If you buy a USPS forever stamp to post a letter and notice a line intersecting the word ‘Forever’ on the postage, you might wonder about its validity and need to know why it is crossed out.
USPS crosses the word ‘Forever’ printed on forever stamp pictures uploaded on their website to halt digital thieves from downloading, printing, and selling fake postages, ultimately preventing counterfeiting.
When you buy a USPS forever stamp in real from the post office or authorized postage sellers, you will notice that the word ‘Forever’ has no line intersecting through it.
To help you understand better, we will discuss in detail why ‘Forever’ is crossed out on USPS stamps, what it represents, and how to save yourself from buying fake postage.
What Is a Forever Stamp?
A forever stamp is a type of postage issued by the United States Postal Service (USPS) for an enduring period, regardless of future price fluctuations.
Because of this benefit, even if postage costs rise in the future, your USPS forever stamp will always be valid for shipping a regular 1 oz letter for no additional charge.
Forever stamps are particularly beneficial for people who buy postage in bulk or don’t often mail.
So whenever they post, they no longer need additional stamps of lower denominations to add to their envelopes, even if the shipping cost has risen.
USPS first introduced the forever stamps in 2007 as a solution to the frequent postage rate increases between 1980 and 2010.
Before its launch, senders often had to purchase additional one or two-cent stamps to pay for the increased postage rate, which was inconvenient and considered tacky by many.
In addition to domestic ones, USPS also offers international forever stamps for convenient overseas mailing.
These postages have a never-ending utilization period for international delivery, which means that they can be used to mail letters abroad at any time, regardless of changes in shipping rates.
Individuals and businesses that frequently mail overseas use USPS “Global Forever Stamps” for specific purposes, such as sending additional weight, non-machinable envelopes, and postcards.
Why Is Forever Crossed Out on USPS Stamps?
The word ‘Forever’ crossed out on USPS forever stamps can be confusing and may make you wonder whether the courier company has eliminated the everlasting validity from their postages.
Simply, the answer to this ambiguity is ‘NO.’
According to USPS, stamps shown at their postal stores and online postage catalog are for display purposes only.
So the company crosses the word ‘Forever’ to ensure digital thieves cannot use these pictures as a stamp through artificial reproductive means. This way, the courier company tries to prevent counterfeiting.
The stamps you purchase from the post office or authorized sellers will not have a strikethrough the word ‘Forever’ and are honored as postage on all items mailed within the United States.
If you purchase a USPS forever stamp with a strikethrough on the word ‘Forever,’ it is not original postage but a fake copy printed after downloading the illustration online.
How To Save Yourself From Buying Fake USPS Forever Stamps
Here are a few tips to remember if you want to avoid purchasing fake USPS forever stamps:
1. Buy Directly From USPS or an Authorized Seller
When purchasing USPS forever stamps, buying directly from the company’s post office or an authorized seller is best. This way, you can ensure you get a genuine product, not counterfeit postage.
Avoid buying USPS forever stamps from online marketplaces, like eBay or Amazon, because these third-party sellers usually have old, high-priced, or even ‘Forever Crossed’ postages.
2. Be Wary of Suspiciously Low Prices
Be wary of suspiciously if the price for USPS forever stamps seems too good to be true. It probably is counterfeit postage because they are often sold at a discounted price.
3. Check for the Absence of Strikethroughs
Genuine USPS forever stamps do not have a strikethrough on the word ‘Forever.’ If you come across postage with such an issue, it is likely a fake, and do not buy it.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we discussed why the word ‘Forever’ is crossed out on USPS stamps while viewing the online or local post office postage catalog, the significance of forever stamps, and tips on avoiding purchasing counterfeit ones.
Hopefully, you now understand that there is no real strikethrough on the word ‘Forever’ on the USPS stamps.
Therefore, if you come across postage with a strikethrough, be confident that it is not genuine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do USPS Forever Stamps Expire?
No, USPS forever stamps do not expire. The ‘Forever’ word indicates that the postages are valid for endless time on the current shipping rate, regardless of the future price increase.
How Do I Know if My Stamps Are USPS Forever Stamps?
To identify if your stamps are ” USPS Forever Stamps,” look for the word ‘Forever’ printed on them.
You may typically find this term in the corner of the stamp in a different color or font than the other text to make it easy to identify.
How Many USPS Forever Stamps Do I Need for an International Letter?
If your letter is one ounce or below, you need one USPS “Global Forever Stamp” or three regular forever stamps.
What Size Letter Does a Forever USPS Stamp Cover?
To satisfy the criteria for using a single USPS forever stamp, use an envelope with a minimum height of 3.5 inches and a minimum length of 5 inches while having at least a thickness of 0.007 inches.
How Much Is a Forever USPS Postcard Stamp?
The price of a USPS forever postcard stamp is $0.40 (40 cents) per the rate list of 2022.
