C1601

Migratory Bird

Lesser Scaups

Collins Cover Announcement 

1989 Migratory Bird Stamp

Twelve Dollar, Fifty-cent High Value

LESSER SCAUP DUCKS

 ("The Little Bluebill")

Again, it is time for the once-a-year offering of the federal "Duck" stamp First Day Cover. This is the first year that the stamp value has been set at $12.50. With this high amount, you can be sure that the 1989 COLLINS Duck will again be a "must" item to have in your collection.

As my long-time collectors know, I do not like to beat the drum about the investment value of my covers. I prefer to produce quality FDCs and let market value seeks its level. In our mutual interest, however, I feel that it would be fair to point out two dominating facts that any collector must consider.

1. Since I first offered my Duck covers in 1981, each year's

COLLINS FDC has sold out quickly or immediately.

2. The sold-out COLLINS Ducks continue to fetch handsome

prices on the open market. In my January 1989 sale, the following covers brought the listed amounts:

1981  Ruddy Duck (F401)       - $464

1982   Canvasback (Q50I)       - $296

 1983  Pintail (X601)                 - $169 

1984  Wigeon (L801)               - $184

1985  Cinnamon Teal (E1001) - $158

1986  Whistling Duck (J1101) - $107

1987  Redhead (N1201) - $79

I think it is amazing that Duck covers of 1986 and 1987 are already obtaining these amounts. I believe that all of the above will see increases in the years ahead. My point is to stress that you should obtain at least one of my 1989 Ducks now before they are sold out, which is a certainty. (I would also suggest to those so inclined to start looking around for my back issue Ducks -- a complete run from 1981 to present is a very beautiful collection.)

The Lesser Scaup is a picturesque Duck. The male has a head whose coloring is best described as a "purple gloss". White wing stripes are distinctive markings, and a blue bill similar to the Ruddy Duck accounts for the name given to this waterfowl by old-timers -- "The Little Bluebill". My hand-painted cachet will continue in my tradition of wildlife covers -- my personal favorite topic.

The city of issue will be Lincoln, Nebraska, and I will be on hand as I was for the 1988 Snow Goose in Minnesota. Again, I plan to obtain a special cancel as I did for the Snow Goose.

The issue date is only a few weeks away, so I will need to know if you want this cover. I want to avoid the disappointment of collzctors not getting desired covers suc-h as the Revel, Bryan, and Harte High Values. Many collectors were disappointed, so to avoid the same thing this time, please order as soon as possible. Again, the $12.50 stamp value makes the "collectibility" of this 1989 COLLINS Duck a sure thing. Item #A1601 - $25.50.