How Much Is a Book of Stamps?

Sending mail has been an essential part of human communication for centuries. At first glance, postage stamps may appear to be tiny pieces of adhesive paper. Still, they play a crucial role in ensuring those letters and packages reach their destination.

Beyond their practical purpose, stamps have captivated collectors worldwide, with some rare and historical stamps fetching jaw-dropping prices at auctions— one American stamp sold for $1.6 million in 2019.

With their depiction of historical events and people, stamps can certainly be collectibles and objects of fascination and artistic expression. Still, their primary function is to serve as a means of payment for mail services.

Sticking a stamp to a letter or package indicates that you’ve paid the necessary taxes and courier delivery fees, ensuring your mail will safely reach its intended destination.

A single stamp will cost a little, but buying different stamps one by one can add up over time if you frequently send mail items. That’s where the practicality of purchasing a book of stamps comes in.

In this article, we’ll dive into the current prices of stamp booklets offered by the United States Postal Service (USPS) and other vendors like Amazon and eBay.

If you’re eager to get your hands on various types of stamps featuring intricate stamp designs for your collection or want to ensure your letters arrive without hitting a snag, visit FindPostOffice.org!

How Much Does a Book of Stamps Cost?

Purchasing stamp booklets is the intelligent and cost-effective way to go if you send a high volume of mail items like letters and packages. It’s also perfect for someone who wants to start a postage stamp collection and hopes to sell it someday for a fortune.

However, the question of “How much does a book of stamps cost?” will come to mind. Unfortunately, there’s no single correct answer. The cost of stamp booklets can vary depending on the purchase location, the kind of stamp you’re buying, and the country of origin.

For instance, let’s use currency rates as of July 28, 2023. With the euro to USD (U.S. dollar) exchange rate, expect to pay $24.23 (£21.95) for a 24-page prestige stamp book featuring designs from the Harry Potter films if you purchase from Royal Mail in the U.K. (United Kingdom).

Conversely, a book of 64 vintage stamps depicting the Japanese occupation of Malaya and Johore from AbeBooks, a Japanese books, art, and collectible retailer, is costly. You’ll spend $1,074.27 (¥150,694.37), based on July 28, 2023’s JPY (Japanese yen) to USD exchange rate.

What Is the Cost of a Book of Stamps in the U.S.?

Similar factors influence the cost of a book of stamps in the U.S. One of the most critical elements is where you buy postage stamps and stamp booklets. In the U.S., you have several convenient options for purchasing a book of stamps.

Each of these places offers stamp books at varying prices, and understanding the available choices can assist you in making informed postage decisions based on your preferences, needs, and budget. 

Here are some places where you can buy a stamp book in the U.S.:

• The U.S. Postal Service: The most direct and traditional way to purchase a book of stamps is by visiting your local post office. The United States Postal Service (USPS) operates around 31,000 retail offices nationwide and is well-stocked with various stamp booklet options.

Fortunately, you can filter through over 31,000 USPS facilities to find the most convenient locations in your area with FindPostOffice.org’s post office locator tool.

• The USPS website: If you prefer to shop from the comfort of home, the USPS Store offers individual stamps, stamp booklets, and other shipping supplies like boxes and envelopes for sale.

By visiting the USPS official website at USPS.com, you can browse the available options, easily add them to your cart, and have USPS deliver your postage stamps right to your doorstep.

• Online retailers: With online shopping, platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Stamps.com have become increasingly popular as places to buy a book of stamps.

Online retailers are also an excellent option if you’re a collector looking for rare stamps or ones with complex stamp designs.

• Grocery stores and pharmacies: While not all grocery stores and pharmacies carry stamps, some establishments, particularly larger chain stores like CVS (Customer Value Store) and Walgreens, have designated sections where you can find postage stamp booklets.

Unfortunately, most supermarkets and pharmacies don’t sell individual stamps, so you may want to look elsewhere for them.

• Retail stores: Big-box retailers like Walmart and Costco are known for providing diverse products. You can often find stamp books for purchase among the goods they offer.
• Private mailbox stores: The UPS (United Parcel Service) Store, PostNet, and other private mailbox services often sell stamps, with PostNet, in particular, offering customized stamps.
• Financial institutions: You may think it unlikely, but some banks and credit unions sell postage stamps through ATMs. Unfortunately, as far as convenient places to buy a book of stamps go, financial institutions may not always offer stamps.

How Much Does a USPS Book of Stamps Cost?

According to the USPS Store website, the current price of a book of 20 stamps is $13.20. These booklets feature various stamp designs you can choose from to add more character to your letters and packages. These stamp selections range from U.S. flags to holiday elves and tulip blossoms.

USPS also offers a stamps subscription service for First-Class Mail, wherein you’ll receive a book of 20 First-Class postage stamps once or twice a month for $13.20, depending on your preference.

Cost of Stamp Books at the Post Office

USPS manages post offices throughout the country. They serve as its facilities for various postal services, including selling shipping supplies like postage stamps. In other words, the cost of a stamp book at your local office will be the same as USPS prices.

To find your area’s most convenient post office locations, visit FindPostOffice.org to access an extensive database of over 31,000 USPS facilities nationwide.

