There are some stamps that are forbidden from general use: dues, officials
There are others that are restricted, but can be used under the proper conditions: pre-cancelled and service-inscribed stamps
There is only one class of stamp that was accepted for one kind of service and is now restricted to a different kind (Special delivery now can be used only for Express Mail; but you'd be lucky to find 1 postman in a thousand who will know this)
Some stamps WERE restricted (parcel post) but no longer are
Some stamps were demonetized: all stamps issue before 1861 (Scott 1-62)
and, of course, none of the revenues can be used for postage, but can be used in certain prescribed ways that do not include franking privileges
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"Save the USPS, buy stamps; save the hobby, use commemoratives"
I didn't know Special Delivery could be used exclusively for Express Mail. That gives a HUGE boost to my practice of moving all Priority and Express stamps to BOB.
What about the registry stamp (RS1) and Certified Mail stamp (FA1)? Special Handling? And my favorite, Postal Insurance stamps? Granted, nobody would actually use any of those as postage (except FA1) with mint CV so high, but that is an interesting notion. Do you know where I can dig into the details of that?
You also mentioned pre-cancelled and service-inscribed stamps, so let ME expand a bit...
For those of you that don't know already, you can get, free of charge, a permit to use pre-cancelled and service-inscribed stamps. Just fill out form 3615 and get a permit number. It's free! Keep your receipt, though. You will need to know your permit number.
When preparing a letter for mailing, add the precan/SI stamps and any additional postage to reach the desired rate. For example, if sending a First Class letter (one ounce or less), You could place four 10c SI stamps and a 6c stamp in the upper right corner of the envelope. Then you add a note at the bottom front that lists your Precan Permit number, zip code of issuing PO, and class of service being used (e.g. First Class). You have to take it to the PO issuing the permit and generally have to take it to a clerk at a window. It's helpful to take the permit receipt with you until the clerks know you. There are some other restrictions (e.g. reusable tubes, etc.), but if you just use them for First Class letters and Priority flats, there is little to worry about. Hopefully you have a friendly Postmaster that will walk you through it. I had to walk THEM through it, but they were friendly nonetheless.
This is a great way to unload excess precan/SI stamps that go for less than FV.
Lars
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"Expanding your knowledge faster than your collection can save you a few bucks."
That's an interesting cover. Are those rare? It would be a nice addition if there are several out there. I have a cover that was mailed and postmarked AFTER a rate change with a stamp of the prior rate denomination that went through with any postage due notice, but I don't have one with a revenue stamp.
Lars
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"Expanding your knowledge faster than your collection can save you a few bucks."
The Documentary on cover is not rare but not common either. Had it been used in the right time frame I'm sure the value would be higher. Since it has the 1929 date it is a very late usage an therefore detracts from the value.
I probably paid full value for the cover at $15.00
That would be worth having one in that case. I checked eBay last night and saw one for a BUY-IT-NOW of $100 so I figured there had to be some that trade below $50. What do I search for? I tried "illegal use" under US Stamps and found the documentary and some other items. Are there other terms I should try? I'm only looking for a US documentary usage.
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"Expanding your knowledge faster than your collection can save you a few bucks."
for our documentary fans, i found another example on eBay (I found it while looking at seals). It appears to have been added AFTER it was mailed, as the documentary covers the football part of the duplex cancel; it looks to have been cancelled elsewhere, either on sheet or some other post-use. It may have been added to make up postage due. Note that this is the Christmas letter rate, 2c instead of 3c. Rare usages all around.