his is the only stamp ever released by any country in the world to commemorate O.J. Simpson,” says Scott Tilson of the International Collectors Society, based in Owings Mills, Md. “And I think now you can say it will definitely be the last.”

Offered innocently (though strangely) in 1993 by Guyana, the O.J. commemorative was part of a nine-stamp set saluting international sports stars, including basketballer Wilt “The Stilt” Chamberlain, tennis player Gabriela Sabatini, and soccer celebrities Franz Beckenbauer and Pele. In fact, the Guyana postal authorities referred to the set as “the Pele issue” before the Collectors Society discovered it and bought every remaining sheet. Tilson denies any ghoulish intent, contending that the stamp is “a legitimate collectible,” and that the $9.95 edition is being sold as a loss leader to increase the organization’s membership.

Calls to the Guyana Post Office for comment and clarification proved disgruntling. Calls to the International Collectors Society may be made to (800) 624-4427.