U.S. Letter Rates Since the Civil War

The first U.S. postage stamps were issued on July 1, 1847. At that time, postal rates varied by distance traveled—under 300 miles, letters cost 5 cents per ¹/2 oz; over 300 miles, letters cost 10 cents per ¹/2 oz. (These rates fluctuated in the decade that followed.) Until prepayment became mandatory on April 1, 1855, Americans had the option to pay collect, which could entail higher rates. Since July 1, 1863, letters sent to all parts of the United States have been charged at the same rate.

July 1, 1863	3 cents per ¹/2 oz.
Oct. 1, 1883	2 cents per ¹/2 oz.
July 1, 1885	2 cents per 1 oz.
Nov. 2, 1917	3 cents per 1 oz.*
July 1, 1919	2 cents per 1 oz.
July 6, 1932	3 cents per 1 oz.
Aug. 1, 1958	4 cents per 1 oz.
Jan. 7, 1963	5 cents per 1 oz.
Jan. 7, 1968	6 cents per 1 oz.
May 16, 1971	8 cents per 1 oz.
March 2, 1974	10 cents per 1 oz.
Dec. 31, 1975	13 cents for 1st oz.**
May 29, 1978	15 cents for 1st oz.
March 22, 1981	18 cents for 1st oz.
Nov. 1, 1981	20 cents for 1st oz.
Feb. 17, 1985	22 cents for 1st oz.
April 3, 1988	25 cents for 1st oz.
Feb. 3, 1991	29 cents for 1st oz.
Jan. 1, 1995	32 cents for 1st oz.
Jan. 10, 1999	33 cents for 1st oz.
Jan. 7, 2001	34 cents for 1st oz.
June 30, 2002	37 cents for 1st oz.
Jan. 8, 2006	39 cents for 1st oz.
May 14, 2007	41 cents for 1st oz.

*A temporary cost increase to aid the war effort. **Since Dec. 31, 1975, weight in excess of one oz has been charged at a lower rate. For instance, the current rate is 39 cents for the first oz and 24 cents for each additional oz.

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