FOOD STAMPS AT THE SMITHSONIAN

Food stamps are the latest collectible to gain formal recognition by a museum. The Smithsonian collection now includes food stamp coupons, from the original paper stamps (1969) to the Electronic Benefit Transfer cards (2004), booklets, and other material from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The program is now called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The stamps were a form of "money," so they are part of the National Numismatic Collection. Will the stamps given out by department and grocery stores, like Eagle, Green or Gold stamps, be the next collectible? At the moment, food stamps, credit cards, charge cards, and store stamps sell for very low prices. Most are traded.