| Established July 15, 1969 |
The Ryukyu Philatelic Specialist Society, LTD. |
- Yesterday, I received my APS Circuit for the Ryukyu Islands. Times have changed as a few years back I
would receive my circuit about every 6 weeks or so and now I receive this circuit approximately every 4
months. Ah, the Internet has changed everything, but I still enjoy receiving my circuit and going through it.
It is a touchy, feel-ie thing, like going to a stamp Bourse in your own home. We collectors need this activity.
Yes, we actually need to see and touch our stamps! I know when the mail person brings a circuit that I’ll be
putting aside some special time with my tongs and magnifier in hand at the kitchen table ready for my own
private little treasure hunt. It is an activity that brings instant gratification and you cannot get that shopping
online!
As is my usual custom, I buy what I like and not necessarily scarce or expensive items. It is amazing the
wonderful items one can still find within these stamped and cover filled books.
The first item I purchased was a set of 3 single stamps Scott# 190, issued October 15, 1969, the 1/2c
surcharged Scott# 99, 3c Indian Coral Tree issue which was part of the Flower Set of 5, issued in June 1,
1962. These stamps are mint, never hinged, and represent three different flower area color varieties, Tan,
Maroon, and White and are pictured below. These stamps will be part of my Ryukyu EFO collection, a brave
undertaking, and I have to admit that my collection is made up of mostly freaks and oddities. No matter as I
am enjoying finding things on stamps I never saw before.
Scott #190 Flower Area Color Varieties
Tan Maroon White
The next item I purchased was a Scott# 15, 3y Pine Tree issued February, 19, 1951, MNH, but sadly this
stamp has a left side vertical crease. The price was only a few dollars and other than the crease which is not
very noticeable to naked eye; the condition of this stamp is very nice. This stamp will make nice filler or study
stamp for any collector whose stamps budget is small and whose budget isn't these days?
Scott #15, Left Vertical Crease
Scott# 75, 11/2c Okinawa Bull Fight issued December 10, 1960, in MNH and used condition. I started a single
stamp mint and used collection a few months ago and this lovely set will be part of it. I also purchased
another 27 sets of mint and used single stamps not pictured here.
Scott #75, Mint and Used
My last two purchases were covers. Scott# 39, 4y Telephone, issued June 8, 1956 is stunningly displayed 8
times on a Ryukyu Philatelic Agency registered air mail cover that also serves as a First Day Cover complete
with applicable cachet. This registered cover is also franked with two 20y Scott# 33, one 4y Scott# 31, and
one 3y Scott# 21. Numerous postmarks and other marking abound front and back. One can only imagine
what treasure this lovely envelope held! I was the second person on the circuit list so I was fortunate to be
able to snag this piece before some one else did.
Philatelic Agency Government of the Ryukyu Islands
Registered Airmail and First Day Cover
It is my love airmail stamps that drew me to my final purchase. A single copy of 5y Scott # C8, Heavenly
Maiden issued August 16, 1954 franks a First Day Cover. This cover will be the beginning of the hunt for the
other 4 FDC’s of this issue. It is a beginning!
Scott# C8 First Day Cover
So, other than the usual things one may do on a weekend, shop, walk, go to the beach, see a movie, and
visit with family and friends; I had the added enjoyment of perusing an APS Ryukyu Islands stamp circuit.
Lucky me!
Any members wishing to share their stamp buying experiences with on line auctions or stores, circuits, and at
stamps shows/bourses, contact me. I’ll help anyone get their thoughts into print and their photos onto our
website for all to enjoy. No worries!
American Philatelic Society members can visit the society page and sign up to receive Ryukyu Island Circuits.
Request APS Circuits
Recent Purchases from an American Philatelic Society Circuit
Liz Joyce #561, RPSS Site Manager
September 7, 2008
Liz Joyce #561, RPSS Site Manager
September 7, 2008
| Please double click the photo to enlarge. |
| Please double click the photo to enlarge. |
| Please double click the photo to enlarge. |
| Please double click the photo to enlarge. |
| Please double click the photo to enlarge. |
