Complete Set of 1898 Trans-Mississippi Stamps

Own the Complete 1898 Trans-Mississippi Set

With this special offer you can own all nine 1898 Trans-Mississippi stamps with one easy order.  The Trans-Mississippi stamps are among the scarcest and most sought-after of all U.S. issues.  They were produced in conjunction with the 1898 Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition, whose purpose wa...  more

Own the Complete 1898 Trans-Mississippi Set

With this special offer you can own all nine 1898 Trans-Mississippi stamps with one easy order.  The Trans-Mississippi stamps are among the scarcest and most sought-after of all U.S. issues.  They were produced in conjunction with the 1898 Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition, whose purpose was to further the progress and development of natural resources west of the Mississippi River.

More About the Trans-Miss Stamps and Expo...

The Trans-Mississippi Exposition was held in Omaha, Nebraska, June 1 through November 1, 1898.   Its goal was to further the progress and development of the resources west of the Mississippi. To promote the event, the Postmaster General authorized a set of nine new stamps.

Based on original paintings, photographs, and drawings, the stamps were supposed to be printed in two colors, but the Spanish-American War broke out. Demand for revenue was high, and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing lacked the time and manpower needed to run the two-color press. So the stamps were produced in one color only. Even so, the Trans-Mississippi commemoratives are considered by many to be the most beautiful series ever produced.

Originally, the Post Office Department didn’t plan on issuing 50¢, $1 and $2 stamps because there wasn’t a big demand for such high denominations. But Postmaster General James A. Gary wanted Americans to know about the achievements of the brave, hardworking, self-reliant people who settled the West. These three high-value stamps were produced after the original series and were on sale for only six short months.  All unsold quantities were recalled and destroyed.  Today, the Trans-Mississippi stamps may be even scarcer than is commonly believed.

The 1898 Trans-Mississippi stamps will be important additions to your collection – order yours right away!