Australasian Philatelic Traders' Association   The Philatelic Traders Society
Internet Philatelic Dealers Association   Western Australia Owned
RSPCA Supporter

Lot No. 2439

Auction No. 30
Category Commonwealth & Foreign
Est. $70
Status Archived

 

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USA 1934 1c Yosemite Trans-Mississippi Philatelic Exhibition Souvenir Sheet on Original Uncut Press Sheet of 20. The Post Office Department issued souvenir sheets of the 1c Yosemite stamp for the 1934 stamp show in Omaha, Nebraska. These were know as "Farley’s Follies" after Postmaster General James Farley frequently bought imperforate, ungummed, printed sheets of stamps right off the press. Farley presented the first sheet off the press to FDR & frequently saved the second for his own family. Farley often presented other sheets as souvenirs or political favours to friends. He did this twenty times during his tenure. The practice angered the philatelic community & political opponents when exposed. Feeling deprived of access to these unique & invaluable sheets, critics lobbied Congress, demanding justice. To quell the mounting tension, Farley ordered all twenty sheets reprinted in a special printing without gum or perforations & offered for sale to every American who desired the sheets. The reprintings began on March 15, 1935. This example has edge wear & some creasing however remains highly collectable.