The USPS Scenic American Landscapes definitive stamps series began in 1999 with the intent to create first-class postage stamps that reflect the cost of the most common international postage rates (or airmail rates) for first-class letters and postcards.
What are International Shipping Rates for First-Class Letters?
According to the USPS web site, USPS international shipping is the most economical way to mail letters, envelopes, postcards, and small packages. First-class international shipping costs are based on weight and destination country.
In general, destination countries are divided into 9 groups. Group 1 consists of Canada, Group 2 consists of Mexico, Groups 3-5 consist of most European, Asian, and Australian countries, and Groups 6-9 consist mainly of South and Central American countries, African countries, and Middle-Eastern countries.
The following bullets list first-class international postage stamp prices for letters.
- 1 ounce Group 1 - $0.75
- 1 ounce Group 2 - $0.79
- 1 ounce Group 3-5 - $0.98
- 1 ounce Group 6-9 - $0.98
- 2 ounce Group 1 - $1.00
- 2 ounce Group 2 - $1.34
- 2 ounce Group 3-5 - $1.82
- 2 ounce Group 6-9 - $1.76
- 3 ounce Group 1 - $1.25
- 3 ounce Group 2 - $1.89
- 3 ounce Group 3-5 - $2.66
- 3 ounce Group 6-9 - $2.54
- 3.5 ounce Group 1 - $1.50
- 3.5 ounce Group 2 - $2.44
- 3.5 ounce Group 3-5 - $3.50
- 3.5 ounce Group 6-9 - $3.32
International shipping costs for postcards are equal to the 1 ounce letter cost for each Group.
First-class letters may not weigh more than 3.5 ounces. For the purpose of postage stamp prices, letters heavier than 3.5 ounces are considered packages or large envelopes.
For more in-depth breakouts of international postage rates, see the USPS web site.
Grand Teton National Park Stamp
On 28 June, 2009, the U.S. Postal Service issued the 98-cent Grand Teton National Park definitive stamp. The stamp is designed to accommodate first-class stamp prices to countries other than Canada and Mexico.
According to the USPS web site, the Grand Teton international rate stamp features a photograph by Dennis Flaherty. The photo was taken from the Snake River Overlook at dawn.
Zion National Park Stamp
Also on 28 June, 2009, the U.S. Postal Service issued the 79-cent Zion National Park first-class postage stamp. The Zion stamps reflect the international stamp prices for shipping first-class letters to Mexico.
The Zion stamp features a photograph of Zion National Park by Richard Cummins.
Great Smoky Mountains Stamp
On 24 February, 2006, the U.S. Postal Service issued the 75-cent Great Smoky Mountains international airmail stamp. The Smoky Mountains stamps reflect the current international shipping costs for mailing first-class letters and postcards to Canada.
The Great Smoky Mountains stamp carries a photograph of the mountains at sunset as taken by David Muench. The view is from Clingmans Dome and includes portions of both North Carolina and Tennessee.
Stamps in the Scenic American Landscapes Set
Beginning with the 1999 Niagara Falls stamp, the Scenic American Landscapes series has continued through 2009. Designed to accommodate various international shipping rates, the series receives a new entry each time international postage rates are modified.
For stamp collectors who wish to purchase Scenic American Landscapes stamps online, it is always possible to buy postage stamps online at the USPS online store.
- 13 Mile Woods, Errol, New Hampshire (2008)
- Acadia National Park, Maine (2001)
- Badlands National Park, South Dakota (2001 - issued as a postal card)
- Bryce Canyon, Utah (2006)
- Grand Canyon, Arizona (2000)
- Grand Tetons, Wyoming (2009)
- Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina/Tennessee (2006)
- Hagatna Bay, Guam (2007)
- Mt. McKinley, Alaska (2001)
- Mt. Rainier, Washington (1999 - issued as a postal card)
- Niagara Falls, New York (1999)
- Nine-Mile Prairie, Nebraska (2001)
- Okefenokee Swamp, Georgia/Florida (2007)
- Rio Grande, Texas (1999)
- St. John, US Virgin Islands (2008)
- Yosemite National Park (2006)
- Zion National Park, Utah (2009)
In 2011, postal rates will increase. It is expected that new Scenic American Landscapes United States stamps reflecting the international postage rate increase will be issued in 2011.
