$.01 Tiffany Lamp

by

Mark Gereb

On March 1, 2003 the $.01 Tiffany Lamp stamp was issued at the APS convention in Biloxi Mississippi. This was the day after the $1.00 Stamp was issued. While not unusual to have 2 different stamps issued at a stamp show, it is usuall to have 2 official ceremonies and 2 official programs.

The Master of Ceremonies was Earl Artis, Jr. Following his welcome, Michelle Baily said the innvocation and the Colors were presented by the Biloxi High School ROTC. The National Anthem was then performed by Lauren Broussard.

Michael Bertucci, the Postmaster of Biloxi began his second welcome to everyone by stating "I'm back" refering to his 2 ceremonies in two days. He then stated this was an honor to Biloxi to host to such ceremonies. Everyone was encouraged to buy the stamp as it is so much easier on ones budget than the $1.00 stamp. This however did not stop his granddaughter from affixing $1.00 stamps all over the family cat.

APS President Peter McCann again welcomed everyone to the ceremony and thanked everyone for there attendence.

Autographed insert sheet

Mississippi District Mgr of the USPS Jim Daily then welcomed everyone and stated: "I'm here again." Today marked his 38th anniversary with the Postal Service. He refers to the USPS as his adopted family.

Jay Bigalke, President of our organization was then introduced and it was stated this was his 7th ceremony this year and his 38th ceremony in total following his first one, for the Iowa stamp in 1996.

Jay told all guests of the American Ceremony Program Society and of his intentions of being the Postmaster General one day. Earl Artis promptly asked for his autograph stating "you never know".

The Executive Director of Stamp Services for the USPS, David Failor was then introduced. He stated he sees Jay more than he sees his son. He asked whose college titution is lower? A humerous story was then

Program description page Added cancels

relayed how he was recently at the Tiffany Store in Beverly Hills, California and he did not buy anything. Everyone was then encouraged to buy the new Tiffany Lamp stamp as an authentic Tiffany Lamp will cost about $30,000.

The new stamp was then unveiled by all ceremony participants. Following photographs all participants remained for autographs.