updates | March 24, 2026

What are special stamps?

A special stamp is a type of postage stamp typically intended for use on special occasions and holidays that occur repeatedly. Love stamps are designed around a love theme. In the United States, they were first issued in 1973.

What is the new stamp?

If the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has its way, however, your stamps will cost 58 cents — a 5.5 percent increase — starting Aug. 29. A first-class stamp covers the price of a one-ounce letter. An additional ounce costs 20 cents, and that won’t change under the new proposal.

What is the other name of stamp collection?

Philately
Philately (/fɪˈlætəliː/; fi-LAT-ə-lee) is the study of postage stamps and postal history. It also refers to the collection, appreciation and research activities on stamps and other philatelic products.

What do we call the inscribed value of a stamp?

denomination
In philately, the denomination is the “inscribed value of a stamp”.

What makes a stamp rare?

There are various factors that determine the rareness of a stamp, which often require philatelist and expert opinion. Stamps that have errors in printing, content, and perforation are considered rare, as are those limited-issue stamps where only a small number exist.

Can I use a 2014 Forever Stamp in 2021?

Short answer: no, they never expire, even though postage rates are increasing in 2020! They are valid forever as long as they can be validated as legitimate postage. But, postage rates increases are also happening in 2020, as well as 2021.

Is stamp collecting a dying hobby?

But which side of this divide did stamps fall on? It didn’t take me long to find the answer: stamp collecting, also known as philately, is dying, albeit a long, slow death. Prices for most vintage stamps have plummeted; many now sell for only 5% to 20% of stated catalogue value.

Where can I find the value of stamps?

Auction sites, stamp dealer sites, stamp forum sites, and stamp sites put up by stamp collectors and enthusiasts can easily be found online and these can give you an idea of the current market price of a particular stamp. You can easily and quickly find stamp values at StampWorld.com.

What does OG mean in stamp collecting?

OG indicates original gum, as issued by the government post office, but it may be disturbed by such things as hinge marks or fingerprints. And NH means original gum that is undisturbed, never hinged or otherwise damaged. Collectors often pay a lot of money for a rare stamp with original gum.

Are First Day Covers worth anything?

Usually First Day Covers are more valuable than ordinary used covers, postcards, or envelopes with cancelled stamps. Some rare examples of FDCs are worth thousands of dollars.

How can I tell if my stamps are valuable?

How to Determine Stamp Values

  1. Identify the stamp.
  2. Find out when was the stamp issued.
  3. Know the stamp’s age and material used.
  4. Determine the centering of the design.
  5. Check the stamp’s gum.
  6. Determine the condition of the perforations.
  7. See if the stamp has been cancelled or not.
  8. Find out the rarity of the stamp.

What are the most sought after stamps?

The 10 Most Valuable Stamps In the World

  • The Sicilian Error of Color, 1859.
  • Baden 9 Kreuzer Error, 1851.
  • The Inverted Jenny, 1918.
  • 1c Benjamin Franklin Z Grill, 1868.
  • 3c George Washington w/ B Grill, 1867.
  • Tiflis Stamp, 1857.
  • 24c Declaration of Independence, 1869.
  • Hawaiian Missionaries, 1851.

    What is a forever stamp worth 2021?

    The first Forever rate stamp was released in 2007. It carried the First-Class rate at that time, which was $0.41. If you happen to have any lying around, they would be worth $0.55 in 2021. You can use them for sending mail today, without having to add additional postage.

    How much is a forever stamp in 2021?

    If favorably reviewed by the PRC, the new prices will include a 3-cent increase in the price of an FCM Forever stamp, from 55 cents to 58 cents.

    Can I use a 2014 Forever Stamp in 2020?

    Short answer: no, they never expire, even though postage rates are increasing in 2020! They are valid forever as long as they can be validated as legitimate postage. This means if you put an old stamp that looks stained and ratty on a letter with tape, it will likely be rejected.

    What happens if you put too many stamps on an envelope?

    Yes you may use as many stamps as you wish. If they are of excess value than required then excess amount will not be refunded.