posted 05-29-2005 04:19 AM               

While it is true that this First Day of Issue postmarker is a mass product with little commercial value (perhaps $1-2), a cachet does not increase its collectibility.

The decisive element for a philatelist (stamp collector) is the stamp and the postmarker. Judging by the description, those two elements are undoubtedly present on this cover.

A printed, painted or handwritten cachet, a tree leaf, an ink blot or a pigeon's dropping on the cover might add to the aesthetic or sentimental value of the product, but is of no philatelic value at all. It does not increase its philatelic value, rather - if too dominant - decreases its value.

Having this cover with a mailing address (and a senders address), or any proof of real shipping (coding, special mailing procedures like certified mail) would increase its philatelic value.

My 2 cents .....

posted 05-29-2005 04:01 PM               

* (click) resources
* (click) autographs, astronauts

There you will find the address to send items to Sen. Glenn at Ohio State University.

This Project Mercury cover will then be a prized memonto of your collection. It doesn't get much better ('cept NAA).