The U.S. Postal Service sells Forever stamps to snail mailing patrons. But how exactly do Forever stamps work, and how much are they worth in 2024?
In this article, we’ll share everything you need to know about Forever stamps and explain how you can use them to your advantage.
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How Much Is a Forever Stamp Worth in 2024?
A Forever Stamp is worth 68 cents starting January 21st, 2024.
The Forever Stamp value increased by two cents on January 1st 2024 — from 66 to 68 cents.
The way a Forever Stamp works is that it doesn’t matter what you paid for it; it’s worth whatever it costs to mail a 1 ounce letter.
Forever stamps are meant to be worth whatever the current U.S. Postal Service’s first-class mailing rate is at the time of mailing, regardless of what you paid for it.
Prices for Other USPS Services
You can do more than mail letters at the postal service. Here are the prices for additional services as of January 1st 2024:
- Forever Stamp One Ounce – $0.68
- Additional Ounce Forever – $0.24
- Two Ounce Forever Stamp – $0.92
- Three Ounce Forever Stamp – $1.16
- Postcard Forever Stamp – $0.53
- Global Forever Stamp – $1.55
- One Ounce Metered Mail – $0.64
How do Forever Stamps Work?
A Forever stamp is a first-class postage stamp you can purchase and use forever.
As you know, sending items in the mail costs money, and the prices vary based on what you are mailing. Typically, the weight of the envelope or box you are mailing is a factor in determining what your postage cost will be.
You can use a first-class postage stamp on any 1-ounce letter. People use first-class postage stamps to mail many basic envelopes containing cards and bills. And often, first-class postage stamps have an image of the cost printed on the stamp.
In the early 2000s, the United States Postal Service introduced a non-denominational stamp as it considered a price hike on first-class stamps. That stamp would eventually be named the Forever stamp.
Before the Forever Stamp, the amount you paid was imprinted on the stamp, and if prices went up, then you had to buy 1-cent stamps to cover the difference. For example, all the stamps you bought for 66 cents each would no longer be enough to mail a letter; you’d have to attach additional postage. It was a pain.
Is There a Price Listed on a Forever Stamp?
Forever stamps don’t have a price listed on the stamp. As a result, you won’t have to apply an additional 1-cent or 2-cent postage to your first-class letters if the post office implements a rate increase after you buy your stamps.
In other words, your Forever stamp is good to use, well, forever.
You could buy Forever stamps today at the current rate of $0.68 and use them forever, regardless of how much the first-class rate increases in the future.
A History of the Forever Stamp
The Forever Stamp was first unveiled on April 12, 2007, and at the time, cost $0.41 each. The design on the first Forever Stamp was an image of the Liberty Bell.
It contained the words “USA FIRST-CLASS FOREVER” on the stamp. Today, most stamps are simply printed with the words USA FOREVER.
Interestingly, the first coil roll of Forever stamps wasn’t issued until December 1, 2010.
There were several designs of Forever stamps in the years after its first unveiling. Since 2017, the United States Postal Service has issued new designs for Forever stamps yearly.
Here’s the price adjustments over the years:
| Date | Price |
|---|---|
| January 21, 2024 | $0.68 |
| July 9, 2023 | $0.66 |
| January 22, 2023 | $0.63 |
| July 10, 2022 | $0.60 |
| August 29, 2021 | $0.58 |
| January 27, 20219 | $0.55 |
| January 21, 2018 | $0.50 |
| January 22, 2017 | $0.49 |
| April 10, 2016 | $0.47 |
| January 26, 2014 | $0.49 |
| January 27, 2013 | $0.46 |
| January 22, 2012 | $0.45 |
| May 11, 2009 | $0.44 |
| May 12, 2008 | $0.42 |
| April 12, 2007 | $0.41 |
How Many Forever Stamps Should I Buy?
Stamps basically keep up with inflation, so if you know you will use them, go ahead and buy as many as you’ll need, but stocking up isn’t necessary. The money you would have tied up in stamps would be better used invested, or even just in a high-yield savings account.
Will the Price of a Stamp Increase?
It’s safe to say that the price of stamps will increase. At the latest price of $0.68 per stamp, you can get single stamps, books, or rolls of stamps.
For instance, you can buy a book of 20 stamps for $13.60. Or you can buy a roll of 100 stamps for $68.00.
The likelihood of a future stamp price increase gives you another reason to consider purchasing stamps now before another increase is implemented.
Final Thoughts on Forever Stamps
U.S. Postal Service Forever stamps were designed to help consumers save money on postal stamps in an era of ever-rising prices. As of this writing, Forever stamps cost $0.68 each. However, it’s safe to assume the price of the Forever stamp will rise again.
