USA.gov Blog

Posts tagged "stamps"

Asked by Anonymous

Are 44 cent FOREVER stamps purchased now still good after Jan. 22nd?

Yes, Forever stamps can always be used to send a one ounce, First-Class letter - no matter how many times the price of the stamp changes in the future.

The cost of Forever stamps will increase on January 22, 2012. Learn more about this change.

Asked by Anonymous

stamp increase- does this mean if we use an OLD forever stamp we must add a .1cent stamp also? And can old unused "h" stamps still be used?

The cost of Forever stamps will increase by 1 cent on January 22, 2012. This means sending a First-Class letter will soon cost 45 cents. 

Once purchased, Forever stamps can always be used to send a one ounce, First-Class letter, no matter how many times the price of the stamp changes in the future. You do not need to add an additional 1 cent stamp.

Other First-Class mail prices are also increasing. Learn more about the Postal Service rate changes.

The H stamp was issued in 1998 and is worth 33 cents. The H rate make-up stamp is worth 1 cent. These stamps can still be used as postage, both domestically and internationally. Find the value of nondenominated stamps.

The Price of Stamps Will Increase in 2012

The cost of Forever stamps will increase by 1 cent on January 22, 2012. This means sending a First-Class letter will soon cost 45 cents. This is the first price increase for Forever stamps since May 2009.

Once purchased, Forever stamps can always be used to send a one ounce, First-Class letter, no matter how many times the price of the stamp changes in the future. You do not need to add an additional 1 cent stamp.

Other First-Class mail prices are also increasing:

  • Letters (1 oz.) will cost 45 cents. This is a 1-cent increase.
  • Additional ounces for letters will remain unchanged at 20 cents.
  • Postcards will increase 3 cents to 32 cents.
  • Letters to Canada or Mexico will cost 85 cents. This is a 5 cent increase.
  • Letters to other international destinations will increase 7 cents to cost $1.05.

Prices also will change for other mailing services, including standard mail, periodicals, package services, and extra services. 

Learn more about the Postal Service rate changes.

Image description: The recently issued Owney Forever stamp, now available at the Post Office, depicts the stray dog who was the unofficial mascot to the U.S. Railway Mail Service in the late 19th century. For nine years, Owney rode the rails on mail trains from state to state, logging over 140,000 miles during his lifelong journey.
To learn more about Owney and enter your dog in an Owney-lookalike contest, visit the U.S. Postal Museum.

Image description: The recently issued Owney Forever stamp, now available at the Post Office, depicts the stray dog who was the unofficial mascot to the U.S. Railway Mail Service in the late 19th century. For nine years, Owney rode the rails on mail trains from state to state, logging over 140,000 miles during his lifelong journey.

To learn more about Owney and enter your dog in an Owney-lookalike contest, visit the U.S. Postal Museum.

Industrial Designers Honored with New Stamps

Pioneers of American Industrial Design stamp set

The 12 new Forever stamps pay tribute to industrial designers that revolutionized American life in the 20th century.

Twelve industrial designers have been honored by the United States Postal Service with a new set of Forever stamps. The Pioneers of American Industrial Design stamp pane features some of the nation’s most significant industrial designers from the past century. The work of these designers has changed and improved everyday life in the 20th century. From furniture to electronics, these designers have greatly improved the way we live.

Below, we highlight some of the designers honored in the new stamps. Featured on each stamp is the designer’s name, a photograph of an object they created, as well as a description and the year it was created.

  • Walter Dorwin Teague: Teague, known as the “dean of industrial design” created several cameras, through a partnership with Eastman Kodak Company. Created in 1934, “Baby Brownie” is featured on the stamp, which included art deco styling, and a viewfinder that popped down when not being used.
  • Raymond Loewy: One of the most influential industrial designers of the 20th century, Loewy shaped the look of modern America. His firm designed cars, furniture, company logos, and office tools, such as the pencil sharpener featured in the USPS stamp set.
  • Dave Chapman: Chapman is most known for modernizing classroom furniture and creating award-winning designs for household appliances. In 1947, Chapman modernized the sewing machine, giving it a sleek design like car designers were doing at the time. Chapman worked with clients such as Corning Glass, Maytag and Sears.

Learn about all the featured designers and see their stamps.