On January 27, 2013, rates for certain mailing and shipping services will increase. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the new prices as well as the new stamps that will be available.
From 45¢ to 46¢
First-Class one-ounce rate
Note: Forever® stamps will remain valid for First-Class rate. After the rate changes, the price of a Forever Stamp will be 46¢. All new First-Class Mail commemorative stamps will be Forever stamps. Preview the 2013 stamp program.
From 65¢ to 66¢
First-Class two-ounce rate and Nonmachinable surcharge rate
The U.S. Postal Service celebrates the spicebush swallowtail with this stamp, its third butterfly issuance for large greeting card envelopes that require additional postage. Known as one of the most beautiful and intriguing of the swallowtail butterflies, the spicebush swallowtail is named for the plant on which its caterpillars commonly live: the spicebush. The stamp art, created by Tom Engeman, is a colorful, highly stylized depiction of the butterfly.
From 85¢ to 86¢
First-Class three-ounce rate
Found along the Pacific Coast from Oregon to Alaska, the unmistakable tufted puffin is named for the striking tufts of long, yellow feathers that grow from the sides of its head during breeding season. The stamp, designed by art director Derry Noyes, features a colorful painting by Robert Giusti.
From 32¢ to 33¢
Postcard rate
These cheerful stamps feature colorful illustrations of four varieties of apples: Baldwin, Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, and Northern Spy. The stamp art was illustrated by John Burgoyne with pen and ink and watercolor, with some additional detail added on the computer. The stamps were designed by art director Derry Noyes.
From $5.15 to $5.60
Priority Mail®
The U.S. Postal Service honors the scenic Arlington Green Bridge in Bennington County, Vermont, with this Priority Mail stamp. One of the most photographed covered bridges in the state, this digital depiction shows the red wooden bridge against a backdrop of brilliant autumn leaves. Art director Derry Noyes designed the stamp, which features an illustration by Dan Cosgrove.
From $18.95 to $19.95
Express Mail®
The U.S. Postal Service celebrates the 100th anniversary of a beloved New York City landmark with the issuance of the Grand Central Terminal Express Mail stamp. The artwork features a colorful, graphic illustration of the terminal’s main concourse. Designed by art director Phil Jordan, this stamp features the work of illustrator Dan Cosgrove.
From 65¢ to 66¢
2-oz. Wedding
The U.S. Postal Service celebrates a new addition to its popular Weddings series — the Yes, I Do issuance. Sold at the two-ounce stamp rate, Yes, I Do accommodates the heavier weight of an invitation, as well as other mailings such as oversized cards or small gifts that require extra postage. The stamp features artwork by Michael Osborne and was designed by art director Ethel Kessler.
From $1.05 to $1.10
International Rate
In 2013, the U.S. Postal Service introduces a new international rate stamp available for use on all First-Class one-ounce mail going to any country in the world. The Global Forever® stamp showcases the beauty of our planet with this rendering of Earth — a composite of images created from satellite data and redesigned with 3D computer technology. In this image, the Atlantic Ocean is flanked by North and South America, Africa, and parts of Europe. Art director William J. Gicker selected this depiction of Earth by Italian artist Leonello Calvetti. Greg Breeding designed the stamp.
For more information regarding the 2013 rate increase, please visit the USPS homepage.