An historical question about 1964 proof set envelopes and zip codes, scans included.

Russ · February 27, 2003 10:39AM

Envelope #1:

Envelope #2:

Envelope #3:

Envelope #1 is bogus. It's a freshly printed reproduction that I bought on eBay.

Envelope #2 came in as part of a group of "unopened" proof sets, but could be bogus.

Envelope #3 is genuine. It came from a sealed mint shipped box. Envelope #3 is the ONLY kind I've ever seen come out of mint sealed packaging. I've never seen any that were verifiably genuine that did not have the zip code.

I know we started using zip codes in 1964, so my question is this: Were any 1964 sets packaged and issued by the US Mint in envelopes with no zip code? Does anybody have any firsthand knowledge on this issue?

Russ, NCNE

MadMarty · February 27, 2003 10:45AM

All the proof sets I have gotten had zip codes, I did get one without a zip code and it was missing the little paper inside (a fake). I did notice there are 2 different colors to the envelopes a lighter and darker. Seems the darker ones have more AHs in them. But they all have a zip code.

baccaruda · February 27, 2003 10:46AM

baccaruda · February 27, 2003 10:47AM

russ,

my dad had some he bought original in the early 60's. i don't know what happened to them but i'm pretty sure i remember they didn't have zip codes on there.

MastaHanky · February 27, 2003 10:48AM

That's great info. Now we know what Condor's next book should be about.

Russ · February 28, 2003 3:25AM

Additonal input bump.

Russ, NCNE

DHeath · February 28, 2003 6:08AM

I'll look tonight. I've got a drawer full of envelopes, and I could have sworn I had a few white ones (circa 1965).

PhillyJoe · February 28, 2003 6:14AM

My only 64 proof set is in #3. I'm wondering if they started using one version and then switched during the year. If you were going to reproduce fake envelopes they should be exact copies of whatever was issued. Hmmm. I'll be looking for accented envelopes next.

Joe

wayneherndon · February 28, 2003 6:23AM

Is that a "30" between Philly and PA on the first one? If so, I wonder what that is supposed to mean?

WH

PhillyJoe · February 28, 2003 6:29AM

Prior to zip codes, large cities were divided up into zones. This is Zone 30. This tied in conveniently with the new zip codes. All Philadelphia zips start with 191--. This part of town became 19130.

Joe

An historical question about 1964 proof set envelopes and zip codes, scans included.

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