Rensselaer Republican, Volume 27, Number 45, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 July 1896 — Columbian Stamps and Coins. [ARTICLE]

Columbian Stamps and Coins.

Of all the different denominations of Coluinbiaii&tamps, there are only three that are out of use entirely. They are the fifty ones, the $1 stamp, which is worth about 86, and the $2 stamp, on which there is also a good premium. The 83, 84 and $5 stamps are yet for sale at the Washington postoitlce, and various other denominations may be obtained at different postoffices; A number of 10-cent stamps were offered to an agent recently, but agents are not anxious to invest in the Columbian issue, They can buy those stamps sometimes for less than face value from individuals who secured large quantities while stamps were sold everywhere, and cannot, on account of the need of money, afford to wait for the premiums. Once in a great while a Columbian stamp is used in the current msiil. Stamped envelopes’ of the Columbian tssne a small premium. A com.plete set, consisting of five sizes of 1-cent envelopes, eight sizes of 2-cent, six sizes of 5-cent and three sizes ot 10-cent envelopes, is worth 82. There Is also a premium on the centennial postal cards, which were sold at the exhibition only, and are very rare. ' Columbian half-dollars are not as much used as might be expected, from the fact that they are current co’us. There is not more than 820 worth o-t that cast in the sub-treasury and thu receipt is no more 820,000 of coin. They are sorted out and kept by themselves, and are not Paid out unless asked for. The demand Is slight, but it is expected that by Christmas time the business firms will want them to give out in .change as a sort of an advertisement, for that is the way they did last Christmas. The treasury will then send to Washington after as many as are needed and exchange them for gold only in large quantities. The issue of 1892 is practically out of circulation, which is perhaps due to the fact that there is a prehiium on it. There Is a Columbian quarter also, although few knew it, and less have seen one. Not even all who attended the World's Fair cau claim the distinction of having seen one, and people who are supposed to kuow alk about coin do not know the whereabouts of the Columbian quarter. Eew ■ money collectors have any dealings with the Columbian issue, and If asked why, they say “there is no money in it.” —Boston Transcript.