Katie; I don't think it's an east coast thing. I just checked my map and it appears to me that Florida is "back east" too.

The easiest way to find out who is correct is for anyone who is interested to inquire at their local post office and ask the question about returning unused obsolete stamps. I'm told that unopened rolls of stamps are returnable because they have a bar code on the cellophane wrapping and the computer automatically takes care of the accounting. No such bar codes on sheets of stamps.

It seems to me, that with all the discount postage that is available at 10% below face, it would be a neat scheme for postal workers to redeem stamps at face value that they paid 10% less than face for. Maybe that's the way they create 10% raises in Loxahatchee?