What is a Forever Stamp?

The Forever Stamp was introduced by the USPS as a way for consumers to purchase postage stamps and not have to worry about it losing value, or needing additional postage to send a one-ounce letter by first-class mail. One of the key benefits of buying and using these stamps, is the fact that no matter how many times, or how much the cost of postal rates increase, the Forever Stamp can always be used to send a one-ounce, first-class letter. Another benefit is the fact that you can now purchase a large supply of these, without worry that they may become obsolete. If you have ever purchased or used one to mail a letter, you may have noticed that it displays ‘First-Class’ on the the stamp and not a value or cost amount. So, you can stock up and they do not lose value, which means in essence, as postal rates increase, you save money on first-class postage that you have sitting in your drawer.

How and Where to Purchase:

It is easy and convenient to buy these stamps. You can purchase at locations that include:

• local USPS offices
• convenient 3rd party postal businesses
• grocery stores and retail outlets
• over the internet, such as Stamps.com
• online at www.usps.com
• by phone at 800-782-6724.

New ‘Forever Stamp’ Issues:

The USPS will periodically release new designs into the postage marketplace. In February, 2012, the USPS released a new design that commemorates and honors one of our great entertainers, Danny Thomas. Stamps that display this new design can be bought online at the website at www.usps.com and at your local U.S. Post Office. In addition to being a great entertainer, Danny Thomas also founded the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Since it’s founding in 1962, St. Jude has helped many children that would otherwise, not be able to afford healthcare treatments.

For those that wish to collect a little piece of history, four different philatelic products of the ‘Danny Thomas’ Forever Stamp issue are available. The philatelic products available include:

1. First day cover
2. Ceremony program
3. Digital color postmark
4. Digital color postmark w/pane and Cancellation Keepsake.

Resources:

1. about.usps.com/news/national-releases/2012/pr12_028.htm
2. USPS Stamps Facebook page.