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Frank or Elvis?

The Stamp Collecting Report. I'm Lloyd de Vries.

A newspaper columnist asked recently whether this year's Frank Sinatra stamp could outsell
 the Elvis Presley one of 1993, which the Postal Service claims is the best-selling U-S 
 stamp of all time. I don't think so.

It's not a question of artistic merit, just demographics and numbers.

First, the Postal Service believes more than 124 million Presley stamps were SAVED by 
collectors. It's only printing 120 million of Sinatra...although a reprint is possible.

But look at the demographics: Presley was only 42 when he died. His most fanatical fans were 
in their 50s when the stamp was issued. SINATRA'S most ardent fans are now in their 80s, and 
just not as likely to storm post offices for the new stamps.

And fifteen years ago, when Elvis was issued, we all mailed a lot more letters and bills than 
we do now.

I think the Sinatra stamp will sell well, but it won't dethrone the King.

I'm Lloyd de Vries of The Virtual Stamp Club. For more about stamps and stamp collecting, 
visit Virtual-Stamp-Club-dot-com.

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