I've just been tidying up some drawers and discovered some books of 1st class stamps. They must be approx 10 years old.

Is there any reason why they wouldn't be valid? They have '1st' written on them, not the price, so I asume so.

But I really don't want to get arrested under the new anti-terror laws!

Hmm, only half joking there!

Steve

I don't really see why not. When you buy them you're paying for a service - if you only decide to cash in on the service 10 years later then it's all the better for you.

Yes, that's exactly the way I see it too.

It would be different, though, if the stamps had a monetary value printed on them.

My understanding is that the post office honours stamps with "1st" printed on them even if the postage has gone up in the meantime, so presumably that should apply to stamps as old as yours as well.

Thanks! I'll be using them.




Hmm, I just remembered that I've got loads of mint stamps in my old stamp collection that I haven't looked at for decades.

Allowing for inflation, I reckon some of my Queen Victoria stamps should still be good!


Steve

Yes, they'll be ok. I asked my post office a similar question last year just after price rises and they said 1st stamps were ok. But those with a monetary value on wouldn't be.

Yeah, that's correct. Just checked with OH who used to be a postman. As long as they just say the class rather than the price they are fine

of course, you can still use the ones with the price on (as far as i know) -- you just need enough of them to cover the new postage cost.

My French teacher, who was known for being somewhat careful with his money, used to bulk-buy stamps if he heard the postage rate was going to be increased.

I couldn't say that I bulk-bought them, but I make sure I have an adequate supply!

True, probably need to check that the amount covers the current postage costs

Looks like you might have to pay extra on the Penny Blacks, then