It seems like every time we look, postage goes up and we need more stamps to pay for the same services. One great example of this happening is with USPS’ 70 cent stamps.
Released around 2014, these stamps were designed to cover either 2-ounce First-Class postage or the non-machinable surcharge. So, you may wonder- do 70 cent stamps still exist? If you’d like to find out, keep reading!
Does USPS Sell 70 Cent Stamps In 2024?
USPS does not sell 70 cent stamps in post offices or online in 2024. Seventy cent stamps were sold sometime around 2014 when the 2-ounce postage rate was equal to 70 cents. These stamps came in two varieties: the wedding collection, featuring cakes and flowers, and the non-machinable collection, featuring butterflies.
To find out more about what happened to 70 cent stamps and to see if you can still use them, keep reading for more useful facts!
Is There a 70 Cent Stamp?
Currently, USPS does not offer a 70 cent stamp.
However, there was a time when the Postal Service offered two kinds of 70 cent stamps.
One kind was the wedding collection. These stamps often featured flowers or wedding cakes and were marketed to couples sending out heavier wedding invitations.
When they were released, they covered 2-ounce postage (which was then priced at 70 cents).
Some of these stamps have “70 cents” written on them, while others say “Two Ounces.”
Be advised that stamps labeled with “70 cents” will require additional postage.
Also, those with “Two Ounces” will cover postage up to 2 ounces at any time, regardless of how postage prices will change in the future.
In addition to the 70-cent wedding collection stamps, USPS also offered a 70-cent version of the non-machinable stamp.
These stamps featured a butterfly and were released in 2014.
You can still find both the wedding stamps and the butterfly stamps on third-party retailer sites like:
- Etsy
- Amazon
- Mystic Stamp
If purchasing from one of these sites, you may end up paying more than face value. As they are in high demand and are no longer made, sellers have raised prices.
Can I Still Use 70 Cent Stamps?
If you still have 70 cent stamps laying around, feel free to use them. However, there are some things to know.
First of all, their value is still 70 cents.
This means they can be used for mailing heavier letters. Just be advised that you’ll need to attach additional postage to make sure your letters will be delivered.
For example, at the current rates, a 2-ounce letter costs $0.78 to mail. Therefore, you’ll need to add some cent stamps to your 70 cent stamp in order to cover postage.
Is a Forever Stamp Worth 70 Cents?
Currently, USPS does not sell any Forever Stamps that are worth 70 cents. What’s more, given the current postal rates, it’s unlikely that your postage will add up to 70 cents.
At the time of this writing, a regular Forever stamp (i.e. one used for mailing standard-sized letters 1 ounce or less) costs $0.58.
If a letter weighs more than 1 ounce, but less than 2 ounces, an additional ounce stamp is needed.
Additional ounce stamps are sold for $0.20, bringing the total cost of mailing a 2-ounce letter to $0.78.
For even heavier letters, USPS sells 3-ounce stamps for $0.98.
How Many Stamps Is 70 Cents Postage?
Given the current postal rates, it’s unlikely that your postage will add up to 70 cents. Still, if it does, here are some different stamp combinations you could use:
- 1 Forever stamp, 1 $0.10 stamp, and 1 $0.02 stamp
- 1 Forever stamp, 2 $0.05 stamps, and 1 $0.02 stamp
- 1 Forever stamp and 1 additional ounce stamp (overpaying by $0.08)
To learn more, you can also see our posts on how many stamps per pound, USPS stamp types, and do USPS stamps expire.
Conclusion
USPS 70 cent stamps often featured wedding-related items or butterflies and were used for 2-ounce or non-machinable letters. They were sold sometime around 2014, but are no longer produced or sold.
Stamps in this denomination wouldn’t cover current postage rates and therefore are unlikely to ever be made again. Still, if you have some laying around, feel free to use them. Just be sure to add extra postage.