Purple Hearts are a type of American military medal given to soldiers who were wounded or killed while serving in the US military. It’s the oldest military award still in use and was the first award given to common soldiers.
A medal this prestigious deserves to be honored in a big way. That’s just what the Postal Service did when it released the first Purple Heart Medal stamp in 2003. If you’re curious to find out more about these stamps, check out the rest of my research!
Purple Heart Forever Stamps In 2024
USPS Purple Heart Forever stamps honor US soldiers who received the Purple Heart medal for their bravery as of 2024. This stamp was released in 2003 as a denominational stamp and stayed that way until 2012, when USPS released the first Purple Heart Forever Stamps. In 2019, USPS updated the stamps by adding a purple border to the design.
If you want to know more about what these stamps look like and how they work, then be sure to check out the rest of my article!
What Is The Forever Purple Heart Stamp For?
USPS created the Purple Heart Forever stamp to honor US soldiers who received the Purple Heart medal.
Originally, George Washington established this medal during the Revolutionary War as a badge of distinction for meritorious action.
However, it was discontinued after the war but later revived in 1932 on the 200th anniversary of Washington’s birth.
Nowadays, it’s awarded by the President to members of the US military who were wounded or killed in action.
According to the Military Order of the Purple Heart, an organization for combat-wounded veterans, the medal is the oldest military decoration still in use today.
In addition, it was the first award given to “common soldiers.”
Thus, USPS’ Purple Heart stamp pays homage and respect to those who bravely sacrificed themselves for their country.
What Do Purple Heart Forever Stamps Look Like?
USPS’ most recent Purple Heart Forever Stamp design was released in 2019. That said, the stamp depicts a purple heart bordered by gold and suspended from a purple and white ribbon.
Also, a profile bust of George Washington figures at the center of the medal posed beneath his family coat of arms.
Further, this version of the stamp features a purple border matching the purple of the medal and the ribbon.
Before the 2019 Purple Heart stamp, USPS was selling the 2012 version of the stamp. While quite similar to the current version, the 2012 stamp did not have a border.
Are Purple Heart Stamps Still Good?
Like all USPS postage stamps, the Purple Heart version never expires.
With that, as long as your stamp is still adhesive and in good condition (i.e., no rips or tears), then feel free to use it when mailing.
Also, it’s worth noting that Purple Heart Forever stamps issued in 2012 or later will cover the cost of postage, regardless of the current rate or how much you bought them for.
As Forever stamps, they’ll always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail one-ounce rate.
Moreover, if you have an older version of the Purple Heart stamp (i.e., one with a dollar value), you can still use it, but you will have to add additional postage to cover the price difference.
How Much Is A Purple Heart Stamp Worth?
Most of the Purple Heart stamps floating around these days are likely to be the 2019 Forever Stamp version.
With that, Purple Heart stamps first became Forever stamps in 2012.
However, these stamps have the word “Forever” written on them and thus are worth the current First-Class Mail one-ounce rate.
Besides the two versions of the Forever stamp, USPS made several Purple Heart stamps with different monetary values.
Regarding its worth, USPS’ first Purple Heart stamp was released in 2003 and was worth $0.37. In 2006, USPS released a $0.39 version of the Purple Heart stamp.
Two years later, USPS used two versions of the stamp valued at $0.42, one with water-activated adhesive and one self-adhesive.
Finally, in 2009, USPS released the last denominational stamp, worth $0.44.
Further, if your Purple Heart stamp has a dollar value written on it, that’s how much the stamp is worth.
If you plan on using it to mail something, you’ll need to add additional postage to match the current First-Class Mail rates.
Where Can I Buy Purple Heart Forever Stamps?
Customers wishing to purchase Purple Heart Forever stamps can find them in a variety of locations.
Further, not only are these stamps available for purchase at your local Post Office and on the USPS website, but you can also purchase them over the phone by calling 800-STAMP-24.
To know more, you can also see our related articles on 14 USPS stamp types, if USPS stamps expire, and USPS military shipping.
Conclusion
If you have a friend or family member in the military or just want to support the troops, purchasing a pack of USPS’ Purple Heart Forever stamps is a great way to do so.
Not only are these stamps beautiful, but as Forever stamps, they’ll maintain their value forever.
