Do postage stamps have a use by date?

[Chris S]

I've just found six old-fashioned (red) first class stamps.
Can I still use them or are only the orange ones now valid?

 

[classic33]

Are they marked "First Class" or with a price. "First Class" you can still use them as First Class. Priced, you'd have to make the difference up.

 

[tom73]

No use them not a issue like @classic33 points out if they say 1st no problem if not you need to pay difference.

 

[StuAff]

Are they marked "First Class" or with a price. "First Class" you can still use them as First Class. Priced, you'd have to make the difference up.

That, exactly. If they're marked as 1st or 2nd ("non value indicator"), then they're good for full payment of whatever the basic 1st class letter rate is at the time, or part payment for larger/heavier (etc) items at the current price. If they're priced, then they're worth that price only.

 

[classic33]

That, exactly. If they're marked as 1st or 2nd ("non value indicator"), then they're good for full payment of whatever the basic 1st class letter rate is at the time, or part payment for larger/heavier (etc) items at the current price. If they're priced, then they're worth that price only.

Used to buy 50 at a time, and had no problems using older ones if they changed colour & price whilst I had them.

 

[The Crofted Crest]

No, but I'd advise you not to use that penny black.

 

[StuAff]

Further to the above, the official line (from royalmail.com) is...
"Stamps without a specified monetary value are described as Non Value Indicator (NVI) and are typically First and Second Class stamps. These do not have an expiry date, therefore can be used regardless of the length of time you've had them. Stamps with a monetary value also do not have an expiry date and can be combined to make up the value of postage required."

 

[Accy cyclist]

No, but I'd advise you not to use that penny black.

Is that because the letter would have to be delivered by stage coach and therefore take weeks to get there?

 

[Threevok]

Is that because the letter would have to be delivered by stage coach and therefore take weeks to get there?

They were bought out by Parcel Force

The service hasn't improved though

 

[guitarpete247]

I just received a package via Ebay.

It had 2 x 6 1/2p and 1 67p stamps.

From 1967

From 2010.
So, no, it doesn't matter if they are old.

I reckon they are possibly worth more than their face value.

 

[classic33]

I just received a package via Ebay.

It had 2 x 6 1/2p and 1 67p stamps.

View attachment 455063 From 1967
View attachment 455064 From 2010.
So, no, it doesn't matter if they are old.

I reckon they are possibly worth more than their face value.

First one £2 - £4, condition dependent.

 

[guitarpete247]

Still looking on Ebay I now have 2 of these.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/POSTAGE-...344847?hash=item52189e490f:g:Qz8AAOSwoPpaWgeW

And 1 of these
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2010-GB-...404419?hash=item3401608e03:g:issAAOSwJWBcVan2

I might put them up for sale.

 

[glasgowcyclist]

Is that because the letter would have to be delivered by stage coach and therefore take weeks to get there?

I'd give this a like but philately gets you nowhere.

 

[keithmac]

No, but I'd advise you not to use that penny black.

I used a penny black the other week (quids in!). Post master spent ages peeling it off and slapping a 1st class stamp on the fool!.

 

[mudsticks]

I've just found six old-fashioned (red) first class stamps.
Can I still use them or are only the orange ones now valid?

Crivens !! you mustn't lick out of date stamps - you'll get botulism!!

Send them to me for safe disposal immediately ...