Warming Up to Organization That Specializes in Icy Areas

Question: After having served in the Navy on board a ship that visited Antarctica, I have become curious about stamps and covers used in the polar regions, both on shipboard and in countries that border the Arctic and Antarctic circles. Is there a society that studies polar philately? --E.N.

Answer: The American Society of Polar Philatelists has grown from its beginning in 1956 (when Operation Deep Freeze covers were popular) to an organization that now has almost 1,000 members across the country and in 33 foreign nations.

They publish an interesting journal called the “Ice Cap News.” They hold regular mail auctions for members and offer lists of current stamps and postal stationery from countries conducting research stations in polar areas. Current dues are $15 per year.

For more information and a membership application, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to: S. H. Jacobson, Secretary, American Society of Polar Philatelists, P.O. Box 945, Skokie, Ill. 60077.

Q: I heard the famous 1-cent British Guiana stamp was on display at Ameripex in Chicago. What is this stamp worth if it should come on the market today? --W.B.

A: The unique 1-cent black-on-magenta British Guiana stamp (Scott No. 13) is unpriced in the latest catalogue but last sold at auction in New York City in 1980 for $935,000, making it probably the most expensive thing in the world by weight. Who knows what it would bring if sold today?

Q: I’ve got a United States stamp with just the words U.S. Postage 3 cents on it. The design shows a woman with a sword surrounded by flags. What is its value? --T.K.

A: Current catalogue value is $11 mint, $4.25 canceled. It was the Victory issue of 1919, Scott No. 537.