This souvenir sheet, featuring the "Face on Mars," is the key component of a set of six sheets. Issued in 1990, the set (and this sheet) commemorated the coming exploration of Mars. Extreme speculation has occurred with this set of sheets, centered around the sheet offered here with the Face on Mars stamp. The asking price of the set went as high as $10,000. In reality, the retail value of the set, based on asking prices from reputable stamp dealers, is $92.00 (Scott 2023 Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, Vol. 6A).

The speculation (i.e., the purchase of the sheet with the belief that the value would soon rise far above the purchase price) in this issue arose from the touting of the issue by those who believed that the image of a face on Mars indicated that intelligent life likely exists or existed on Mars, and that this "fact" would make this large stamp set an extremely valuable collectible. The Face on Mars image was recorded during a Viking mission in the 1970s. The speculation was heavily fueled by the scientist Richard C. Hoagland (who offered the set for $10,000). Common asking prices (in newspaper adds, etc.) for the set were $2500 - $5000, and there were many takers. For additional information, simply search for the following in your browser: "face on mars Sierra Leone" or "Richard C. Hoagland face on mars."

Mint, never hinged.

The actual size of this Face on Mars sheet is 87 x 107 mm

Scott Cat.# 1171

2023 Scott Cat. value: $6.00

NO FAULTS - Pristine


ADDITIONAL ITEMS SHIP FREE:  You pay only one shipping charge, which will be the highest single shipping charge among the items purchased within one day (larger items which cannot be shipped via the USPS Letter rate, have a higher shipping charge. If such an item is among the items you purchased, this single higher rate would be charged to ship the multiple items). We would be happy to combine purchases made over several days into a single mailing, but you will need to let us know on the day of first purchases that this is your intention.


Method option 1 (best): Do not click on "Buy it Now." Instead, click on "Add To Cart" for all items you wish to purchase. Then, click on "Request Total from Seller."

 

Method option 2: Simply click on "Buy it Now" for each item. We will recognize the multiple purchases within one day from a buyer and will issue a refund for the excess shipping charges.


SHIPPING INFORMATION:  We ship one business day after receipt of payment (> 95% of the time; exceptions being vacations or rare unforeseen circumstances). The following charts explain your selectable shipping options (Ebay does not permit editing of their shipping method descriptions, so a review of these charts should be helpful). If you would prefer a different shipping method (e.g., addition of tracking service for an international buyer, FedEx, etc.), please contact the seller- we will calculate the additional postage cost and develop an easy method for you to pay the additional expense.


SALES TAX:  Ebay (not Western Stamp Company) collects sales taxes on items shipped to most U.S. states, and import charges to many countries (where sales are subject to GST/VAT, for example). Ebay is responsible for remitting these taxes to your state's or country's tax authority; the seller (Western Stamp Company) does not receive these sales tax funds and has no control over this responsibility assumed by Ebay.

RETURN POLICY:  We honor a 30-day return policy. You may return any items within 30 days of receipt for a full refund of the item purchase price. If we made a mistake in filling your order, or the item is clearly not as described, we will also refund our shipping charge. We only ask that the item(s) be returned in the condition received.

INTERNATIONAL BUYERS:  Import duties, taxes, and other expenses imposed by your country are not included in the item price or shipping charge (though Ebay may collect and remit taxes on your behalf- see "SALES TAX" heading above). These expenses are the buyer's responsibility. Note, however, that if you select the standard First Class Letter, Non-Machinable First Class Letter, or First Class Large Envelope Flat shipping method, the shipment should circumvent your country's Customs Office (we do not submit a Customs Declaration). If you select the First Class Parcel shipping method, we are required to submit a Customs Declaration (your selectable options depend upon whether this listed item can be safely shipped via a method that meets the USPS letter rate restrictions) and it is likely that your Customs office will review the shipment.