If you are wondering how much is a book of stamps in 2023, you are not alone. Many people use stamps to send letters, cards, bills, and other mail items. Stamps are also a popular hobby for collectors and enthusiasts. But how much do stamps cost and where can you buy them? In this article, we will answer these questions and more. We will also explain the different types of stamps, the factors that affect their prices, and the history of the United States Postal Service (USPS).
Understanding Stamps and the USPS
Before we dive into the cost of a book of stamps, let’s first understand what stamps are and how they work.
What are stamps used for?
Stamps are adhesive labels that show the amount of postage paid for a mail item. They are used to indicate that the sender has paid the required fee to send the item through the postal system. Stamps also serve as a proof of delivery and a security measure to prevent fraud and theft.
What is the United States Postal Service (USPS)?
The USPS is an independent agency of the federal government that provides postal service in the U.S. and its territories. It is one of the few government agencies explicitly authorized by the Constitution. The USPS delivers more than 150 billion pieces of mail annually to over 160 million addresses. It also offers various services such as express mail, priority mail, certified mail, registered mail, money orders, and passports.
When did the USPS start using Forever Stamps?
The USPS introduced Forever Stamps in 2007 as a way to simplify postage rates and help customers save money. Forever Stamps are non-denominated stamps that can be used to mail a one-ounce letter at any time in the future, regardless of price changes. They are sold at the current first-class postage rate and do not expire or lose value.
The Cost of a Book of Stamps
Now that we have some background information on stamps and the USPS, let’s get to the main question: how much is a book of stamps in 2023?
How much is a book of stamps in 2023?
A book of stamps is a booklet that contains 20 stamps of the same denomination. The most common type of book of stamps is the one that contains Forever Stamps. In 2023, a book of Forever Stamps costs $12.60, which means each stamp costs $0.63. This is a three-cent increase from the previous year, when a book of Forever Stamps cost $12.00 ($0.60 per stamp).
How much have Forever stamps increased?
Forever Stamps have increased in price every year since they were introduced in 2007, except for 2016, when they decreased by two cents. The table below shows the historical prices of Forever Stamps from 2007 to 2023.
| Year | Price per stamp | Price per book |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | $0.41 | $8.20 |
| 2008 | $0.42 | $8.40 |
| 2009 | $0.44 | $8.80 |
| 2010 | $0.44 | $8.80 |
| 2011 | $0.44 | $8.80 |
| 2012 | $0.45 | $9.00 |
| 2013 | $0.46 | $9.20 |
| 2014 | $0.49 | $9.80 |
| 2015 | $0.49 | $9.80 |
| 2016 | $0.47 | $9.40 |
| 2017 | $0.49 | $9.80 |
| 2018 | $0.50 | $10.00 |
| 2019 | $0.55 | $11.00 |
| 2020 | $0.55 | $11.00 |
| 2021 | $0.58 | $11.60 |
| 2022 | $0.60 | $12.00 |
| 2023 | $0.63 | $12.60 |
How is the cost of a stamp book calculated?
The cost of a stamp book is calculated by multiplying the number of stamps in the book by the price per stamp. For example, if you want to buy a book of Forever Stamps in 2023, you would multiply 20 by $0.63, which equals $12.60.
Where to Purchase a Book of Stamps
If you need to buy a book of stamps, you have several options to choose from.
Where can I buy a book of stamps?
The most obvious place to buy a book of stamps is the post office. You can visit any USPS location and purchase a book of stamps at the counter or from a vending machine. You can also buy a book of stamps online from the USPS website or from other authorized retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, Costco, and Walgreens. You can also buy a book of stamps from some banks, grocery stores, gas stations, and office supply stores. However, these places may charge a small fee or markup for the convenience.
Factors Impacting the Cost of Stamps
The cost of stamps is not fixed and can change over time. There are several factors that influence the price of stamps, such as:
Postage rate increases
The USPS has the authority to adjust the postage rates every year based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures the inflation rate. The USPS also has to follow certain rules and regulations set by the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC), which oversees the postal service and approves or rejects its proposed rate changes. The USPS usually announces its rate changes in October and implements them in January.
Different types of stamps
Not all stamps are created equal. There are different types of stamps that have different prices and purposes. For example, there are:
- First-class stamps: These are the most common type of stamps that are used to mail letters, postcards, and flats (large envelopes). They are also known as Forever Stamps because they can be used anytime in the future regardless of price changes.
- Priority mail stamps: These are stamps that are used to mail packages and envelopes that weigh up to 70 pounds and measure up to 108 inches in combined length and girth. They offer faster delivery (1 to 3 days) and tracking services.
- Express mail stamps: These are stamps that are used to mail packages and envelopes that weigh up to 70 pounds and measure up to 108 inches in combined length and girth. They offer the fastest delivery (overnight or next day) and tracking services.
- International stamps: These are stamps that are used to mail letters, postcards, flats, and packages to other countries. They have different prices depending on the destination, weight, and size of the mail item.
- Special stamps: These are stamps that have special features or designs, such as commemorative stamps, holiday stamps, semipostal stamps, etc. They usually have the same price as first-class stamps, but they may have additional value for collectors or enthusiasts.
Other factors to consider
Besides the postage rate increases and the different types of stamps, there are other factors that may affect the cost of stamps, such as:
- The size and shape of the mail item: Larger or irregular-shaped mail items may require additional postage or surcharges.
- The weight of the mail item: Heavier mail items may require additional postage or surcharges.
- The destination of the mail item: Domestic mail items may have different prices depending on the zone or distance they travel. International mail items may have different prices depending on the country they are sent to.
- The service level of the mail item: Different mail classes may have different prices depending on the speed, security, and tracking options they offer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a book of stamps is a convenient way to buy and use stamps for your mailing needs. In 2023, a book of Forever Stamps costs $12.60 ($0.63 per stamp), which is a three-cent increase from 2022. You can buy a book of stamps from various places such as post offices, online retailers, or other authorized sellers. However, you should also be aware of the factors that impact the cost of stamps, such as postage rate increases, different types of stamps, and other considerations. By knowing how much is a book of stamps in 2023 and where to buy them, you can save money and time when sending your mail items.
