PHILATELIC BUREAU
ENJOY COLLECTING THE STAMPS OF THE BAHAMAS
The Bahamas Postal Service is noted for its eye catching attractive and well-designed Stamps. Visitors to the Bahamas and Bahamians alike can find that set of stamps, First Day Cover (FDC) and other philatelic items to make an ideal gift or souvenir.
You are assured of a warm welcome at the Bahamas Philatelic Bureau, situated in the main Post Office building of the General Post Office and at the Welcome center at Prince George dock, down town, Nassau. The Philatelic Bureau staff are all trained in the aspects of philately and will be very pleased to assist with inquiries and purchases.
There are two main types of stamps, the definitive stamps, usually of all the postal rates, amounts to fourteen – Sixteen different denominations. A set of definitive stamps is released every five to six years.
The other group of stamps is commemorative stamps; these are issued to publicize some local or international topic or to commemorate some famous local or international anniversaries or event.
Usually the set of stamps comprises of four to six stamps. However there are times when there may only be one or two stamps in an issue. Occasionally stamps have a souvenir sheet to complete the issue. There are normally an average of six sets of commemorative stamps released in a year and the Philatelic Bureau sells these special stamps for a period of one year, after which they are withdrawn from sale.
All stamps are sold at face value with no additional cost, except on First day Covers, presentation packs and other philatelic products, which may contain stamps.
FIRST DAY COVERS
The envelope normally bears an attractive cachet destined to accompany the stamps in the same theme affixed to the cover, cancelled with a First Day of issue specially designed hand stamp. If a souvenir sheet is released a First Day cover is also available. These are official First Day covers and are sold with a small surcharge of .25 ¢ for the cover and .50¢ for affixing and cancellation, with the official date of release.
BROCHURES
A leaflet liner is generally produced for each issue and is sent with all orders. The brochure gives the background details of the issue together with technical details of the stamp artist. Brochures are also sent to persons on the mailing list of the Philatelic Bureau.
To receive brochures you can write the Bahamas Philatelic Bureau at P. O. Box N- 8302 Nassau, Bahamas or Email:Bahamasphilatelic@bahamas.gov.bs
JOIN THE BAHAMAS PHILATELIC BUREAU DEPOSIT ACCOUNT.
· You can open a deposit account either by post or in person, with the Bureau. This service offers you the most convenient means of ensuring that you receive the stamps and philatelic items as they are released.
· To open an account a minimum deposit of twenty U.S. Dollars is required. These funds are credited against future purchases. Additional sums of money may be posted when your account is in need of replenishing. A statement showing the balance on your account will be sent with each transaction.
· State your requirements and the Bureau will be happy to fulfill your order. Complete standing order form and mail along with deposit (Postal Money Order / Bank draft) to the Bahamas Philatelic Bureau.
METHOD OF PAYMENT
All orders received except those of deposit account holders, who have sufficient funds, must be accompanied by remittance made payable to:
BAHAMAS Philatelic Bureau
Bahamas Postal Service
General Post Office
P.O. Box N- 8302
Nassau, Bahamas
Payments must be in one of the following methods.
1. Bank draft
2. Postal Order
3. Certified Cheque
4. International /Domestic Money Order
All dispatches from the Philatelic Bureau are posted free of charge with certain exceptions. If a recorded delivery is required this would be an additional cost to the Customer.
Come and visit the Bahamas Philatelic Bureau for a wide selection of very colorful and interesting stamps, first day covers and other philatelic items that are on display and available for purchase. You’ll be assured of a warm welcome.
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