Buy “Forever” Stamps

In 2007, USPS introduced Forever postage stamps. As the “forever” in these stamps implies, their cost is the same as the current first-class postage rate, and they remain valid regardless of future rate changes. As such, they are ideal for avoiding price fluctuations over time.

Cost of Forever Stamps

As of July 28, 2023, a single “forever” stamp is $0.66. The cost of a book of Forever stamps is $13.20. For up-to-date information on the price of the book of stamps, visit the official USPS website.

Alternatively, you can inquire about and purchase your postage stamps book at your local post office, which you can easily find using FindPostOffice.org’s facility locator tool.

Basics of First-Class Postage Calculation

Calculating the postage for your First-Class Mail is a straightforward process based on the size and weight of your item. With First-Class Mail, USPS offers an affordable and reliable solution, whether you’re sending a heartfelt letter or a postcard.

As of July 2023, a First-Class Forever stamp for a 1-ounce letter costs $0.66. You’ll need to add $0.24 to the standard $0.66 rate for every additional ounce. For example, if you’re sending a 2-ounce First-Class letter, the postage cost would be $0.90 ($0.66 + $0.24 = $0.90).

That said, USPS postage rates may change over time. Fortunately, having Forever stamps ensures you can always use them at the rate you purchased them.

For up-to-date information on First-Class postage rates, visit the USPS official website at USPS.com or your local post office, which you can easily find with FindPostOffice.org’s USPS facility locator tool and database.

How Much Does a Book of Stamps Cost on Amazon?

Being an eCommerce platform that lets individuals and enterprises sell their products, Amazon features a stamp booklet with prices that can vary significantly. For instance, a book of 20 Forever stamps featuring a “four flags” design costs $25.69.

On the other hand, a book with a stamp design focusing on the U.S. Postal First-Class Wedding Celebration Anniversary Party costs $11.59 on the same platform.

The Cost of a Book of Stamps That Can Be Found at Walmart

Like Amazon, Walmart carries a book of stamps. The price of a book of stamps in the retail chain can vary. 

According to Walmart’s website, a 20 USPS Forever stamps book costs $23.90— $10.70 more than what post offices currently sell.

While more expensive, Walmart, as one of the largest retail chains in the country, gives you easy access to postage stamps. With over 4,000 stores, Walmart gives you plenty of options, whether you’re running errands or doing your regular shopping.

The Price of a Book of Stamps on eBay Varies

The benefit of shopping with eBay is that it lets individuals and businesses sell their goods through auctions. In other words, you may score a book of stamps cheaper than what USPS and other vendors offer.

For example, a July 28, 2023 listing for a booklet of 20 Forever First-Class postage stamps with a stamp design featuring wild orchids costs only $12.50. 

While it may be time-consuming to find a good deal, eBay can be an excellent resource, especially if you’re building a stamp collection.

How Much Is a Book of Stamps at CVS?

While USPS post offices provide the lowest stamp book prices, they often have long queues, particularly in high foot-traffic areas like major cities. Fortunately, with over 9,000 locations in the country, CVS offers an excellent alternative for your postage stamp needs.

Compared to other vendors, CVS generally sells stamps at the same price as USPS— $13.20 for a book of 20. So, consider buying from a drugstore if your schedule can’t fit a local post office visit. 

How Much Is a Book of Stamps at Walgreens?

Like CVS, Walgreens, with around 8,000 facilities in the United States, also offers a convenient alternative location to buy books of stamps at the standard USPS price. In other words, expect to pay $13.20 for a 20-stamp booklet.

How Is the Cost of the Book of Stamps Measured?

The cost of a book of stamps is directly related to the number of stamps it contains. A standard stamp book includes 20 postage stamps, making it easy to calculate the total cost based on the current price of a single stamp.

The Cost of the Book of Stamps Is Determined by How Many Stamps Are in It

As mentioned, the price of a book of stamps is simply the cost of a single stamp multiplied by the number of stamps in the book. 

For instance, based on USPS’ current price for a Forever stamp of $.66, a book of 20 postage stamps will cost you $13.20 ($0.66 x 20 = $13.20).

Similarly, to determine the price of individual stamps, divide the cost of the book by the number of postage stamps in it. If a 20-stamp booklet costs $20, the price of a single stamp is $1 ($20 ÷ 20 = $1).

Sending Mail Without Stamps – Is It Possible?

In the U.S., you must affix a stamp to your letter to ensure the smooth and timely delivery of your mail. If not, it’s highly likely that your mailpiece won’t reach your intended recipient.

However, there are exceptions, such as when you buy prepaid postage labels online, print, and attach them to your mail. An example would be FedEx (Federal Express) Express Billable Stamps.

FAQs

1. How much is a book of 20 stamps?

The cost of a book of 20 stamps depends on where you buy it. For instance, a 20-stamp booklet from USPS will cost you $13.20, while Walmart may charge you $23.90.

2. How many books are 100 stamps?

A standard book of stamps contains 20 postages. To get 100 stamps, you’ll need five books. However, you can directly buy a roll of 100 and even 10,000 stamps from USPS.

3. Why do we need postage stamps?

Postage stamps are essential for paying the required fee for sending mail or packages. They play a crucial role in funding the Postal Service and ensuring reliable mail delivery for every American.

If you ever need to locate a nearby post office to purchase your postage stamps or inquire about USPS services, visit FindPostOffice.org and use the facility locator tool.