The Greenlandic savings stamp scheme

In 1926, the authorities in northern Greenland decided to introduce so-called “savings stamp books” aimed at encouraging the local people to save money for “better times”. At Sunday’s stamp auction, we will be presenting five of these books of “pakkeporto” (parcel post) stamps.

The idea behind the savings stamp books stemmed from the authorities’ wish that the scheme would not only improve the standard of living of the Greenlandic people but also increase their general independence. Greenlanders wishing to save could purchase parcel post stamps from 38 different trading stations and stick them in their savings stamp books. If they needed cash, the stamps could then be redeemed. However, redemption was not something that happened automatically. The owner of the savings stamp book had to justify his or her need for money to the authorities before it was paid out.

The savings stamp system was also known as “Avane”, which means “North” in Greenlandic. In the vast majority of the well-known savings stamp books, the stamps are therefore also cancelled with “Avane” cancellers, numbered from 1 to 38. The scheme was a great success, with more than 80% of the total denomination of all parcel post stamps in Greenland believed to have been used in the savings stamp books prior to 1938.

Unusually large stamp auction

The unusually large volume of Sunday’s stamp auction really sets it apart. We have seldom held an auction that features as many extensive realisations from collectors and estates – some 300 storage boxes as well as metres of fine collections and stock books, superb letter and postcard lots and, as always, a nice selection of high quality single stamps and letters from near and far.


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Online Auction

Stamps

Sunday 9 August, 6 pm


The consignment deadline is approaching!

You can consign stamps for our Online Auctions at any time, but the consignment deadline for this autumn’s major Live Stamp Auction in November is 1 September. We are on hand on weekdays to provide valuations and advice about selling at auction at our departments at Baltikavej 10 in Copenhagen’s Nordhavn and at Søren Frichs Vej 34 D in Aarhus. You can also make use of our online valuation, where you will receive a reply within two working days.


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Would you like an online valuation?


For further information, please contact:

Christian Grundtvig: +45 8818 1214 · cg@bruun-rasmussen.dk

Torben Ringtved (Aarhus): +45 8818 1225 · tr@bruun-rasmussen.dk