Date of issue postmarks turn ordinary postage stamps into collectors items. This Thursday, February 10 will be the first date of issue for the new Ronald Regan portrait “forever†stamp. Special postmark programs are planned at Reagan’s birthplace in Dixon, Illinois and the Reagan Library in Simi Valley.Local Pacific Palisades residents can send stamped correspondence with date of first issue cancellations at the post office Ronald and Nancy Reagan used the most. The Pacific Palisades Post Office at 15209 West Sunset Boulevard, is near the Reagan’s longtime former home on Via Amalfi.
If you would like to acquire other Reagan collectibles, it is easy to do in Southern California. Reagan’s early fame as a radio and movie celebrity, heavily promoted by both movie studios and General Electric, and his sixteen years in office as Governor of California and President of the United States have produced a vast supply of Reagan collectibles. The result is a rare opportunity for beginning memorabilia collectors to assemble a collection of historical significance for just a few hundred dollars.
Affordable Reagan collectibles were on display this past weekend at the Winter Long Beach Coin & Stamp Expo. 2008 Reagan First Class stamps postmarked on the first day of issue on official limited edition commemorative envelopes were selling for $10 to $12. Reagan campaign buttons are even less expensive — $3 each or $7 for a set of five.
Next weekend, you can look for affordably priced Reagan memorabilia and add related historic items for Reagan co-stars such as Bette Davis, Humphrey Bogart, Pat O’Brian, and Kate Smith at the Winter Hollywood Show for Collectors in Burbank. Expert collectors recommend adding items featuring related personalities to build an historical context for your collection. Autographed photos and color movie posters are usually in the low hundreds, but lobby cards and postcards start at about ten dollars. The show takes place at the Burbank Airport Marriott Hotel & Convention Center February 11 to 13.
