On this mock-up, the Miga 98-cent stamp, when combined with a 2-cent caterpillar stamp, exactly pays the $1 letter rate to the U.S.
Tip #2: What stamps to use –Exercise your creativity!
Canada Post has afforded collectors a wonderful opportunity by issuing Olympic stamps with face values other than the domestic first class letter rate. In 2009, there were definitives for U.S. and international mail as well as for so-called “oversized” mail. While these rates have changed as of January 12, 2010, the stamps can still be used – you just have to be a bit creative.
For Canadian addressees, your choices are varied. There are of course the “Permanent” stamps issued in 2009 for 5 sports as well as the 2 emblem stamps. Don’t forget that these come in varieties too: the sports stamps are in both booklet and souvenir sheet formats, while the emblem stamps come in coils and souvenir sheets. Mix them up on your cards and letters!
Next, you have the new 57¢ domestic rate stamps showing the skyline of Vancouver and mountains around Whistler. On February 22 there will be two more 57¢ stamps available.
Both postcards and letters to the U.S. require $1 postage. I recommend using last year’s 98¢ mascot stamp showing Miga as a freestyle skier. Just add a 2¢ definitive, available at post offices, to make up the correct rate. If you still have (or can find) any of the Calgary Olympic Games stamps from 1988, the 43¢ value is perfect — just add it to a current 57¢ Olympic stamp to create a terrific “combo” cover linking Canada’s two Olympic Winter Games!
International mail has even more choices to satisfy the new $1.70 rate. There is last year’s $1.65 Quatchi ice hockey goalie stamp to which may be added a 5¢ definitive. You can be really creative and slap on 3 domestic rate stamps (57¢ x 3 = $1.71 … don’t sweat the penny). Even using one of the $1.18 Sumi sledge ice hockey stamps with a 57¢ domestic rate Olympic stamp will work. While this puts you over the rate by 5¢, it’s still within the generally accepted (by collectors) range of 5%.
The best deal of all are the postal stationery cards that come with a preprinted stamp. These are good for delivery worldwide. Currently there are the 5 sports stamp cards, the 3 mascot cards and the 2 most recent ones for the Vancouver and Whistler issue. On February 22 when the final Olympic stamps are issued, there will be 2 more postal cards to choose from.
Tomorrow: Tip #1, which postmark is best?
