The American Plate Number Single Society
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Officially Sealed / Post Office Seals

Post Office Seals or "Officially Sealed" are labels, not stamps, as they have no postal value. They were used to seal or re-seal envelopes that had become torn in transit, had been opened for inspection, or had been opened by mistake.

Since they had no postal value, they were not considered "accountable paper" and plate numbers were not necessary to track them. A few were issued in booklet form, with the booklet inscribed with a reference to postal regulations. Since that is the only number printed in a margin, some collectors save them in place of a plate number single, in the same way they might save the Copyright single of some regular postage stamps that are issued without plate numbers.

Scott OX39, issued late 1949 or early 1950

Scott OX40, issued 1969

Scott OX45, issued ~1979

 

 

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This page last updated February 15, 2021.