A Look At The Forever Stamp

(CBS)  The U.S. Postal Service has picked the Liberty Bell as the design for its first Forever stamp, a stamp that will pay the postal rate to mail a letter no matter when it was purchased, no matter when it is used.


When Does It Go On Sale?

The stamp goes on sale April 12 at 41 cents, the new first-class mail rate that goes into effect May 14.

How Does It Work?

The primary purpose of the stamp is to smooth the transition to new stamp prices when prices change. As postage rates rise in the future, the price for the stamp will also rise — but stamps purchased for 41 cents will still be honored on letters. Instead of a denomination, the stamp carries the word "Forever" along its right side.

Will The Forever Stamp Be Available In Coins Or Other Formats?

No, but the Post Office will also issue a nondenominated flag stamp that will be available in coils of 100 and panes of 20 and 100, as well as individual quantities.

Can The Forever Stamp Be Used For International Mail?

Any nondenominated stamps (except for those that bear unique markings, such as First-Class Presort, Nonprofit Org.) may be affixed to items that are sent to foreign countries. The postage value of such stamps is linked to its appropriate domestic rate (e.g., the "Lady Liberty and U.S. Flag" stamp has a postage value of 39 cents). The postage value of the Forever Stamp is always the domestic First-Class Mail single-piece 1-ounce letter rate that is in effect on the day of use (mailing). Since the international postage rates are always higher than the comparable domestic rates, additional postage would have to be affixed.

To Learn More About The Forever Stamp:

Click on the Virtual Stamp Club to learn more about the latest stamps.

The National Postal Forum has additional information.

Click here for more information from the U.S. Post Office.