERE FROM 1964 TO 1972.
Please do!
Mystic makes me very PROUD to live in Camden. They treat their employees, community services, and neighbors with the same integrity and respect that they expect their employees to offer their customers!!
Jeff, I feel that way as well, and I don’t even live in Camden! I believe that organizational integrity is a direct reflection Solid Leadership.
I remember both Mystic and Littleton from my stamp collecting days. I just recently dug out my stamp collection and took a quick look through it and found some ‘Littleton Profit Sharing’ certificates. I was wandering if you still honor these? Thank you for so many years of quality service. I don’t collect to much any more but still enjoy going through my collection on occasion.
Hi John,
That’s pretty neat. I don’t think Littleton’s Profit Sharing certificates expire. You can get more information on Littleton’s Profit Shares program here: https://www.littletoncoin.com/shop/Profit-Shares Thank you for sharing your story.
I am new at this .
My older brother collected some , as children.
Remembering how it felt to get a letter in the post and the realization that
We need to keep thee hand wrigeting in the schools for future generations.
Don’t let the Congress take that arttesticle ability out of the schools.
Thank you
Adam Lee
A. £€€
I have 25,000 stamps and I don’t think I’ve ever been so busy with work and play send me some of these to look at
When I look around the room at a typical stamp club meeting , whether it be the club I belong to or any other club, I see mostly older people such as myself. The future of our hobby is dependent on the youth of the community yet they our noticeably absent. We know this to be true yet nothing is being done to reach out to the ” kids “. At least as far as I know.
So do you have any programs to foster reach out for clubs on local levels and guidelines for geezers like me to get things moving? My name is Elliot S. Cubell and I belong to the Raleigh, NC Stamp Club.
Eagerly Awaiting Your Reply
Hi Elliot,
At Mystic, we believe the world would be a better place with more stamp collectors. But, we’re obviously preaching to the choir here!
There are grass roots projects at local levels and the American Philatelic Society has a few programs. Here is a link to the APS. https://stamps.org/stamps-teach
Mystic gives free stamp albums to the American Philatelic Society which they in turn give to young collectors.
Many thousands of kids visit the Smithsonian National Postal Museum Gross Gallery each year and each can pick 6 stamps to take as a gift to start a collection. (Mystic gives the stamps to the NPM)
Some collectors contact their local school and bring a few stamps or covers with a story or historical connection and tell the story to the kids.
So there are many efforts underway. But, we need to do more. The hobby is looking for more ideas to try. Perhaps your club has ideas?
Thank you! We appreciate your efforts to support the world’s greatest hobby.
I have the first Si-cilian stamps one hundred years old-plus ancient architectural masterpieces. Unused set of 5, 1959 *SAN MARINO .25cents. 32-11 mystic stamp co. : : Camden, New York.
My dad began buying U.S. stamps for my brother and I back in the 60’s. These were primarily plate blocks. While my brother moved on to coins I have stuck with it for 53 years. My collection of US stamps is almost complete thanks to Mystic’s help and I plan to hand it down to family after I’m gone.
I sent in a comment on this very abbreviated history of “Mystic” back in January of 2016, and here we are in February ’18 and the Don Sundman Crew are still jogging along in those same footprints in the snow; not a wobble or a waver. Only good stuff. Still 5 or 6 great annual catalogs/educational volumes (complimentary to most and free to everyone else, LOL); a revamped Profit Sharing Bonus System, now they are Reward Points, all computerized and you can redeem them over the phone and on line. And the “Insider” Membership granted to many members with some exciting benefits. So many topical collections, mention your special interest to one of VERY BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE REPS you will ever speak to and you might experience “Mystic Magic”. And the specialized periodic mailings, they are catalogs too, but full of catchy and information as well. I think it is time for an update on the history blurb. Do a little back slapping. Humility is OK, but ‘cmon! List some of your topical stamp and coin collections. Spread the word. Not in the “Mystic History” vein, but a suggestion: Stamp collector erosion due to advancing age!! It is true, shoot I’m 76, blind in one eye and can’t see out of the other; one foot on a banana peel, etc. You get the message. Years ago USPS used to release 15-20 page booklets of a topical nature i.e. transportation, wildlife, and so on. Don, You remember those. Great fun, educational, stamp collecting and admiring, historical, tell that story.. why don’t you come up with about 20 of this kind of “Introduction to Stamp Collecting” primers that we old timers could buy for a REASONABLE price, maybe in bulk, to get all the great grand children in the neighborhood interested in Stamps. Maybe we could make “STAMP COLLECTING GREAT AGAIN!!
I remember many happy hours with
my Mom and sister “stamping” , my Mom called it.
We loved getting those stamps on approval, and yes , Mystic was one of our favorite companies. Do you still offer that service?
Thanks for sharing your personal stamp memories. Yes, Mystic does still offer stamps on approval: https://stg-mysticstampdiscoverycenter-test.kinsta.cloud/let-mystic-help-your-collection-grow/
I am a member to the American Philatelic Society (APS) #223114 since 6/30/2014.
I started collecting at the age of 9 in 1974 and remember fondly the Mystic Stamp ads in magazines and comic books. I guess you could say I took a 35 year break from 1983 to now because I’m getting back into this wonderful hobby and am glad to see my old friend, Mystic, is not only still around but is the #1 company in the U.S.
