1944-2006 Test Stamps, Collection of 54

54 Unusual U.S. Test Stamps Can Be Yours Today!

This is your chance to own 54 mint test (“dummy”) stamps printed by the United States between 1944 and 2006.  These stamps were created to try out different ideas before printing “real” stamps.  According to the Scott Specialized Catalogue, these test stamps were used:

“1.  To develop and test production equipment, including printing presses and stamp and booklet manufacturing equipment.

2. To design stamp vending equipment by private companies.
3. To test, adjust, and promote stamp affixing equipment by commercial vendors.
4. To test and adjust stamp vending equipment at dispensing sites by the Postal Service and private companies.”

Test stamps were first introduced in the late 1800s, but weren’t popularly used until the 20th century.  Scott splits all test stamps into two categories – sheet or coil stamps and booklet stamps.  Regardless of the format, most test stamps are seldom-seen today as they weren’t usually made available to the public or stamp collectors.

Take advantage of this opportunity to add unusual test stamps to your collection now.  You’ll enjoy examining the neat details of these stamps, how they differ, and what they tested.  Send for yours now.

(Includes: TDB12, TDB28, TDB32, TDB82, TDB89, TD93, TD96, TD107, TD126, TD139)