ANSWERS: 4
  • The "unvalued" (a.k.a. nondenominated or No Value Indicated/NVI) stamps are still valid postage. For example, the H stamp was issued for the 33 cent rate, and can still be used to mail a First Class letter if additional postage is applied to equal the current rate. As of April 2006, for example, you would need an H stamp plus 6 additional cents for a standard letter. The USPS Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) specifies that all postage stamps issued since 1860 (with specific exceptions; see http://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/604.htm#wp1080347) are valid for mailing. It should be noted that some of these stamps are printed with "For US Addresses Only," or other special service markings (e.g., "First-Class Presort," "Bulk Rate"). These are not valid for International mail, and some postal clerks may confuse this rule to mean that all nondenominated stamps are valid for domestic use only. There is also an opportunity for error in calculating the value of these nondenominated stamps, especially for the F "makeup" stamp which bears the text, "This U.S. stamp, along with 25ยข of additional U.S. postage, is equivalent to the 'F' stamp rate" (worth 4 cents). You can exchange stamps with the wrong denomination for others at full postage value (USPS DMM 300, Standard 9.1.5 http://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/604.htm). Note that only full sheets or sealed coils are accepted for exchange under this rule, and other restrictions apply for large quantities. Depending on your post office and the stamps involved (condition, etc.) you may be able to convince your postal clerk to exchange partial sheets for you. Of course, it would be a hard sell to get them to exchange nondenominated stamps from 2000... Thanks to Alphabetilately http://alphabetilately.com/G.html, for help with this answer. Their page covering the nondenominated stamps references the USPS International postage rule that clarifies use of nondenominated stamps: http://pe.usps.com/text/imm/immc1_005.html.
  • I searched the answers provided here but still did not find out the value of the lettered stamps. The website he provided did not work for me. I just wish the US Postal Department would place a value on the lettered stamps (and all the other ones as well) so that the consumers would know the value of these stamps. Especially since the postal rates change so quickly.
  • The only regular postage stamps that have been demonetized (declared no longer valid) are those issued before the Civil War, but there is very little chance you will run into or have one of these. Chevalier Daniel C. Boyer
  • I'm using the H stamps now, along with the 7C ( Araham Baldwin) and 2C to make up the total of 42C first class.

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