Seashells stamps are nondenominated Postcard-rate stamps with permanent category value. Genuine unused examples remain valid for the current eligible domestic postcard rate, but they are not ordinary one-ounce letter Forever stamps. Their value is $0.65 as of September 2026.
Seashells Stamp Facts
| Official name | Seashells |
|---|---|
| Postage category | Postcard Rate, nondenominated |
| Issue date | January 28, 2017 |
| First-day city | San Diego, California |
| Designs | Four |
| Original formats | Pane of 20 and coil of 100 |
| Original issue price | 34 cents |
| Current category value | 65 cents as of September 2026 |
Are Seashell Postcard Stamps Forever?
They work like Forever postage within the postcard category: an unused nondenominated Seashells stamp follows the current domestic postcard price. The design was originally sold when that price was 34 cents, but it now provides the current 65-cent Postcard-rate value.
It is not equal to the current 82-cent ordinary Forever value. One Seashells stamp can contribute toward letter postage, but an ordinary one-ounce stamped letter currently needs another 17 cents.
The Four Seashell Designs
- Alphabet cone: a cone-shaped shell with an intricate brown-and-white pattern.
- Pacific calico scallop: a fan-shaped shell with radiating ribs.
- Zebra nerite: a rounded shell with high-contrast striping.
- Queen conch: the large pink-lipped shell also commonly called the pink conch.
Each shell is found in North American waters. Sergio Baradat created the stylized artwork, while Greg Breeding designed and art-directed the issue. White and blue bands behind the shells suggest waves washing them onto a beach.
Pane and Coil Differences
The 20-stamp pane and 100-stamp coil contain the same four subjects but have different production formats. Collectors and buyers should identify the exact format rather than assuming a loose quantity came from an intact USPS pane or coil. Plate markings, backing paper and marginal text can also differ by format.
Using Seashells Stamps Today
One stamp is enough only when the completed card meets USPS domestic postcard standards. A square, folded, oversized, thick, rigid or nonrectangular piece may be priced as a letter or another mailpiece. Use the Postcard stamp value guide to compare the category with ordinary Forever postage.
Collecting and Buying Checks
- Match the four shell subjects and 2017 issue date to the USPS announcement.
- Identify whether the item is a pane, coil strip, loose stamp or later retail bundle.
- Separate postal value from collector value; condition and format can affect a premium.
- Use clear front and back images, traceable seller information and a stated return policy.
SaleForeverStamps does not currently list this exact issue. Browse the live Postcard stamp collection for available designs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Seashells postcard stamps still valid?
Yes, if they are genuine, unused and undamaged. Nondenominated Postcard stamps follow the current eligible domestic postcard rate.
How many designs are in the issue?
There are four: alphabet cone, Pacific calico scallop, zebra nerite and queen conch.
Can one Seashells stamp mail a regular letter?
It contributes the current postcard value, but one is currently 17 cents short of the 82-cent stamped one-ounce letter price.
Did USPS issue both sheets and rolls?
Yes. The original formats were a pressure-sensitive pane of 20 and a pressure-sensitive coil of 100.
Sources: USPS Stamp Announcement 17-04; USPS DMM 604, nondenominated stamp values; USPS Notice 123, current prices. Issue facts and rates checked September 1, 2026.
Explore related landscape, wildlife, and outdoor designs in Nature Forever Stamps: Trees, Mountains & Rivers.