SFMS Stamp Program

CCGMS participates in the Southeast Federation of Mineralogical Societies (SFMS) Stamp Program.  Start saving your stamps today.

The program's goal is to offer free scholarships to participating clubs to William Holland School of Lapidary Arts in Young Harris, GA or Wildacres Retreat in Little Switzerland, NC. 

How it Works

Save your stamps from home, the office and any other source you may have.

Donna Barrett, CCGMS' Stamp Program Chair, will collect your stamp donations at each meeting.  Place your stamps in a zip lock baggie and write your name on the bag (one name per bag).  For each bag of stamps you contribute your name will be placed in the drawing.  For example, submit 6 bags of stamps and your name will be entered 6 times into the drawing.  Even if you do not have an interest in attending classes you can still contribute to the program by leaving your name off the bag.

One Cobb County Gem and Mineral Society recipient and one runner-up will be drawn. In the event that the recipient cannot attend a class, the runner-up will be awarded the scholarship.  The recipient has their choice of attending either William Holland or WildAcres Retreat and can select the class of their choice at no cost.  Students however are responsible for their travel expenses to and from the school and the cost of any supplies they use for the class.

The stamps that are collected are sold online to stamp collectors.  Commemorative stamps and foreign stamps bring in the most money.  Keep in mind that collectors want the best quality specimens available so be careful not to rip or cut a stamp and be sure to leave an even margin around the stamps that is not less than 1/4 inch and not more than 1/2 inch.

Select stamps that are:

• Clean - Lightly cancelled
• Undamaged (not torn or cut)
• Trimmed neatly -  not less than 1/4" and no more than 1/2" around the stamp
• Stamps over 50 years old - please leave on the letter-size envelope or postcard
• Foreign stamps - please leave on the letter-size envelope or postcard

Start Saving your Stamps Today

You might want to hang a plastic baggie on your refrigerator to gather your stamps.  Remember to write one name per baggie before turning them in at the meeting.

Questions?  Complete the contact form and indicate Donna Barrett in the subject line.