By Anne Murray, Postmaster Ft Myers/Cape Coral Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, FL — Now that postage has increased to 44 cents for a one-ounce, First-Class stamp, what should you do with all those unused stamps? The answer is simple—use them! The value of the stamp will always be the value indicated on the stamp. All you need to do is purchase additional value stamps (likely 2-cent stamps) and use both on your envelope. Now’s the time to sort through all those unused stamps that have been accumulating in a box or drawer. You can use them any time. Any combination of stamps may be used in meeting the postage requirements. You may think it looks “tacky” to have a variety of stamps on your envelope, but the Post Office encourages you to utilize all the stamps you have. And if you should happen to find any of those non-denominational A-H stamps that were issued a number of years ago, here’s the letter, the year it was issued, and its value: A, 1978, $.15; B, 1981, $.18; C, 1981, $.20; D, 1985, $.22; E, 1988, $.25; F, 1991, $.29; G, 1994, $.32; and H, 1998, $.33. A one-cent makeup stamp (a weathervane) was also issued in 1998. For more information about purchasing stamps, stamps by mail, postal regulations, a free subscription to USA Philatelic magazine, Post Office events, the location of the nearest postal store or contract unit, or for answers to your specific Postal Service questions, contact USPS at 1-800-275-8777, or visit www.usps.com. To schedule a presentation for your community, club or group on how the Postal Service brings the Post Office to your home or office computer, call 239-573-9638. # # # Please Note: For broadcast quality video and audio, photo stills and other media resources, visit the USPS Newsroom at www.usps.com/communications/newsroom/welcome.htm. An independent federal agency, the U.S. Postal Service is the only delivery service that reaches every address in the nation, 149 million residences, businesses and Post Office Boxes, six days a week. It has 34,000 retail locations and relies on the sale of postage, products and services, not tax dollars, to pay for operating expenses. Named the Most Trusted Government Agency five consecutive years by the Ponemon Institute, the Postal Service has annual revenue of $75 billion and delivers nearly half the world’s mail.
Richard Barber, OIC Naples
Mr. Zip’s Tip:
The U.S. Postal Service has earned
eight consecutive EPA Waste Wise
Program Partner of the Year awards.
I'm an avid philatelist and postal service enthusiast with a deep understanding of postage regulations, stamp values, and the intricacies of the postal system. My passion for stamps extends beyond mere collecting; it involves a comprehensive knowledge of the U.S. Postal Service, its programs, and the various types of stamps issued over the years.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Postage Increase to 44 Cents: The article discusses the recent increase in postage to 44 cents for a one-ounce First-Class stamp. This is crucial information for postal users, as it highlights the need for additional postage when using older stamps with lower denominations.
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What to Do with Unused Stamps: The primary advice given is to use all those unused stamps, regardless of their denomination. The article suggests purchasing additional value stamps, such as 2-cent stamps, to make up for the increased postage rate. This demonstrates a practical approach to dealing with unused stamps.
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Combining Stamps: The article emphasizes that any combination of stamps may be used to meet postage requirements. This flexibility allows individuals to utilize their stamp collections effectively without the concern of using only one specific denomination.
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Non-Denominational A-H Stamps: The article provides information about specific non-denominational A-H stamps issued in the past, including the letter, the year of issuance, and their respective values. This historical context adds depth to the understanding of stamp collecting, especially for those who may come across these older stamps.
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Makeup Stamp (Weathervane): A one-cent makeup stamp, featuring a weathervane, was issued in 1998. This information is relevant for collectors and individuals looking to ensure that their postage meets the required amount accurately.
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U.S. Postal Service Recognition: The article mentions that the U.S. Postal Service has earned eight consecutive EPA Waste Wise Program Partner of the Year awards. This recognition highlights the Postal Service's commitment to environmental sustainability.
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Encouragement to Use All Stamps: Despite concerns about the aesthetics of using a variety of stamps on an envelope, the Post Office encourages individuals to utilize all the stamps they have. This guidance promotes practicality over visual uniformity.
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Contact Information for USPS: The article provides contact information for the U.S. Postal Service, including a phone number (1-800-275-8777) and a website (www.usps.com). This information is crucial for individuals seeking further details on purchasing stamps, postal regulations, and other postal-related inquiries.
In summary, the article covers a range of topics related to postage, stamp collecting, and the U.S. Postal Service. Whether you're a stamp enthusiast or simply looking for practical advice on handling unused stamps, the information provided caters to a diverse audience.
