The Full Story Behind USPS 70 Cent Stamps

If you have letters sitting around affixed with 70 cent stamps, you may be wondering if these odd denomination stamps still apply in 2024.

I‘ll explain everything you need to know about why the US Postal Service (USPS) issued these stamps, their current validity, and collector value.

Origins: Why USPS First Issued 70 Cent Stamps

It all started back in January 2014, when the 70 cent stamps entered circulation.

They served two distinct purposes based on the postage rates at the time:

1. Paying 2 Ounce First Class Postage

Up until 2016, letters weighing over 1 ounce but less than 3 ounces required extra postage called additional ounces.

The 70 cent denomination matched the exact cost to mail 2 additional ounces of standard mail. This came out to $0.70 back in 2014.

So couples planning weddings could easily cover heavier save-the-date cards and RSVP envelopes without figuring out multiple stamps.

2. The Non-Machinable Surcharge

The other purpose was to pay the special processing fee levied on mail that automated sorting equipment either can‘t handle or would damage:

"Any piece that is rigid; oddly shaped; not rectangular with four square corners; or not flexible will be assessed a nonmachinable surcharge to cover special handling." – USPS Postage Rates

To easily pay this 70 cent surcharge, a decorative butterfly stamp was created rather than forcing customers to scrape together three lesser value stamps.

Factors Driving Up Postage Rates Since 2014

Unfortunately for anyone still holding these 70 cent stamps, their value has now expired thanks to rising USPS costs.

Just take a look at the accelerating postage rate hikes since 2017:

These rate increases are driven by:

• Declining mail volume
• Higher USPS operating expenses
• Legally mandated financial obligations

Altogether, it‘s led to a 34% jump in stamp costs from $0.47 to $0.63 just since 2016 – far outpacing inflation.

And that‘s why our 70 cent stamps are no longer sufficient for mailing needs.

Can You Still Use and Buy 70 Cent Stamps?

The USPS has long stopped producing or directly selling any 70 cent stamps.

However, unused stamps still in circulation or private resale can technically be used.

You‘ll just need to attach an additional $0.08 to $0.14 worth of postage depending on the specific letter or package.

💡 For optimal value, consider selling pristine 70 cent stamps to collectors instead of redeeming postage.

Unused versions are difficult to find, especially with original gum intact, driving up resale prices.

For example, listings on eBay currently range from $2 to $10 per stamp! That represents nearly a 1000% to 2000% markup over face value.

Even on Etsy and specialty sites like Mystic Stamp Company, expect to pay at least $1.50 per stamp – more than double 70 cents.

So if you have any spare 70 cent stamps lying around in good condition, don‘t use them for postage! Sell them as collectibles instead.

What Current Postage Should You Use Instead?

Rather than clinging onto outdated 70 cent stamps, here is exactly what denominations to use:

🔸 1 to 2 Ounce Letter: $0.63 Forever Stamp + $0.20 Additional Ounce Stamp

🔸 Non-Machinable Mail: $0.80 Nonmachinable Stamp

🔸 Heavy 3 Ounce Letter: 3 Ounce Stamp worth $0.98

Following these exact 2023 postal rates ensures accurate delivery of your letters without shortages or return issues. Don‘t take chances with old 70 cent stamps!

At the end of the day, it all comes down to the unavoidable march higher in US Postal Service rates since 2016. What was once 70 cents for 2 additional ounces has been surpassed by inflation and operating realities.

So mourn the loss of usefulness of those quaint wedding and butterfly stamps. But take heart in unlocking their enduring collectible appeal through resale!