Friday, April 20, 2007
Forever Stamp: An Investment Strategy?
Forever Stamp on Sale Today to Ready Customers for May 14 Price Change
PHILADELPHIA, April 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- If it could ring, it would resonate freedom and independence from using one or two-cent stamps to mail letters when stamp prices change in the future. The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) today introduced its latest consumer innovation by dedicating the Forever Stamp next to the patriotic icon it depicts. Featuring the Liberty Bell image and the word "forever," the Forever Stamp -- available nationwide today -- is good for mailing one-ounce First-Class Mail letters anytime in the future -- regardless of price changes.
"We are making history this morning," said USPS Board of Governors Vice Chairman Alan C. Kessler. "And what better place to make history than right here in Philadelphia -- the 'Cradle of Liberty,' -- alongside the Liberty Bell."
The Forever Stamp will always be available at the price of a First-Class Mail stamp in effect at the time of purchase. To introduce the stamp to the public, the Postal Service is offering the stamp today at 41 cents. Customers may use the stamp as soon as they wish, but stamp prices will not change until May 14. When prices change in the future, the Forever Stamp will sell at the new one-ounce, single-piece First-Class Mail price.
"The first U.S. postage stamps appeared in 1847," Kessler added, referring to the five-cent Benjamin Franklin stamp that was good for mailing letters up to 300 miles, and the 10-cent George Washington stamp for delivery beyond that. "Let history now record that the first Forever Stamp was dedicated on April 12, 2007, in the birthplace of American democracy and bearing the eternal symbol of American liberty."
There are no limits on customer purchases. Beginning today, April 12, the Forever Stamp will be available in booklets of 20 through http://www.usps.com, by calling 1-800-STAMP-24 and at Post Office retail counters nationwide. Customers may also purchase the stamps from selected Post Office vending machines. Starting May 14, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and Automated Postal Centers will begin offering the Forever Stamp in sheets of 18. Also, many participating convenience stores, grocery stores, drug stores and other retailers will also begin selling Forever Stamp booklets of 20.
An independent federal agency, the U.S. Postal Service is the only delivery service that visits 146 million homes and businesses, six days a week. It has 37,000 retail locations and relies on the sale of postage, products, and services to cover its operating expenses. The Postal Service has annual revenues of $73 billion and delivers nearly half the world's mail.
Forever Stamp Fact Sheet
How to Order First Day of Issue Postmarks
Customers have 60 days to obtain the first day of issue postmark by mail. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address them to themselves or others, and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:
FOREVER STAMP
POSTMASTER
2970 Market St RM 525
Philadelphia, PA 19104
After applying the first day of issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by June 14, 2007.
How to Order First Day Covers
Stamp Fulfillment Services also offers first day covers for new stamp issues and Postal Service stationery items postmarked with the official first day of issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog. Customers may request a free catalog by calling 1-800-STAMP-24 or writing to:
INFORMATION FULFILLMENT
DEPT 6270
US POSTAL SERVICE
PO BOX 219014
KANSAS CITY MO 64121-9014
Philatelic Products
There are three philatelic products available for this stamp issue:
-- First Day Cover, 79-cents (Item 676661) Booklet of 20 format.
-- Digital Color Postmark, $1.50 (Item 676665).
-- First Day Cover, 79-cents (Item 569961). ATM Sheet of 18 format.
SOURCE U.S. Postal Service
