Learn More about US Stamps

Famous Collectors

Who’s Delivering Your Mail? What do legendary football coach Knute Rockne, President Harry Truman and the serial killer known as the Son of Sam have in common? If you guessed they were all postal workers at one time, you’re right! Actually, a lot of famous people helped move the mail before becoming household names. Let’s … Read more

Special Event Covers

Chances are you’re familiar with First Day Covers, which feature a newly-issued stamp, an official cancellation marking the issue date and often artwork that complements the stamp design. But Special Event Covers are also fun to collect. Often overlooked, these are important souvenirs of special moments in history that complement your stamp collection nicely. Special … Read more

CIA Inverts

In 1985, news of a newly discovered U.S. invert stamp rocked the philatelic world. It was the first major inverted stamp in 66 years and said to be rarer than the coveted Jenny inverts

History of U.S. Stamps

The first U.S. postage stamp began a revolution in communication! And the postal service has been closely tied to our nation’s history ever since – through wars, technological advances and much more.

The Jenny Invert Plate-Number Block

Discover America’s Greatest Stamp Rarity With Mystic’s Exclusive Booklet The Jenny Invert Plate-Number Block is America’s greatest stamp rarity. It has always been the most sought-after and valuable of the six inverted Jenny blocks. It’s the only Plate-Number Block from the legendary 1918 24¢ Airmail stamp error sheet, which makes it unique. The Jenny Invert Plate-Number … Read more

Mystery of the Grinnell Missionaries

The story of the Grinnell Hawaiian Missionaries reads like a mystery, but it’s a true story, full of real-life drama. For nearly 100 years, their genuineness has been debated. Are they really scarce Hawaiian Missionary stamps… or some of the greatest forgeries ever created? The saga of the Grinnell Missionary stamps is a long and … Read more

What are Farley’s Follies?

Farley’s Follies is one of stamp collecting’s most interesting stories. And since most of the stamps are readily available and inexpensive, it’s easy enough to put a specialized collection together.

Grilled Issues of the United States

In the late 1800s, officials were worried that people were “recycling” stamps by washing the cancels away and using them again.