First Class Stamps

[viv41]

Does anybody know if I can still use some 'old' first class stamps that I've found. They're not red like the present ones, so are they still allowed as first class ? Thanks.

[Mamyalynne]

If they say 'first class' they're fine.

[woofgang]

if they just say first and not a money amount then yes they are good as first class forever.

[Buenchico]

'Non value indicator' stamps (i.e. those just marked '1st' or '2nd') remain valid for the relevant service irrespective of any price changes for that service.

[ubasses]

As long as they say 1st class and do not have a monetary value, yes.

[MargoTester]

Can't see any reason why not, I use them from year to year

[janbee]

Yes

[gingejbee]

NVI stamps (as they are called...Non Value Indicator ie only say 1st or 2nd) do not expire.

[Jackdaw33]

I wasn't aware they were red.The last ones I got over 2 years ago were gold. Anyway I used one last month and it was fine.

[Old_Geezer]

You paid at a time the stamp was worth a first class service, they got their money when it was at that value, you should be able to use the stamps.

The only thing I'd wonder about is the insane change of postage rules they put in where the size matters now. I don't know but I suspect you couldn't add it to any size card/envelope without them wanting to mug you (or the recipient) for more.

[Buenchico]

'1st' and '1st Large' are regarded as separate services, O_G, with their own stamps:
http://stamp-collector.co.uk/images/$Machins/2013%20Security%20Stamp%20Set%209%20NVI%202012%20Dates.jpg

[Jackdaw33]

Interesting to see that the Queen hasn't aged as much on the stamps as she has on the coins.

[viv41]

Thank you so much everyone. I can use them safely now ...

[Old_Geezer]

Learn something new every day. Never seen a 1st large and when I ask for a book of stamps at the PO they don't ask. Bet for stamps bought prior to the change they assume it is the smaller 1st class.

[Jackdaw33]

I used my last gold 1st class stamp last month to send a sympathy card. As it was rather heavy I had to ask the assistant if it was the right postage as nothing could be worse than the recipient having to pay a surcharge.