IBM/Neopost
(Stamps on Demand - Computer Vended Postage)
CVP Postage

Stampsjoann (click here)


This slightly off-center 1¢ stamp is the earliest example I have of this type of postage from an Automated Postal Center(APC). This also is the first of four types of stamps from the testing of these IBM/-Neopost machines. It is a rectangular design, measuring 76mm by 38mm.

(Click image for 300 dpi scan)




Below is another of the Type 1 stamps with a 33¢ denomination dated 08/03/99. The first class letter rate was 33¢ from 01/10/99 to 01/06/01. Since this is a stamp, not a meter, it could still be used today from any US location.

The orange bar and printing are fluorescent to enable the canceling machine to locate the stamp and cancel it. The last three numbers of the string under the digital code field identifies the machine as #143.

These examples and the examples of Type 2 and 3 have a fluorescent "N" which extends from above the words DATE OF SALE into the digital code field. (This "N" is not visible in these scans.)


(Click image for 300 dpi scan)



This cover shows a usage of a Type 1 stamp with addresses partly obscured. This cover was mailed in Florida in August of 1999, probably on the date of sale shown on the stamp; however, it did not get postmarked.


(Click image for 300 dpi scan of the stamp)



The IBM/Neopost stamp on the cover below is an example of Type 2. Similar to the first type, it has a feature that is not on the Type 1: Two lines of microprinting were added above the orange bar, which repeat the word NEOPOST.

This cover was franked with a 32¢ stamp printed at an Automated Postal Center(APC) on 09/06/99. Another type of computer vended postage, a 1¢ stamp from the ECA GARD coil machines, completed the 33¢ postage. The hand cancel on September 8, 1999, emphasizes that the 32¢ label is a stamp, not a meter.


(Click image for 300 dpi scan of the stamp)




The 34¢ stamp on this cover is an example of Type 3 of these stamps. The stamp is similar to Types 1 and 2, but it has rounded corners and is slightly smaller in width, 73mm. Included on this stamp is the microprinted NEOPOST above the orange bar.

This stamp was sold on 11/25/01 and postmarked, both by machine and by hand, on 11/26/01. The 34¢ first class rate extended from 01/07/01 to 6/29/02.


(Click image for 300 dpi scan of the stamp)




During a second phase of testing, the stamps printed changed a bit in appearance producing the Type 4 stamp. The "N" is no longer added near the words DATE OF SALE, there is no microprinting, the stamp size is 72.5mm by 41mm, and the fluorescent words and bar are more pink than orange. The size of  U.S. POSTAGE is slightly smaller on this version than on the first three types.

Notice the last three numbers below the digital code field are 132 indicating the machine's number.

Stamps of this type were available until April of 2004 when a nationwide roll-out of another version of APCs began.


(Click image for 300 dpi scan of the stamp)




Shown below is a post card usage during the 21¢ rate period, 07/01/01 to 06/29/02. The stamp was printed on 01/12/02 and the card mailed the same day. The machine number for this and all the earlier examples is 143.


(Click image for 300 dpi scan of the stamp)



I welcome corrections, suggestions and additional information about these IBM/Neopost stamps and usages.

 
CVP Postage

Stampsjoann (click here)