US Nondenominated Stamps - Foreign Usages

   
Census (click here)

Stampsjoann (click here)

Beginning in 1975 the United States Postal Service (USPS) issued stamps without denominations for use when postal rates were changed and the exact amount of the upcoming rate was not determined prior to the time necessary to print stamps for the new rate. 

The first such First Class stamps were the Christmas stamps of 1975 followed in succeeding rate periods by stamps designated as A, B, C, D, E, F, G and, in 1998, the H stamps.  Interspersed were several other stamps without denominations such as some Christmas stamps and a Love stamp.


One of the "common knowledge" beliefs held by many collectors of modern US postal history is that these First Class  nondenominated stamps were not valid for usage on mail to non-US destinations.  Some nondenominated stamps had inscriptions such as ""Domestic Mail" and "For U.S. Addresses Only"

In reference to the usage of nondenominated stamps to foreign destinations, Tony Wawrukiewicz states on page 7 of  his book, U.S. International Postal Rates, 1872-1996, "This non-denominated 15¢ 'A' stamp was noted to be 'intended for domestic use only and was not to be used for international mail' (PB 21146 (May 19, 1978)). However, soon after the 'A' stamp was released, a notice appeared in PB21148 (Jun. 15, 1978) indicating that if a fully prepaid international mail item bearing non-denominated postage inadvertantly entered the US postal system, it was not to be returned to the sender, but instead sent on to the international exchange office for dispatch to its destination. The same sequence of events eventually occurred with the release of each non-denominated issue." (PB = Postal Bulletin)

While I have not researched the Postal Bulletins to find other pertinent references, most examples of nondenominated stamps used to foreign destinations seem to have been accepted as proper postage. I have found very few examples of nondenominated stamps not accepted on mail sent to foreign countries.

The earliest not accepted in my collection is dated May 4, 1981. An 18¢ B stamp, issued on March 15, 1981, was affixed. Even if the stamp was accepted, the airmail letter was short paid 22¢ as the airmail rate to England was 40¢.

(Click image for 300 dpi scan)

 


A 22¢ D stamp on mail to Canada was returned stamped "THIS STAMP NOT TO BE USED FOR FOREIGN MAIL"  The first class letter rate to Canada was the same as the US domestic rate of 22¢.

(Click image for 300 dpi scan)

The D stamp was issued on February 1, 1985; the postmark on the back of the cover is March 20, 1985.



 
 

This May 1985 cover to England originally was posted with a D stamp but was returned to the sender with a yellow preprinted label indicating "RETURN FOR POSTAGE  'D' SERIES STAMP INVALID FOR INTERNATIONAL MAIL"  Even if the D stamp was accepted, the airmail letter was 22¢ short paid as the airmail rate to England was 44¢.

(Click image foe 300 dpi scan)

A 600 dpi scan of the cover shows the D stamp covered by the 44¢ meter.


I welcome additional information about these nondenominated stamps and their usage to non-US destinations.

 
Census (click here)

Stampsjoann (click here)