Forever Stamps: The Postage That Never Expires

In a time where postage rates seem to climb every few years, one small innovation has brought peace of mind to both everyday mailers and dedicated stamp collectors: the Forever Stamp.

Forever Stamps have become a household essential in the United States, especially as USPS postage rates continue to rise every year. Whether you’re sending a simple greeting card, mailing business letters, or collecting stamps as a hobby, Forever Stamps offer unmatched convenience and long-term value.

Current Value of a Forever stamp: 78¢

But,

• what exactly are Forever Stamps?
• Why are they so widely used?
• Can you still use the ones you bought years ago?
• Are they worth collecting?

In this in-depth guide, we’ll answer all your questions – and you’ll also discover their history, pricing, best uses, and the truth behind common myths.

Whether you’re just curious about how mailing works in the US or you’re building a US stamp collection, this is the ultimate guide to Forever Stamps.

What is a Forever Stamp?

A Forever Stamp is a First-Class Mail postage stamp issued by the United States Postal Service (USPS) that can be used to mail a 1-ounce letter regardless of when the stamp was purchased or how much postage costs at the time of mailing.

In other words, a Forever Stamp bought today will still mail a 1-oz letter 10, 20, or even 50 years from now, even if stamp prices increase. No need to add extra 1¢ or 2¢ stamps. This makes Forever Stamps a smart choice for both everyday users and long-term collectors.

Forever Stamps never expire, even if rates go up.

A Brief History of Forever Stamps

The concept was introduced by USPS to solve a growing frustration: rate hikes that rendered existing stamps insufficient.

• April 12, 2007: The first Forever Stamp was issued, featuring the Liberty Bell.
• It was welcomed as a practical and customer-friendly innovation.
• From 2007 to October 2010, only one design was issued: the Liberty Bell Forever stamp.
• In response to strong demand, the USPS issued two more Forever stamp designs in 2010: Holiday Evergreens on October 21 and Lady Liberty & U.S. Flag coils on December 1.
• In 2011, USPS announced that all new commemorative First-Class stamps for 1-ounce letters would be issued as Forever.
• Since 2014, all new stamps for the First-Class Mail one-ounce rate have been Forever stamps.

Why Did USPS Create Forever Stamps?

Before Forever Stamps, every time USPS raised postage rates, people were left with partially valid stamps. This led to long lines, complaints, and frustration over buying additional 1¢ stamps to meet new rates.

USPS created Forever Stamps to:

• Simplify mailing for consumers
• Reduce inventory and printing complexity
• Encourage early purchases (boosting cash flow)
• Improve customer satisfaction

Today, Forever Stamps are a permanent fixture in US mailing culture—and stamp collecting.

How Forever Stamps Work

Forever Stamps follow one simple rule:

You pay today’s price, but the stamp is valid at tomorrow’s rate.

Forever Stamps are non denominated, non expiring stamps with no price printed on it.

• They’re always worth the current First-Class Mail rate.
• You can mix and match Forever Stamps for heavier envelopes.
• They are non-refundable and non-redeemable for cash.

So if you bought 100 Forever Stamps in 2015 for $0.49 each, you’re now using, $78 worth of postage you paid just $49 for. That’s a 60% return in utility!

Forever Stamp Value Over Time

Each Forever Stamp is always worth the current First-Class 1-ounce letter rate.
✔ If the rate increases, the value of your old Forever Stamps increases automatically
✔ You do not need to buy additional stamps to make up the difference

This is why many individuals and businesses purchase Forever Stamps in bulk before rate hikes.

Here’s how much Forever Stamps were worth year by year:

Since the introduction of the first “Forever”-style stamp in 2007 at 41¢, the 1-ounce rate has risen more than 80% (from 41¢ to 78¢). There was one rare decrease — in April 2016, when the rate dropped from 49¢ to 47¢.

The largest increase in recent years was in 2019 (+5¢), and again in 2024 (+5¢).

Forever Stamp Price Increase: What It Means for Collectors

Themes and Types of Forever Stamps

Forever Stamps have expanded beyond functional use. Today, they are collector favorites due to their variety, themes, and limited issues.

