The Evolution of US Postage and Stamp Issues

The United States has a rich history of postage and stamp issues, with the first postage stamp introduced in 1847. This was the 10-cent stamp featuring Benjamin Franklin.

The first airmail stamp was introduced in 1918, and it was a significant innovation in the history of US postage. This stamp marked the beginning of a new era in mail delivery.

The US Postal Service has continued to issue new stamps over the years, with over 1,500 different designs created since the first stamp was introduced.

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The early postal history of the United States is a fascinating story that dates back to the 17th century. Postal services began in the first half of the 17th century serving the first American colonies of Britain and France.

Informal postal routes started popping up in the colonies, with Boston to New York City service beginning in 1672. Courier service also began between Montreal and Quebec City by 1693.

King William III granted an English nobleman a delivery patent in 1692, giving him the exclusive right to collect a postal tax on official documents. This was a significant milestone in the development of the postal system.

Benjamin Leigh, a stationer from Halifax, started postal service in Nova Scotia by 1754, and the British post office inaugurated a monthly packet run from Britain to New York the following year.

In 1869, the Post Office introduced a new series of stamps with a variety of designs, featuring subjects like a Pony Express rider, a locomotive, and the steamship Adriatic.

These stamps were notable for their use of two-color printing, which resulted in the first invert errors on U.S. stamps. This was a new and unconventional approach for the time.

The 1869 Pictorial Issue was not very popular among the general population, who preferred classic portrayals of Washington, Franklin, and other forefathers.

The Post Office continued to innovate, introducing pre-stamped post cards in 1873. One side was printed with a Liberty-head one-cent stamp design and the words "United States Postal Card".

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In the first half of the 17th century, postal services began serving the first American colonies of Britain and France.

The first informal postal routes were established in Boston as early as 1639, with Boston to New York City service starting in 1672.

Courier service between Montreal and Quebec City began by 1693, and likely occurred earlier, as Pedro da Silva, a courier, had arrived more than 20 years before that.

In 1692, King William III granted an English nobleman a delivery "patent" that included the exclusive right to establish and collect a formal postal tax on official documents of all kinds.

The use of stamps was first implemented in 1765, but the tax was repealed a year later and few were ever actually used in the colonies.

Mail routes among the colonies existed along the few roads between Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Montreal, Trois Rivieres, and Quebec City in the years leading up to the American Revolution.

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Benjamin Leigh started postal service in Nova Scotia by 1754, and the British post office inaugurated a monthly packet run from Britain to New York the following year.

Colonial postmasters like Benjamin Franklin and William Goddard managed the mails and forged a postal system that became the standard for the new U.S. Post Office.

The system they created is still in use today in the United States Postal Service.

Before the introduction of postage stamps, the recipient of mail, not the sender, generally paid the cost of postage. This meant the postman would have to collect money for each letter, greatly slowing him down on his route.

Postmasters allowed some citizens to run charge accounts for their delivered and prepaid mail, but bookkeeping on these was another inefficiency.

The task of collecting money for each letter was a significant burden on postmen, who had to take back unpaid-for mail to the post office. Post office budgets always allowed for an appreciable volume of unpaid-for mail.

Only occasionally did a sender pay delivery costs in advance, which usually required a personal visit to the post office.

Abraham Lincoln's image has been featured on numerous US postage stamps, with over a dozen issues bearing his portrait. This is more than any other famous American, except for George Washington and Benjamin Franklin.

The first postage stamp honoring Lincoln was issued in 1866, about a year after his assassination. The stamp was released on June 17, but some sources claim it was introduced on April 14, the one-year anniversary of his death.

Lincoln's image appears on US postage more than any other famous American, except for George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. His portrait has been featured on a variety of stamps, including issues from 1890, 1903, and 1938.

If you're sending a standard-sized, rectangular postcard, you'll need a postcard stamp, which starts at $0.56. Oversized postcards, however, require letter stamps, which start at $0.73.

The first national stamps were introduced in the United States in 1847. They were issued by the Post Office Department and featured a portrait of Benjamin Franklin.

