# 3269v - 1998 Yellow Hat "H" Rate

Own The Rare Unissued “Yellow Hat” Stamp
Only 230 Known! 

Only a small percentage of collectors can ever own this elusive modern rarity –

Now you can be one of them…  

The Yellow Hat is a rare and unique stamp that shouldn’t exist.  Only 230 of these stamps have been discovered in the 25 years since they were printed and sent to post offices, then mistakenly sold and used on mail.  That means few collectors can ever get it into their albums.   

I want you to be able to own one of these most interesting stamps.  Thanks to obtaining a small hoard of the rarity, we have it in two different conditions.   Each one has interest-free time payments to make putting the Yellow Hat into in your collection easy and affordable.  

Just think – many collectors are not even aware of this stamp’s existence.  It’s not only a major acquisition for your collection.  It’s also a chance to own something unique that only a lucky few can.  And let’s face it – being in on a little-known philatelic story is a lot of fun.  So, what is the story behind this fascinating stamp?  Well, to begin with…

“There is no evidence that these stamps were ever officially issued.”

- Scott Specialized Catalogue of U.S. Stamps (2024)

To prove they mean what they say, the editors of the Specialized Catalogue have never assigned a Scott number to the Yellow Hat stamp.  In spite of its having been distributed and used as postage on mail!  

Discover The Story of the Stamp That Shouldn’t Exist

In 1997, the U.S. Postal Service proposed raising the First-Class postage rate from 32¢ to 33¢.  It released the well-known Uncle Sam’s Hat non-denominated “H” stamps in advance of the hike, which would go into effect on January 10, 1999.  The U.S.P.S. also requested an increase in the postcard rate from 20¢ to 21¢.  This proposal was denied by the Postal Rate Commission, whose responsibility it is to set postage rates.  

Now here’s the rub – in order to be prepared for the rate hike, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing had already printed the Yellow Hat “H” postcard-rate stamps and sent them to post offices.  But because the Postal Commission kept the rate at 20¢, the U.S.P.S. never officially issued the new stamps.  So these stamps were supposed to be destroyed.  Still, at least a couple of post offices sold some.  In Greencastle, Indiana, a coin dealer named Julian Jarvis purchased a group of the Yellow Hats and cut them into blocks of 20 to use on registered mail.  It’s from one of those blocks your stamp comes. 

We don’t know how many other post offices might have accidentally sold these stamps.  But eventually, one of the stamps found its way into the hands of a sharp-eyed collector, who realized it hadn’t been officially issued.  In 2007, Linn’s Stamp News reported a cover stamped with two Yellow Hats, and mailed in upstate New York, also came to light in 1999.  Our stamps were cancelled in Greencastle on June 3rd, 1999, earlier than the ones mentioned in Linn’s.  It’s just possible these stamps are from the earliest known usage of the rare Yellow Hats!

Interest-free time payments and three conditions make getting this rare stamp affordable

In a lucky break for you, a small hoard of 40 used Yellow Hat stamps was offered to Mystic from the original Indiana purchase.  Due to how Jarvis (or his colleagues) separated the stamp blocks, we have two conditions of the Yellow Hat rarity available.  Pick the one that best suits your collection.  And take advantage of time payments – they’re easy, interest-free and you’ll stake your claim on your stamp with that first payment.  Just call our friendly customer service folks at 1-866-660-7147 to get started right away.  Choose from:

• Scissor-cut Perforations, Fine Centering, Used
• Scissor-cut Perforations with small flaws, Fine Centering, Used                                  

Why Was “H” chosen for these stamps? 

The practice at the time the “H” stamps were issued was to print non-denominated stamps when postal rate increases were requested.  It often took a long time for the Postal Rate Commission to make decisions on these requests.  In order to be prepared, in 1978 the USPS began issuing stamps bearing letters representing each as-yet unknown rate.  Denominated stamps could be issued after the rate was set. 

The Postal Service began by using letters A, B, C, and D, along with the USPS eagle.  Then the postal folks got clever.  The “E” stamp featured Earth, “F” a flower, and “G” the American flag (“Old Glory”).  The years 1998 and 1999 brought the patriotic “H” stamps, showing Uncle Sam’s hat on a white background.  And as we now know, the “H” was also printed on the forbidden Yellow Hat postcard rate-change stamps.

The “H” Stamps were the last of the lettered stamps.  They were also imprinted with the words “First Class Rate.”  Eventually “Forever” stamps eliminated the need for non-denominated stamps, and are good for whatever the postage rate is at the time of usage.  

Snap up one of these neat stamps for your collection while our small quantity lasts.  Act now to enjoy your own Yellow Hat stamp and preserve it for future generations!