Is It A Find

Dear Dan, Among my grandfather's belongings, I unearthed this Official United States Savings Album. It has $7.90 in 10 cents stamps or 79 stamps adhered to the pages with additional empty squares to place a total of $18.70 worth. I was wondering how old the booklet was, its purpose, and if it has any value today? I enjoy reading your articles and look forward to your response. Thank you, Debra Dear Debra, First introduced in World War I by the U.S. Treasury, these stamps were purchased by the American public to help fund the war effort. They were sold at United States Post Offices throughout the country. During WWI, a War Savings Certificate stamp was able to be purchased from 1917-1918 for $4.12 and it was interest bearing. Upon its maturity in 1926, it could be redeemed for its full $5 value. At the time, they also issued 25 cents thrift stamps, which incurred no interest, but could be used to save up for War Saving Certificate. During WWII, the Treasury eliminated the War Saving Certificate, but continued on with the Thrift Stamps. They issued them in denominations of 10 cents, 25 cents, 50 cents, $1, and $5. They were renamed United States Savings Stamps and featured the image of famous Minuteman Statue. Like the Thrift Stamps of WWI they were not interest bearing. Official albums or booklets, like the one you have presented, were distributed with these stamps. Once the booklet was filled, to the full value of $18.70, it could be turned in to purchase a Series E war bond. These bonds would then reach the matured value of $25 after 10 years. Today, your stamps actually could still be used as a partial payment for a Series EE savings bond or could be cashed out at face value at a local financial institution. I would assume most banks are not used to handling such stamps as they are over 70 years old. If that is the case, you could always mail them in directly to the Federal Reserve Bank with a Series EE savings bond form. Thus, your booklet is worth a minimum of $7.90, but given its historical value it may bring upwards of $20 to the right collector. Thank you for writing in with your interesting find.