The first national stamp, the 5-cent Benjamin Franklin stamp, was a significant improvement over the private postage stamps that were used before it. It was printed in black ink on paper.

The 5-cent Benjamin Franklin stamp was widely used and helped to establish a standard for postage stamps in the United States. It featured a portrait of Benjamin Franklin in a formal attire.

The introduction of the first national stamps marked a major milestone in the history of postage stamps in the United States.

The 1902-1903 Issues were a significant departure from traditional U.S. Postage Stamps. These stamps featured ornate sculptural frame work redolent of Beaux-Arts architecture about the portrait, often including allegorical figures of different sorts.

The designs of these stamps were unlike any definitive stamps ever issued before, with printed names and birth and death dates of the subjects, a feature more typically found in Commemorative stamps. This was a bold move by the U.S. Post Office.

There are fourteen denominations ranging from 1-cent to 5-dollars in this series. Each value has its own individual design.

The 2-cent George Washington stamp appeared with two different designs, with the original version being poorly received.

The Washington-Franklin Era was a significant period in the history of postage stamps. It lasted from 1869 to 1887 and featured a unique combination of stamps featuring the portraits of two American presidents.

George Washington, the first president of the United States, was featured on the 2-cent, 5-cent, and 10-cent stamps. His portrait was used on these denominations to honor his legacy.

Franklin, on the other hand, was featured on the 1-cent, 5-cent, and 10-cent stamps. Benjamin Franklin, one of America's founding fathers, was a respected statesman and scientist.

The Washington-Franklin stamps were designed to be easy to use and collect, with a standardized format and a limited number of denominations. This made them accessible to a wider range of people.

The stamps were printed in large quantities, with over 300 million stamps printed during the era. This was a significant increase from previous eras and helped to make postage more affordable for the general public.

The Two Cent Red Sesquicentennial Issues were a series of stamps issued by the U.S. Post Office between 1926 and 1932.

These stamps commemorated the 150th anniversaries of Battles and Events that occurred during the American Revolution.

The Liberty Bell 150th Anniversary Issue of 1926 was the first among these stamps, designed by Clair Aubrey Huston.

It was engraved by J.Eissler & E.M.Hall, two of America's most renowned master engravers.

More than a dozen 'Two Cent Reds' were issued during this period.

The rate for carrying a letter remained at 2 cents until July 6, 1932, when it changed to 3 cents.

Postcards can be a fun way to send a quick message, and the cost is relatively affordable.

Standard-sized, rectangular postcard stamps start at $0.56. You can grab one of these at your local post office or online.

If you have an oversized postcard, you'll need to use a letter stamp, which starts at $0.73.

The US Postal Service has a long history of issuing special stamps to commemorate significant events and anniversaries. In 1932, a set of 12 stamps was issued to celebrate George Washington's 200th birthday.

One notable example is the 2¢ red Washington stamp, which was redesigned as a 3¢ stamp after postal rates rose in July 1932. This stamp is now a familiar image among US commemoratives.

The Postal Service has also issued stamps to commemorate national expositions, such as the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1904, which prompted a set of five stamps.

Provisional Issue Stamps are temporary stamps issued by postal authorities to cover a specific period of time, typically during a postal crisis or a major event. They can be used in place of regular stamps.

These stamps are usually printed in small quantities and have a limited validity period. For example, the 1869 Hawaiian provisional issue had a limited validity period of just a few days.

Provisional Issue Stamps often feature a unique design and may include a notation indicating their temporary nature. The 1869 Hawaiian provisional issue, for instance, features a design that includes a notation stating that it is a "Provisional Issue".

Collectors often seek out Provisional Issue Stamps due to their rarity and historical significance.

Encased stamps were a creative solution to the shortage of coins during the Civil War, as they allowed people to use postage stamps as currency. John Gault invented the encased postage stamp in 1862.

A normal U.S. stamp was wrapped around a circular cardboard disc and then placed inside a coin-like circular brass jacket. The transparent mica window in the jacket allowed the face of the stamp to be seen.

