From Rodeo Legends to Buffalo Nickels – What’s Trending in the World of Stamps and Coins
World of Stamps SellerSyncPro : Thinking about starting a coin or stamp collection? If you’re hoping to strike it rich, you might want to reconsider. “We never recommend it as an investment—it’s just too risky,” says stamp specialist Kathleen Wunderly of the American Philatelic Society. “If you’re looking to make money, real estate is a safer bet.”
Still, that hasn’t deterred America’s four million stamp collectors—or its two million coin enthusiasts. Both groups are captivated by the artistry and historical significance of these miniature works of government-issued design. And with many stamps and coins released as commemoratives specifically to attract collectors, there’s no shortage of eye-catching pieces to pursue.
Regardless of your reasons for collecting, staying on top of current trends is essential.
Here’s a quick look at what’s hot right now:
Celebrity stamps are a major hit with collectors. Fans have scooped up the $7 Arnold Schwarzenegger from Mali, the $1 Madonna from St. Vincent and Tanzania, and, naturally, those from the U.S. Postal Service.
One enduring favorite: Marilyn Monroe. Tanzania led the way in 1991 with a large $7 stamp, followed by Gambia in 1993, then St. Vincent and Mali. These stamps—often produced by financially strapped nations—are rarely used for postage, making them ideal fundraising tools. And thanks to savvy international stamp distributors, they’ve been right on target with what collectors crave. Today, those Marilyn stamps are sold out and only available through dealers or fellow collectors.
Not wanting to miss the trend, the U.S. Postal Service released its own Marilyn stamp in 1995. All 400 million sold within a year.
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Another surprise hit came in 1994 when the Postal Service honored Bill “The Bulldogger” Pickett, a pioneering Black rodeo star known for taking down steers with a bite to the lip. But the stamp caused an unexpected stir—officials mistakenly used a photo of Bill’s brother and manager, Ben Pickett.
It was the first time in Postal Service history that the wrong person had been featured on a stamp, and collectors were thrilled. Once the error was discovered, 5.2 million printed panes were recalled, but 183 escaped into collectors’ hands—instantly becoming prized rarities.
Though corrected stamps were quickly issued, they drew little interest. Meanwhile, the rare “Ben Pickett” versions were locked away in a Kansas City warehouse. Collectors wanted them. The Pickett family wanted them destroyed. The Postal Service, caught in the middle, argued that intentionally creating rarities went against its rules.
Ultimately, the family agreed to release 150,000 of the original panes. Indeed, which were sold via lottery for $14.50 each (their face value plus postage and handling). Stamp experts predicted that a single pane could easily fetch over $100 on the open market—proof that Pickett, even posthumously, still knew how to draw a crowd.