An image of the Liberty Bell, an icon of American freedom and independence, will adorn the Postal Service’s new forever stamp.
The design of the stamp was unveiled Monday at the National Postal Forum, a gathering of companies in the mailing industry.
The forever stamp goes on sale April 12 at 41 cents. The rate for first-class postage rises to 41 cents May 14.
The stamp, which will carry the word “Forever” instead of a price, will remain valid for sending a letter, no matter how much rates go up in the future.
That will eliminate the annoyance of buying one- and two-cent stamps to make up the new rate when prices rise, and folks who want to hedge against inflation could lay in a supply of the stamps for long-term use.
“Who said nothing lasts forever?” Postmaster General John E. Potter said in a statement.
He said the Liberty Bell was selected because it resonates as one of the nation’s most prominent and recognizable symbols associated with American independence.