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Stamp of novelty
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The former DSP, P. S. Mohamed Yakub's collection of stamps has unique additions - 22-carat gold replicas of U.S. stamps.
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EACH STAMP added to a philatelist's collection marks a milestone for him.
P. S. Mohamed Yakub has crossed innumerable such milestones in the pursuit of his hobby over the past six decades or so. His 29 volumes boast of some rare stamps, be it the series featuring 43 U.S. presidents (beginning with George Washington and ending with George W. Bush), the stamp of Vatican, stamps dating back to the time of East India Company, those issued by the erstwhile United States of Travancore-Cochin, or the volume dedicated to world football.
But what has got Yakub, a retired DSP, excited today is his small but precious collection of 22-carat gold replicas of U.S. stamps.
These gold replicas are issued by the U.S. Postal Commemorative Society, the largest philatelic organisation in the U.S., under authorisation from the U.S. Postal Service. Explains Yakub, "The original image on the stamp is engraved on a die to capture every detail. The die is then used to make each replica in 22-carat gold."
These stamps are included with First Day Covers that bear both a U.S. postage stamp and a unique First Day of Issue postmark.
The First Day Cover is a special limited edition commemorative envelope, which is the official U.S. Government guarantee of its limited edition status. The First Day of Issue postmark also identifies the gold stamp replica as a limited edition. The actual postage stamp allows one to see how the gold replica matches the original in every aspect. Also, for each new U.S. stamp, postal authorities designate a U.S. city (First Day City) that is important to the person, place or event being honoured on the stamp. The gold replica also carries the detail of the First Day City.
Each issue also carries a narrative card that is researched and written by American history and U.S. stamp experts. These are prepared exclusively for the Postal Commemorative Society. "The society also sends a free custom-crafted collector's album for showcasing the gold replicas," Yakub adds.
"My vast collection would not have been possible without the help of friends and relatives settled abroad. One such friend, Cyriac Pulparayil, who was with me in the Police and is now settled in U.S., has been good enough to send me these gold replicas. I have five of these now," he says with pride.
His five gold replicas of stamps feature the Pallid Bat and Red Bat from the American Bats series, the Green-throated Carib from the Tropical Birds series, the Burrowing Owl from the Great Plains Prairie series and the Father of International Surfing, Duke Kahanamoku.
What would happen to his priceless collection after his time? "The question does not worry me a bit. I will give it to my grandchildren. Though young, they have already decided which volume should go to whom. Their names too are scribbled on the top of each volume."
R. K. ROSHNI
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