st be many copies of these
stamps, as they were quite common for many years, and prices did not
advance much until about 1888. They are frequently found in old
Collections.

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The newest development in the collection of U.S. stamps is that of plate
numbers and stamps showing all or part of the imprint. Many English
stamps bear the plate numbers on the stamps themselves, but the U.S. has
never followed this example. Collectors who have a chance to look over
the stamps on sale at their post-office, should buy all the different
stamps they can find with the marginal imprint and plate numbers, and
lay them aside for future exchange. This is especially true of all the
stamps issued previous to 1890. Many of the smaller offices have stamps
of previous issues. Only the other day a collector bought of a local
postmaster complete sheets of several 1870 issues, and about a year ago
a sheet of 1868, 24c., was bought at face, and sold immediately for
$200.

S.S.S.S. These four initials stand for the "Society for the Suppression
of Speculative Stamps," which has just condemned the following issues as
not worthy of collection: Portugal "San Antonio" Centennial Stamps, the
4, 10, 20, 30, and 40c. surcharged on the one dollar stamp of North
Borneo and Labuan, and the various Chinese locals.

The annual meet of the American Philatelic Association is about to hold
its convention at Clayton, N.Y. It seems probable that Mr. Tiffany, of
St. Louis, will retire from the presidency, and Mr. Alvah Davison be
elected in his place. The society now numbers about 1200 members, but
lately has not occupied the commanding position it formerly held.

J. O. P.--No premiums on the coins mentioned.

CONSTANT READER.--It is the St. Anthony Jubilee issued by
Portugal. It has little value, as these stamps were made for the
purpose of selling to collectors primarily, and for postal use
secondarily. I do not think Portugal will find it very profitable,
as collectors are growing shy of philatelic trash.

A. B. STERN, Asbury Park.--It is a medal or token, not a coin, and
it has no money value.

J. V. D.--Priest's Paid Despatch stamp is worth from $5 to $20,
according to variety and condition. The 1818 half-dollar is sold
by dealers for 75c.

F. M. L.--Dealers quote the 1859 1c. at 5 to 10c.

INTERESTED READER.--Y