Ration Coupons Hold Interest as Memorabilia in Collections

Question: My Gasoline Ration Stamps are as follows: 9 “A” stamps (3 of A16 and 6 of A17), and 11 “B” stamps (all numbered B8), all with the license number of a vehicle written on each. On a notice attached to the B stamps, there is the requirement that they be turned in within a certain time, and that it is a violation of law not to do so, and other messages. It appears these were issued in 1945. I would like your comments on their value, and whether they are legal to own or to have in your possession. --J.G.

Answer: World War II ration coupons are not technically considered to be true stamps, not even revenues, because they were not issued to do postal duty or pay a government revenue tax as such. Ration coupons are not listed in Scott’s “Specialized Catalogue of United States Stamps,” and their market value is minimal.

Some people collect them as “collateral” material for a World War II collection of philatelic or other memorabilia. I don’t believe they are illegal to own today, and you see them openly for sale at gun shows and swap meets from time to time.

Q: Has the United States ever issued a 1/2-cent stamp? --W.L.

A: Yes, several different issues of them, one of the more recent ones being a 1/2-cent postage due on Jan. 19, 1959 (Scott catalogue No. J88, priced at $1.25 mint, 85 cents canceled).