We’re glad to have you back!
i have been collecting for well over 60 years but had a lull of a few years but now as i get older i wonder what will happen with all the time and enjoyment that i have put into my hobby . then as i got all the material out to look at it my grandaughter showed an interest in it and asked if she could have it and carry on with what i started so long ago so i have started collecting once again with her help. im so happy that what i started will live on after im gone. i hope i still have a few good years to guide her along
I enjoyed reading about your stamps, but I am a coin collector. I have been unable to find anything about your coins on this site. Can you send me info on where I can go to buy your coins ? Thank you very much,
Hi Pam – please call 1-866-660-7147 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 6 pm EST. A customer service representative can help you get started.
When I first got into stamp collecting back in 1979 when I was in 4th grade I can recall like yesterday ordering stamps from your company. I remember vividly checking the mailbox each day awaiting my stamps and here we are!! I am glad your company is still around supplying all stamp collectors throughout the world! Thank you for staying in business and continuing to give us memories!!
A GREAT STORY … and UPDATE !! Thank you !
Thank you Sundmans for your thoughtful undertakings in promoting history and collecting of stamps and coins. I started collecting in the early fifties as a preteen. I still remember the excitement of receiving stamps-on-approval in the mail to put in my Ambassador Album. My interest in collecting dropped off as a teenager, but now many decades later I have renewed that that inquisitive pursuit of this global hobby of stamp collecting. I hope I can pass this on to our grandchildren.
Again, Thank You.
I started collecting stamps in the early 1950’s living in Groton, CT and had always thought the Mystic stamp company was just down the road in Mystic CT. I received albums from my grandmother and her sister and have been collecting ever since. I lived in Argentina for a few years and improved my collection and upon going to college, getting married and starting work, my collecting suffered. I restarted upon retirement and as a widower it has become an important part of my life. With the new virus going around, staying at home and doing my stamps is just fine. I continue to be a Mystic Stamp Co. fan. Thanks for all the years.
Let’s try to energize new people to collecting stamps.
I’ve started pasting real used stamps and cutouts from catalogs
to most things I mail. The postmaster does not care so long
unused postage is attached, preferably in the upper right corner.
If everyone who reads this comment begins to do the same thing
we can start a renaissance to the hobby.
Great story about Mystic’s past!
Great story! Congrats!
I live in Canada and started collecting at age 12, contacted Mystic through an ad on the last page of a comic book. Participated in the approval syatem for a few years, with very little money to spend. I eventually stopped, but kept my album, which I bought from Mystic and still have. After retiring from a career in banking I got back into stamps and love it-I am now 79 years and still as passionate as ever about stamps.
I started collecting stamps at 8 years of age when my mother, a teacher learned about a starter kit from one of her student’s mother. I kept it going for several years and when in Scouting a few years later and completed the requirements for Stamp Collecting Merit badge. My brother was also a stamp collector and we had many adventures while collecting including joining a local stamp club for kids. Although I never quite collecting, it was a sideline during college, military service, and graduate school. I eventually spent 2 years in Brasil as an administrator in the American School–then began collecting Brasilian stamps. As I returned to US, I again started working on my collection as a great hobby to help relieve the tensions of academic work as a university professor & AF reserve officer. I also had a close colleague in the university who collected stamps, which helped me regain a fresh start.
Scouting is still another focus in my life at the retired level. Last month I taught an on-line course on Stamp Collecting merit badge for 22 scouts spread across the US from California to Florida.I think about 20 of those young citizens will have a better appreciation for what stamps & collecting represent and perhaps a long-time hobby for their efforts. I pointed them to the daily interesting story that comes out on a different stamp and helps them appreciate the importance of collecting for numerous reasons, especially the history learned for this.
Thanks for all of your efforts over the many years I have collected!
Loved reading the history of the company as I also love Mystic’s morning email of “This Day…” Like others I bought stamps from Mystic in my early years of collecting in the 1950’s, probably through an ad in Boy’s Life or Linn’s. My passion waned on and off a number of times in my life. I really loved the historical significance of commemorative stamps and lost interest in the hobby in the 90’s when the Post Office seemed to “manufacture” a stamp(s) for any reason. Being isolated with pandemic restrictions brought me back to the great hobby it is. I now find pleasure in creating my own album pages through desktop publishing which complement my Scott National Albums. This allows me to have multi-year series (Legends, etc.) to be viewed together rather than by individual year and adds a new creative dimension for me in collecting, especially for acquiring and displaying only those stamps which truly interest me. I’m looking forward to soon purchasing the flag stamps that Mystic has categorized. Thanks so much to the great staff at Mystic for assistance after my dormancy of twenty plus years as well as having the great website and superb customer service!
I loved collecting stamps as a kid. Now at 66 I started again with a fever I had 60 years ago. Now retired and in isolation with this pandemic, I have lots of time for stamping. I even look at my mailbox daily for stamps I order, especially from my favorite mystical source. The website is awesome for me to acquire those missing stamps and great for supplies too.
I never collected stamps until this year. I saw an ad in a coin catalog, and figured I would give it a shot and see what it is all about. That was about three months ago, and I have already lost track of how many orders I have placed. I get the stamps that I need and I get them fast. You guys are amazing, THANK YOU for helping me get into this amazing hobby. I look forward to many years of collecting (with your help!) to come!
In 1960 I started collecting stamps, mostly by mail from Littleton Stamp Company. I wrote a letter to Maynard Sundman to tell him how much I enjoyed the stamps. He actually replied, but my mother saw his letter first and thought it was a bill to be paid. When she saw what the letter was, it became a family keepsake that I still have today.