United States Post Office Zip Code Directory Value Guide

Introduced in 1963, this directory served as a vital tool for the United States Post Office Department to transition the public to the five-digit Zone Improvement Plan. Featuring the iconic mascot Mr. Zip, designed by Howard Wilcox, these paperbacks are quintessential artifacts of mid-century American postal history.

What affects the value of United States Post Office Zip Code Directory?

• The physical condition of the paper and staples, specifically looking for a lack of foxing, tears, or rusted binding.
• The presence of vibrant, unfaded colors on the cover illustration of Mr. Zip.
• Completeness of the directory, ensuring no pages have been removed or heavily annotated by previous owners.
• Regional scarcity, as some directories were distributed by specific local post offices or community groups.

How to Identify United States Post Office Zip Code Directory?

• Look for the 'Mr. Zip' mascot character, characterized by his lean frame and sense of speed, on the front cover.
• Verify the publication date between 1963 and 1967 to ensure it originates from the initial ZIP code rollout era.
• Check for the United States Post Office Department branding, which predates the 1971 transition to the U.S. Postal Service.
• Confirm the construction consists of period-authentic paperback materials, including vintage ink and staple binding.

History of United States Post Office Zip Code Directory

Mr. Zip, the mascot for the Zone Improvement Plan, was introduced by the United States Post Office Department in 1963. He was designed by Howard Wilcox to encourage the public to adopt the then-new five-digit zip code system to speed up mail delivery. Directories like this one were often distributed by local post offices or community groups to help citizens find codes for their frequent correspondence.