Finding 1924-D Mint Shipping Tags in the Wild: A Cherry Picker’s Guide

Uncovering Rare Mint Shipping Tags Through Roll Hunting

You don’t always need a dealer to find this. Here is what to look for when searching through circulation or bulk lots.

Historical Significance

The 1924-D shipping tag represents a fascinating intersection of numismatic and philatelic history. These canvas tags were used by the Denver Mint to ship newly minted coins to Federal Reserve Banks across the country. What makes them particularly special is their rarity – I’ve only encountered one in my years of collecting, and it’s the only one I’ve ever seen that originated from a US Mint.

The tag features several rare Franklin stamps, including a black and “lake” color variant ($2, Scott #547a) that’s especially valuable when still on an original shipping document. The tag also includes a violet-brown $1 Franklin (Scott #518) and a red-violet 50-cent Franklin (Scott #517), totaling $3.50 in postage for registered mail service.

Identifying Key Markers

When searching through bulk lots or estate sales, look for these distinctive features:

• Canvas construction – These tags were made of durable canvas material designed to withstand shipping
• Pre-cancelled stamps – Many from the 1930s feature stamps with special cancellations to prevent theft
• Mint markings – Look for “US Mint” or specific mint designations like “Denver”
• Federal Reserve Bank destinations – Tags addressed to FRBs are particularly desirable
• Registered mail markings – The “80” number likely indicates a registered package number

Understanding the Context

These tags offer a window into how coins moved across the country in the early 20th century. Based on 1924 mintages, the Denver Mint produced millions of coins that year:

• 1-cent: 2,520,000 coins (1,260 $20 bags)
• 5-cent: 5,258,000 coins (2,629 $100 bags)
• 10-cent: 6,810,000 coins (681 $1,000 bags)
• 25-cent: 3,112,000 coins (778 $1,000 bags)
• 20-dollar: 3,049,500 coins (6,099 $500 bags)

While most coins were shipped in bulk via freight, these tags represent individual shipments – possibly for special requests or to replenish specific denominations at Federal Reserve Banks.

Value Guide

The value of these tags varies significantly based on several factors:

• Stamp rarity – Tags with rare stamp combinations command premium prices
• Mint origin – US Mint tags are worth more than bank-to-bank tags
• Condition – Tags in excellent condition with all elements intact are most valuable
• Historical significance – Tags with interesting stories or connections to famous coins increase in value

I purchased my 1924-D tag for $400 on eBay, which I consider a fair price given its uniqueness. However, I believe it would realize a stronger price in a coin or currency venue rather than a stamp venue, as it appeals to both collecting communities.

Variations to Look For

Beyond the 1924-D tag, several other variations exist:

• 1932 variations – Tags from this year often feature the rare $5 “America” stamp (Scott #573)
• Atlanta to Philadelphia tags – These often contain pre-cancelled stamps with special markings
• Denver to Chicago tags – May have been used for shipping BU coins from the vault
• Little Rock to New Orleans tags – Interesting as they date from when New Orleans operated as an assay office

Authentication Tips

When evaluating potential finds, consider these authentication factors:

Look for cancellations that tie the stamps to the tag. When a cancellation overlaps onto the surrounding surface, it helps verify that the stamp was original to the document. This is particularly important as there have been instances of rare cancelled stamps being affixed to documents to simulate original usage.

Where to Find Them

These tags can occasionally be found in:

• Estate sales – Particularly those of former postal workers or collectors
• Online auctions – eBay and specialized numismatic sites
• Stamp shows – Dealers often have boxes of miscellaneous items
• Bank auctions – When financial institutions liquidate old records

Collecting Strategy

For those interested in pursuing these items, consider focusing on:

• Specific years – 1924, 1932, and other key dates
• Particular mints – Denver, Philadelphia, and San Francisco tags
• Stamp combinations – Rare franklin stamp varieties
• Destination banks – Tags to or from major Federal Reserve Banks

Conclusion

1924-D Mint shipping tags represent a unique collecting niche that combines elements of numismatics, philately, and postal history. While rare, they occasionally surface in unexpected places – from online marketplaces to estate sales. Their value lies not just in their monetary worth but in the stories they tell about how America’s coinage system operated in the early 20th century. For the patient collector willing to search through bulk lots and estate sales, these tags offer a rewarding challenge with the potential for significant finds.

Related Resources

You might also find these related articles helpful:

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