Do stamps expire?

[bizerta]

I have a roll of $0.33 stamps. I also found a bunch of old stamps marked "G rate makeup stamp". I don't know when the "G" stamp was introduced, but the G-rate-makeup-stamp was used as the incremental value during a former postal increase. At the time the G-rate-makeup-stamp had to be worth one or two cents.

If you don't know, first class postage went up by one cent today. So: can I use a $0.33 stamp AND the G-rate-makeup-stamp as first class postage?

[Duck Duck Goose]

According to this--

http://www.ci.imperial-beach.ca.us/USPS-stamp-values.htm

--the G-rated makeup stamp with the dove is worth 3 cents. So yes, you can go ahead and use it with the 33 cent stamps--the Post Office doesn't mind if you overpay. :D

[jrishaw]

The G Rate Makeup Stamp.. is a 3 cent stamp.

Stamps are legal tender, just like money. Money doesn't expire.

[Bartholomule]

I tried that, but the post office wouldn't let me get away with it. Apparently the non-denominated stamps labeled 'A' through 'H' were only good for the changeover period in which they were issued.

[SmackFu]

Is that why they're labelled with letters instead of their actual value? The USPS makes 1 cent stamps all the time, you'd think they'd just give them to people when they do a switchover.

[samclem]

Barth They're wrong. You're right. Use any combo to make 34 cents and mail away.

[Bartholomule]

D'oh! Evidently I've been duped by a know-nothing postman...and I threw all my 'H' stamps away after that incident. Aaargh.

[Danielinthewolvesden]

Well, the postman was PARTLY right. Those "letter" stamps, which are sometimes good for a 1st class letter, are only good for a 1st class letter during that time- after that they default to their actual paid-for value. In other words, if you bought some "D" (or whatever) stamps that cost 17 cents for 1st class mail- they would be good for 1st class mail- only as long as 1st class mail is 17 cents. Afterwards, they are just 17 cents. Some folks thought they could stock up on those "letter" stamps & get 1st class postage forever from them. Not so. He might have misunderstood your query, as the above question is asked & tried over & over.

The idea with the "letter" stamps is- they ask for a 3 cent increase- but they might only get a 1 or 2 cent. So they make up the "letter" values in advance- and then put whatever value they need to it.