No. A stamp printed with a 40-cent denomination is a fixed-value stamp, not an ordinary Forever stamp. A genuine unused 40-cent stamp supplies 40 cents of postage. It can still be used, but it must be combined with enough other postage to meet the current rate.
40-cent stamp vs. ordinary Forever stamp
| Stamp | Value when used | Changes with the one-ounce letter rate? |
|---|---|---|
| 40¢ denominated stamp | 40¢ | No |
| Ordinary Forever stamp | Current one-ounce First-Class Mail letter rate | Yes |
How much extra postage is needed?
The ordinary one-ounce letter rate has been 82 cents since July 12, 2026. On a qualifying one-ounce letter, one 40-cent stamp therefore needs another 42 cents of valid postage. Rates and mailpiece requirements can change, so verify the current amount before mailing.
What is the 40-cent Red Fox stamp?
USPS issued the Red Fox stamp on January 5, 2023, as a 40-cent denominated stamp. The official announcement lists a pane of 20 and large coils for bulk mailers. Its printed value remains 40 cents; the fox design and issue date do not make it Forever.
Can old 40-cent stamps still be used?
Yes, if they are genuine and unused. Add their face values together and compare the total with the rate for the finished mailpiece. Weight, size, shape, rigidity, destination and added services can change the required postage.
Use the postage-to-stamps calculator or read how many Forever stamps you need.
Official sources
The USPS Red Fox announcement identifies it as a 40-cent denominated mail-use stamp. The Postal Explorer July 2026 price files confirm the current rate effective July 12, 2026.
Postage facts checked September 2, 2026.