All eight denominations available in 1861-62, ranging from 1 cent to 90 cents, were offered in encased versions. The raised lettering on the metal backs of the jackets often advertised the goods or services of business firms.

The Aerated Bread Company, Ayer's Sarsaparilla and Cathartic Pills, Burnett's Cocoaine, Sands Ale, Drake's Plantation Bitters, Buhl & Co. Hats and Furs, Lord & Taylor, Tremont House, Chicago, Joseph L. Bates Fancy Goods, White the Hatter, New York City, and Ellis McAlpin & Co. Dry Goods, Cincinnati were some of the business firms that advertised on these encased stamps.

Encased stamps were an innovative way to use postage stamps as currency, but they had their limitations.

The postal service was quite active in producing commemorative sets from 1904 to 1907. These sets were often issued in conjunction with important national expositions.

One notable example is the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1904, which prompted a set of five stamps. The Jamestown Exposition, held in Norfolk, Virginia, in 1907, was also commemorated with a trio of stamps.

The Washington Bicentennial Issue was a set of 12 stamps issued in 1932 to celebrate George Washington's 200th birthday. This was a significant event in American postal history.

The 2¢ value of the stamp featured the most familiar Gilbert Stuart image of Washington. This image was chosen for its iconic status.

After postal rates rose in July 1932, the 2¢ stamp was redesigned as a 3¢ stamp and issued in a purple color that became a standard for U.S. commemoratives. This color change was a notable update to the original design.

The purple color of the 3¢ stamp became a staple of U.S. commemoratives, and it's still recognizable today.

Abraham Lincoln Issues have a special place in the history of US postage stamps. The first Lincoln postage stamp issue was in 1866, a year after his assassination.

This issue marked a significant moment in the US postal system, as it was the first commemorative stamp. Lincoln's portrait has since appeared on numerous US postage stamps.

Some notable issues include the Lincoln Issues of 1890, 1903, and 1938. These stamps feature Lincoln's image and are a testament to his enduring legacy.

Lincoln is honored on more US Postage stamps than any other famous American, except for George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. His image has been featured on over a dozen US postage stamps.

Here are some specific Lincoln Issues:

The Bureau Issues of the US Post Office are a fascinating topic. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing was responsible for designing and printing the 1902-03 definitive stamps, which marked a departure from traditional designs.

These stamps featured ornate sculptural frame work and allegorical figures, giving them a Baroque revival style reminiscent of the Pan-American commemoratives issued in 1901. The stamps included images of famous Americans, with each denomination having its own unique design.

In 1940, the U.S. Post Office issued a set of 35 stamps, known as the Famous Americans Series, which commemorated America's famous authors, poets, educators, scientists, composers, artists, and inventors. The stamps were printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.

The series included notable figures such as Booker T. Washington, who became the first African-American to be honored on a U.S. stamp. The stamps were larger in size than normal definitive issues and featured a unique red-violet color on the 3¢ stamps.

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing also contracted with a private firm, the American Bank Note Company, to produce the series of stamps featuring the national flags of various European countries, which were released from 1943 to 1944. The stamps were priced at 5 cents, although the standard cost for a first-class stamp was 3 cents.

The U.S. Post Office has issued a wide range of commemorative stamps over the years, each with its own unique story and significance. One notable example is the "Two Cent Reds" series, which was introduced in 1926 to commemorate the 150th anniversaries of Battles and Events from the American Revolution.

The first stamp in this series, the Liberty Bell 150th Anniversary Issue, was designed by Clair Aubrey Huston and engraved by J.Eissler & E.M.Hall. This was among the last stamps to carry a letter for 2 cents, as the rate changed to 3 cents on July 6, 1932.

Lincoln's portrait has appeared on a variety of U.S. postage stamps, with over a dozen issues featuring his image. This is more than any other famous American, aside from George Washington and Benjamin Franklin.

The Presidential Issue of 1938, also known as "Prexies", was a famous series of stamps that featured all 29 U.S. presidents through Calvin Coolidge.

