Postage stamps are pieces of paper with gum adhesive backs that are used to show proof of the purchase of the rate cost to ship a First-Class letter. A First-Class letter weighs up to one ounce. Each additional ounce costs an additional 20 cents. The current price of a postage stamp is forty-six cents. The United States Postal Service also offers the Forever Stamp. The Forever Stamp is one that never expires. If you purchase several for the same 46 cents, if postal prices go up, you can still use the Forever Stamp to mail a one-ounce letter.
Forever Stamps are available at post offices nationwide, online at USPS.com or over the phone. Since there have been five rate hikes in postage letter stamps over the past five years, Forever Stamps are a smart option. They are convenient in that you don’t have to purchase one or two cent single stamps when a price increase occurs. They are sold in books of twenty. They come in a host of designs including famous singers, flowers and flags.
Forever Stamps can be used to mail international letters. However, since mailing to other countries is more expensive than a standard mailing within the U.S., prices need to be researched. Additional Forever stamps are needed to mail letters internationally. The cost to mail a post card is currently 33 cents. This rate was effective, January, 2013.
Global Forever stamps are used to mail a letter anywhere in the world for a set rate of $1.10. The stamp shows the planet Earth created from satellite images and 3D computer technology. The Global forever stamps are sold in packs of twenty. The stamp can be used to mail up to a two ounce letter to Canada. This is an easy way of keeping up to date with postal prices. No need to purchase one and two cent makeup stamps.
The U.S. Postal Service is the only delivery method for letters which reaches every address in the nation. Competing companies such as Fed Ex and UPS are known more for package delivery. The USPS is a self-governing business that relies on the sale of stamps and products for revenue. The USPS serves 151 million homes, businesses and post office boxes nationwide.
More than two centuries ago, in 1775, Benjamin Franklin was the first postmaster general of the United States. The USPS has changed with America’s changing desires and needs. Collecting stamps from the post office is a hobby that many enthusiasts appreciate. Rare, or error stamps can command up to millions of dollars. Whether you are a stamp collector or just want to know the price of a current postage stamp, be assured that stamps will continue to be a part of American history.