New postage stamps on sale today

WASHINGTON – Customers have more options than ever to purchase 39-cent first-class stamps beginning today to use when the new postage rates go into effect Jan. 8, 2006.

In addition, plenty of two-cent stamps will be available for customers to use with their 37-cent stamps.

“It’s never been easier to get stamps from the Postal Service – no matter where you are,” explained USPS Vice President and Consumer Advocate Delores Killette. “We’re making this the sweetest holiday season ever by offering quick, easy and convenient access at home or work.

“While many of our 37,000 post offices will open early and stay open late this holiday season, customers can also visit usps.com to order stamps or obtain online postage for mailing packages.

“Our letter carriers will pick up packages from your home or office the next delivery day. Stamps ordered online or by calling 1-800-STAMP24 are typically delivered within three business days.”

The 39-cent non-denominated first-class stamp features an image of the Statue of Liberty and the American flag. The statue was designed by French sculptor Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi with assistance from engineer and Eiffel Tower designer Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel. The stamp will be available in panes and booklets of 20, coils of 100 and coils of 1,000 for business customers.

A reprint of the two-cent definitive issued in 2004, the Navajo Jewelry two-cent stamp features a painted detail of a Navajo silver and turquoise necklace with sand-cast “squash blossoms” set with polished blue turquoise nuggets.

The stamp is available in panes of 20.

Images of the new stamps are available for viewing at the USPS Web site, www.usps.com.