Each president appeared in profile as a small sculptural bust, with values of 50¢ and lower being mono-colored.

On the $1, $2, and $5 stamps, the presidents' images were printed in black on white, surrounded by colored lettering and ornamentation.

The denomination assigned to each president corresponded to his position in the presidential roster, with the first president, Washington, on the 1¢ value and the seventeenth, Andrew Johnson, on the 17¢ value.

Many of the values were included merely to place the presidents in proper numerical order and did not necessarily correspond to a postal rate.

Additional stamps depicted Franklin (½¢), Martha Washington (1½¢), and the White House (4½¢).

The Presidential issue remained in distribution for many years, not until 1954 when the Post Office began replacing its values with the stamps of a new definitive issue, the Liberty series.

The Postal Service has a set of rules for issuing new stamps, which include commemorating events of historical significance only on anniversaries in multiples of 50 years.

These rules have undergone changes over the years. In 2011, the Postal Service announced that it would start issuing stamps with images of celebrated living persons, chosen by the Committee in response to public suggestions.

The first set of these new stamps was issued on June 14, 2008, in Washington, DC, and featured 10 designs in the 42-cent Flags of Our Nation stamps.

Forever Stamps have seen a significant price increase since their introduction in 2007, when they cost 41 cents. The price hike is a whopping 90.24% over 18 years, with the stamp now sold for 78 cents.

The Forever Stamp was designed to make the transition from one stamp cost to the next smoother, but it's clear that prices have still gone up. This is a notable example of how postage costs can change over time.

The priority mail flat rate has also undergone a change, decreasing by about 1.7% starting in January.

Mailing costs have increased significantly over time. The Forever Stamp, introduced in 2007, initially cost 41 cents. It's now set to increase to 78 cents, a whopping 90.24% rise in just 18 years.

The increase in Forever Stamp costs is staggering, making it a great example of how prices can change over time. The priority mail flat rate has also seen a decrease of about 1.7% starting from January.

If you're someone who sends a lot of mail, you might be feeling the pinch of these price hikes. The Forever Stamp's price increase is the most notable example of how mailing costs have changed over time.

Domestic prices have fluctuated over the years, and it's essential to understand the current rates to make informed decisions.

The prices for Priority Mail Express services range from $31.40 at the Post Office to $27.20 for Commercial Pricing.

You can save a few dollars by opting for Commercial Pricing, which is available for services like Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail.

Here's a breakdown of some domestic prices:

These prices can vary depending on the service and your location, so it's always a good idea to check the USPS website for the most up-to-date information.

If you're planning to send a large package, you may want to consider using a service like Priority Mail or USPS Ground Advantage, which can be more cost-effective than using a service like Priority Mail Express.

The prices for First-Class Mail and USPS Ground Advantage are relatively low, making them a great option for sending small packages or letters.

International prices for shipping services have undergone significant changes over the years. The current prices for Priority Mail Express International range from $61.60 at the Post Office to $57.32 for Commercial Base and Commercial Plus.

The prices for Priority Mail Express International Flat Rate Envelopes are $59.50 at the Post Office and $56.10 for Commercial Base and Commercial Plus.

In contrast, Priority Mail International is more affordable, with prices starting at $42.95 at the Post Office. This service offers a range of options, including Small, Medium, and Large Flat Rate Boxes, priced from $30.90 to $75.15 at the Post Office.

First-Class Mail International is another option, with prices starting at just $1.65 for letters and postcards to all countries. Large Envelopes (flats) cost $3.15 for all countries.

Here's a breakdown of the prices for some of these services:

First-Class Package International Service is priced from $17.85 at the Post Office to $17.27 for Commercial Base and Commercial Plus.

Mail Requirements can be a bit tricky, but don't worry, I've got you covered. First-Class Mail letters have a maximum weight of 3.5 oz.

If you're sending a larger envelope, the maximum weight is 13 oz. To avoid any additional charges, make sure your mailpieces are rectangular in shape.

If you're sending a postcard or envelope that's not rectangular, you might be charged extra. Additional size restrictions apply depending on the type of mailpiece you're sending.

