Postage Stamp Denominations

Postage stamps are available in the following denominations:

General Standards

Definition

A mailer may be authorized to mail material without affixing postage when payment is made at the time of mailing from a permit imprint advance deposit account established with USPS for that purpose. This payment method may be used for postage and extra service fees for Express Mail (electronic verification system "eVS" only), Priority Mail (including Critical Mail), First-Class Mail, Standard Mail, Package Services, and Parcel Select. This method is not available for Periodicals and must not be used to pay postage on any mailpiece that is designed for reply purposes (except for permit reply mail under 507.10.0).

Precanceled stamps are stamps meant specifically for bulk mailings. Using precanceled stamps on your mail is an easy way to get started with bulk mail. Many first-time mailers use precanceled stamps. Also, some mailers believe envelopes with stamps get noticed and opened before other pieces of mail. You can use that to your advantage by using precanceled stamps when sending bulk mailings.

Penny Increase in Price of Forever Stamps First Since May 2009

Beginning early next year, it will cost just a penny more to mail letters to any location in the United States, the first price change for First-Class Mail stamps (Forever stamps) in more than two and a half years. The new 45-cent price for Forever stamps is among price changes filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission today.

Philately is the collection and study of postage and imprinted stamps.

What is Stamp Collecting

"Stamp collecting" is the accumulation of material related to the payment of postage and the carriage of the mails. In addition to traditional postage stamps, many philatelists -- the fancy word for stamp collectors -- also collect covers, envelopes that carried mail. Some individuals also collect markings or labels applied to mail including postage meters. Others will even collect Christmas Seals, revenue stamps and other ephemera.