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The term “Forever” refers to the stamp’s ability to cover the full price of mailing a one-ounce letter indefinitely. Introduced in 2007, Forever stamps eliminate the inconvenience faced with traditional stamps, which had a set value. For example, if you bought a stamp for 37 cents and didn’t use it for a few years, the cost of mailing might increase to 39 cents. You’d then need additional one-cent stamps to make up the difference or buy a new 39-cent stamp. Forever stamps avoid this hassle, ensuring that a single purchase will always cover the cost of mailing.
Regardless of whether you have a Forever stamp or a traditional denominated stamp (which still exists with a set monetary value), stamps never expire. They will always cover at least part of the mailing cost for your letter or package. The only concern is damaged stamps—anything more than a minor tear makes a stamp invalid.
Another point to note is that stamps from before 1860 cannot be used. These stamps, likely held by collectors, became invalid during the Civil War. In 1861, Abraham Lincoln’s postmaster general, Montgomery Blair, invalidated all U.S. stamps to devalue Southern state assets and disrupt their communications. The North issued new stamps, beginning the current system of accepted postage. Unless a similar policy is enacted, your modern stamps remain valid indefinitely.