Here's a quick rundown of the maximum weights for different types of mailpieces:

When sending mail, it's essential to consider the type of files you're attaching. Most mail services allow you to attach files up to 25MB in size.

Some common types of downloadable files include documents, images, and videos. You can attach these to your email as needed.

Attachments can be sent as zipped files, which can be useful for large files or multiple files. This helps keep the email size manageable.

Make sure to check the file format and compression type to ensure it's compatible with the recipient's email service.

When sending mail, it's essential to consider the weight, size, and shape requirements to avoid any additional charges.

The maximum weight for First-Class Mail letters is 3.5 oz, while large First-Class Mail envelopes can weigh up to 13 oz.

To ensure your mailpiece is eligible for standard postage rates, it must be rectangular in shape. If your mailpiece is square, oversized, or unusually shaped, be prepared for an additional charge.

A rectangular shape is not the only requirement for standard postage rates. Depending on the type of mailpiece you're sending, additional size restrictions may apply.

Here's a quick reference guide to help you understand the size and shape requirements:

If your mailpiece exceeds these size and weight requirements, it may be charged package prices and shipped with USPS Ground Advantage.

Nonmachinable Envelopes are a bit tricky to deal with. They're usually shaped irregularly, like square or vertical envelopes, which makes them hard to process through machines.

Letters with clasps, string, or buttons attached also fall into this category. These types of mailpieces must be hand-canceled.

Lumpy or rigid envelopes are also nonmachinable. Even if they weigh less than 1 oz, they'll still incur a nonmachinable surcharge.

You'll know if you have a nonmachinable envelope because it's been hand-canceled. This is a clear indication that it doesn't meet the standard machine-processed envelope requirements.

For businesses, USPS offers discounted rates for speed, affordability, security, and customer service. This can help you provide better services to your customers.

USPS also offers data-driven shipping options, making it easier to target and track your mail. First-Class Mail is particularly useful, as it's targetable, trackable, and measurable. With address correction and forwarding services, you can reach a greater percentage of your target audience.

Here are some international shipping prices to consider:

As a business owner, you can also take advantage of commercial pricing and automation discounts for bulk mailings. With a minimum quantity of 500 mailpieces, you can get discounted rates for First-Class Mail.

Initially, only 555 special delivery offices existed, but the service was soon extended to all U.S. Post Offices the following year.

The Special Delivery stamp was redesigned several times, with the addition of a bicycle in 1902, a motorcycle in 1922, and a truck in 1925.

The service was continued until 1997, when it was largely replaced by Priority Mail delivery, introduced in 1989.

If you're sending large mailpieces, be aware that they'll be charged large envelope (flat) prices if they exceed the standard envelope maximum length, height, or thickness.

Letters that are too big will be treated as packages, not letters. This is a key distinction to keep in mind when planning your mailings.

Large envelopes (flats) that are rigid, non-rectangular, or not uniformly thick will be charged package prices and shipped with USPS Ground Advantage.

Use the USPS Price Calculator tool to get an accurate estimate of your postage costs. You'll need to know your mailpiece's weight, shape, and size measurements to use it effectively.

As a business owner, you're likely looking for ways to streamline your shipping process and save money. USPS understands what's most important to you: speed, affordability, security, and customer service. They offer discounted rates for businesses, which can be a huge cost-saver.

USPS provides a range of services, including Priority Mail, First-Class Mail, and USPS Ground Advantage, all of which offer commercial pricing options. For example, Priority Mail Express starts at $27.20 for commercial pricing, while First-Class Mail starts at $0.545 for commercial pricing.

One of the biggest benefits of using USPS for business is the ability to automate your shipping process. With automation discounts, you can save even more on your shipping costs. For example, First-Class Mail commercial pricing is available for presorted letters and flats with a minimum quantity of 500 mailpieces.

Here are some of the commercial pricing options available for USPS services:

USPS also offers a range of data-driven shipping options, including address correction and forwarding services. This can help you reach a greater percentage of your target audience and improve the overall effectiveness of your marketing efforts.