H Rate Change Stamps – and a Modern Rarity!
Due to pending postal rate increases in 1998, the U.S. Postal Service issued a set of non-denominational stamps that feature “Uncle Sam’s hat.” The new postal rate was set at 33¢. Seven different varieties were produced… and one surprise that surfaced later!
H Rate Change
H Rate Change Coil
H Rate Change Coil
Square Corners, die cut 9.9
H Rate Change Coil
Rounded corners, die cut 9.9
H Rate Change booklet
Die cut 9.9
H Rate Change booklet
Die cut 11.2 x 11.1
H Rate Change booklet
Die cut 8
Postcard Rate
The “Yellow Hat” stamps were withdrawn before the new rate went into effect and never issued. They were supposed to be destroyed – yet a few of them turned up in the fall of 1999 in postally used condition! Only an estimated 230 H Rate stamps have been found to date – each a highly desirable modern rarity!
I don’t understand why Scott does not list them.