The Cost of First Class U.S. Stamps

[Paladin1950]

Ever since they introduced the Forever Stamps, I have forgotten about the cost of a single stamp. Imagine my surprise when I found out today at the post office that current price for a first class stamp is 60¢. Last time I knew, it was about 47¢. I found out that they raised the price in July, and January 2023, they will raise it again. This time it will be a 3¢ increase. The new price will be 63¢ for a first class stamp. When I was a child in the 1950's, it was 3¢, and when I was a teenager, it was 5¢ and 6¢.

When you look at the history of the price of stamps, they actually lowered the price for awhile.

https://www.johnstonsarchive.net/other/postage.html

 

[Alligatorob]

Thanks @Paladin1950 interesting post and link.

Even at 63 cents its still less than Pony Express rates...

 

[Pepper]

I recently purchased these cute stamps. It was a choice between this

and this

I like elephants better.

 

[hollydolly]

first class stamp.... 95p...

second class stamp... 68p

 

[Pepper]

I rarely use stamps any more so they last me a long time. I'm always sure to put 2 stamps on a large greeting card. Would hate to have that returned.

 

[chic]

I remember when stamps were a nickel. I'll bet you do too.

 

[NorthernLight]

Postage is very expensive in Canada.

I wanted to see the Pony Express Museum when I drove through St. Joseph, Missouri. I couldn't find it, although I drove past the building several times. Yes, there is a sign, but it's not very visible when you're driving. I thought it was an old school.

 

[Pepper]

Does anyone still use postcards?

 

[JimBob1952]

Interesting that the price of stamps goes up as the use of stamps goes down. Well, it probably costs a lot of money to send a telegram these days, too.

 

[JimBob1952]

Does anyone still use postcards?

I don't use postcards. Once in a while I send a handwritten note to express thanks, congratulations, condolences, etc. Seems to have more impact than an email.

 

[NorthernLight]

Does anyone still use postcards?

Up until 5 years ago, I used postcards to market my editing business.

 

[hollydolly]

I remember when stamps were a nickel. I'll bet you do too.

when I started work in 1970... stamps were the equivalent of 2 pence

 

[JaniceM]

I remember when stamps were a nickel. I'll bet you do too.

I remember the 4-cent stamps with Abraham Lincoln on them. I frequently wrote letters to one of my Aunts when I was a little kid.

 

[Geezer Garage]

The math of volume of production vs cost kicks in here.

Interesting that the price of stamps goes up as the use of stamps goes down. Well, it probably costs a lot of money to send a telegram these days, too.

 

[JimBob1952]

when I started work in 1970... stamps were the equivalent of 2 pence

Wow. That's almost a 50x increase, or about 5-6 times the rate of inflation. No wonder governments get a reputation for being inefficient!

 

[Remy]

You are right, I didn't think of it either. Though the forever stamp was a great idea. I kept 4 of the bat stamps (from 15+ years ago) and put them in a little frame. Cute, cute, cute.

 

[fuzzybuddy]

I remember when stamps were a nickel. I'll bet you do too.

It makes me feel like I'm 200 years old, but I remember 3 cents stamps as a kid. I have to say that considering what you get, US postage is still rather cheap.

 

[hollydolly]

Wow. That's almost a 50x increase, or about 5-6 times the rate of inflation. No wonder governments get a reputation for being inefficient!

Exactly !!

 

[chic]

It makes me feel like I'm 200 years old, but I remember 3 cents stamps as a kid. I have to say that considering what you get, US postage is still rather cheap.

But if they were to privatize, we'd be paying in dollars not cents.

 

[Lewkat]

I remember when stamps were a nickel. I'll bet you do too.

I remember when they were 3 cents. That was a very long time ago.