Popular categories include:

• US Flag Series Stamps
• Love series Stamps
• Lunar year series Stamps
• Black Heritage Series
• US Presidents on stamps
• Holiday & Christmas Stamps
• Flowers & Nature
• American Art & Artists

Read also: List of Forever Stamps issued in 2025

How to Identify a Forever Stamp

Unlike older stamps, Forever Stamps do not show a dollar amount. Instead, they include the word “FOREVER” along with “USA”.
• Location of “Forever”: Usually bottom or top corner
• Face Value: Always equal to current USPS 1st-Class rate

Visual Guide: Identifying Forever Stamps

Can I Use Forever Stamps for International Mail?

Yes – but with a catch.

• Domestic Letter: 1 Forever Stamp = 1 oz letter
• International Letter (1 oz to most countries): $1.70 (2025 rate)
• You can use multiple Forever Stamps to make up international postage
• Or buy a Global Forever Stamp, which covers 1 oz international mail

In 2013, the USPS introduced the Global Forever stamp, which allowed customers to mail any one-ounce First-Class international letter to any country for a single flat rate—and up to two ounces when sending mail to Canada.

Starting in 2015, the Forever stamp lineup expanded to include postcards and letters requiring additional postage.

Global Forever Stamps for International Mail

Are Forever Stamps a Good Investment?

From a financial standpoint:

• They’re a hedge against postal inflation.
• Buying in bulk before a rate increase can save money.

From a collector’s view:

• First issues, themed designs, and errors can appreciate.
• Unused Forever Stamps retain face value or more in mint condition.

How to Collect and Store Forever Stamps

Many collectors focus exclusively on Forever Stamps because of:

• Their colorful designs
• Cultural relevance
• Annual USPS issues

Tips for Collecting:

• Buy sheets instead of rolls for clean storage
• Use acid-free albums or stock books
• Record issue dates and themes

Top Mistakes to Avoid When Collecting Forever Stamps

Where to Buy Forever Stamps Safely

Buy from trusted sources only to avoid counterfeit or overcharged stamps:

• USPS.com (official)
• Local Post Office
• Major retailers (Costco, Walmart, Office Depot)
• Be cautious on online Marketplaces
• Never buy stamps sold below face value in bulk – they are likely fake.

Read also: Guide on where to buy stamps

Formats of Forever Stamps

Forever Stamps come in different formats:

• Booklets (20 stamps)
• Sheets (varies)
• Coils (50–10,000 stamps)
• Commemorative issues
• Holiday and seasonal themes

Collectors often prefer:

• Limited edition sheets
• First Day of Issue envelopes
• Canceled and uncanceled formats

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Do Forever Stamps expire?
A: No, they are valid forever – hence the name.

Q2. Can I use a Forever Stamp from 2009 today?
A: Yes! It covers the full 1 oz domestic letter rate.

Q3. Can I collect Forever Stamps as a hobby?
A: Absolutely! Many collectors now focus entirely on Forever Stamp issues.

Q4. How often do Forever Stamps get new designs?
A: USPS releases dozens of new Forever Stamp designs each year.

Q5. How much is a Forever Stamp worth today?
A: It is always equal to the current First-Class mailing rate.

Q6. Can I use two Forever Stamps for extra postage?
A: Yes, but it may exceed the required postage. Use an Additional Ounce stamp instead.

Q7. Can I use Forever Stamps for packages?
A: Yes, but you may need many stamps. It’s better to use USPS Click-N-Ship for packages.

Q8. Can Forever Stamps be used internationally?
A: Yes, but additional postage must be added because international rates are higher.

Q9. Are Forever Stamps more expensive?
Yes, the price has increased over the years due to rising postal rates, but always equal to the First-Class mailing rate.

Forever Stamps are one of the simplest, most convenient, and most cost-effective mailing tools in the USA. They are more than just functional tools – they’re an accessible, inflation-proof solution for mailers, and a vibrant, modern entry point for stamp collectors.

By understanding what Forever Stamps are, how they work, and how to collect them, you’re stepping into a hobby that bridges everyday practicality with cultural richness.

• Endless variety of designs
• Limited-edition releases
• Higher resale value
• Historical significance

So whether you’re sending a letter or saving a piece of postal history… Forever Stamps are always worth it. Forever Stamps are more than just postage – they’re a long-lasting piece of American history.