Annoying “collectible” postage stamps (or should I say: cute stickers?). In the last 4-5 years it’s an epidemic. More and more stamps are produced, targeting stickers collectors. Stamps that will never ever see the front of an envelope. Stamps that will remain absolutely impossible to find in used condition because no one is stupid enough to use them. Why? Here’s why:
In these hard time of economical uncertainties, who is going to pay 2 to 3 times more to mail a letter? Example with this “collector” booklet from 2011 “The Witches”:
This booklet of 4 stamps costs 4,90 €. These stamps are good for the basic inland lettermail. A basic stamp will cost you 0.60 euros or 2.40 euros if you need four. So that booklet is selling for OVER double face value. Why anybody sane would pay that much on a letter is beyond me (and it seems to be beyond LaPoste marketing team as well). They have no philatelic value because no one is going to actually use them. They are pretty stickers. Sand Dunes. Wall paper.
The only way you will get them in used condition is if you send yourself a letter with these on. If you collect used France, be prepare to have a lot of empty spots in you collection for the years 2008 and onward.
How bad is it? just check the French philatelic bureau here. See, over 84 of these “collector” booklets since 2008. each booklet ranging from 4 to 10 stamps….
