Stamp prices found in older articles may have been correct on their publication date but are not the current rate.
Recent price timeline
| Effective date | One-ounce stamped letter |
|---|---|
| July 12, 2026 | 82¢ |
| July 13, 2025 | 78¢ |
| July 14, 2024 | 73¢ |
Forever value versus purchase price
An unused Forever Stamp follows the current one-ounce letter rate when used. A fixed-denomination stamp keeps the value printed on it and can be combined with other valid stamps.
How to use old price pages
Check the effective date and category before relying on a number. Postcard, extra-ounce, international, and service-specific prices do not always change by the same amount.
Frequently asked questions
What was a stamp in 2025?
The one-ounce stamped-letter rate was 78¢ beginning July 13, 2025.
What is it in 2026?
82¢ beginning July 12, 2026.
Do old Forever Stamps need extra postage?
Not for a qualifying one-ounce letter; unused Forever Stamps track the current base rate.
Sources and update note
- USPS Notice 123 — current price list
- USPS DMM 101 — physical standards
- USPS DMM 604 — postage payment methods
Rates and mailing standards can change. This page was reviewed in August 2026; verify the completed mailpiece when its weight, dimensions, shape, destination, or services are uncertain.
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