EZ Variety Guide to USA 33c Regular Stamps

by Ron Blanks / PO Box 9282 / Chesapeake, VA 23321

(email address: rblanks@exis.net
American Philatelic Society member 195082)

Introduction

After the flood of varieties from the 32c Flag Over Porch and "G" rate-change stamps in the four years 1995-1998, the regular stamps from the 33c rate era (1999-2000) seem rather tame. The 32c years were marked by the introduction of tiny dates on new stamps, as well as the transition from water-activated gum (WAG) adhesive to widely used self-adhesives. This gave rise to literally dozens of varieties for collectors to find (not to mention hundreds, depending on how specialized the variety).

In contrast, the 33c rate era was much calmer, with most regular-issue stamp formats settling into patterns that continue for the most part today. Even so, with several designs, formats, and different printers, the 33c rate regular stamps offer many varieties to make collecting them interesting and challenging.

This guide includes the major and minor "single stamp" varieties as recognized by most catalogs and pricelists, plus more. All measurements listed are from actual stamps, and are more accurate than the major catalogs and pricelists (some with numerous errors). Most of the popular more-detailed production varieties are also described (such as die-cut pattern positions). As a "Web" document (viewable with your Internet browser), this guide is designed to be easy to use... just start below with the stamp design you're interested in. While I tried to make navigation useful without resorting to programming, I welcome suggestions for improvements, or reports of any problems.

Remember, collecting (and studying further, if that's your choice) is meant to be fun and rewarding. Keep in mind that some details are included to let you know what others are collecting, even if you are not interested. This will help you find trading material, and even perhaps something valuable to someone else.

What you personally collect and how far you study is entirely up to you. May you find this area of USA regular stamps as interesting and a collecting challenge as I have. -- Ron Blanks, 21 August 2002