Current answer for usps stamps lunar new year
Reviewed August 25, 2026. This section separates current facts from historical prices, archived promotions, and issue-year information elsewhere in the article.
Current-use note: An ordinary domestic Forever stamp now has an 82-cent postage value for a qualifying one-ounce First-Class Mail letter. The issue year does not expire the stamp; the finished mailpiece still has to meet current USPS size, weight, and machinability rules.
The current ordinary Forever rate is 82 cents, effective July 12, 2026. Mentions of 73 or 78 cents are historical unless a passage explicitly says otherwise. Verify live rates with the USPS letter and postcard guide.
This page is informational. If the exact issue is not present in the live catalog, use the related Forever stamps for sale collection to compare an available earlier or similar issue.
SaleForeverStamps ordering facts
- No active coupon code and no separate bulk-pricing tier.
- Free shipping to U.S. addresses; orders are processed within 3 business days.
- Orders may ship with USPS, UPS, or GFO and include tracking.
- Returns are accepted within 30 days. Contact service@saleforeverstamps.com for return instructions.
Shopping for USPS Lunar New Year stamps? Whether you are sending Lunar New Year greeting cards, decorating wedding invitations with a cultural motif, or adding a thematic touch to small-business mail, the USPS Lunar New Year stamp series offers authentic Forever postage paired with striking artwork. This buyer guide covers every current design, where to buy at the best price, and how to order with confidence — all in one place.
Buy With Confidence: What You Need to Know First
Authentic USPS Forever stamps always display “Forever” and “USA” text on the face, feature clean perforations, and match USPS-specified dimensions. When you buy from any source, those markers are your quick visual check that the stamp is real postage.
About This Stamp: USPS Lunar New Year Series
Current & Upcoming Designs
| Year | Zodiac | Release | Designer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Year of the Rat | Jan 2020 | Camille Chew |
| 2021 | Year of the Ox | Feb 2021 | Camille Chew |
| 2022 | Year of the Tiger | Feb 2022 | Camille Chew |
| 2023 | Year of the Rabbit | Jan 2023 | Camille Chew |
| 2024 | Year of the Dragon | Jan 2024 | Camille Chew |
| 2025 | Year of the Snake | Jan 2025 | Camille Chew |
| 2026 | Year of the Horse | TBD | TBD |
The USPS Lunar New Year stamp series is now in its third 12-year cycle, which began in 2020 and will conclude in 2031. Artist Camille Chew has designed each stamp in the current cycle, creating vibrant, three-dimensional paper-cut-style masks that celebrate the zodiac animal of each year. The artwork draws on traditional Asian folk-art motifs while using bold, contemporary color palettes — making each stamp a visual statement as well as valid postage.
Year of the Snake (2025)
The 2025 Year of the Snake stamp features a colorful serpent mask rendered in Chew’s signature layered, dimensional style. The design incorporates rich reds, golds, and greens that are culturally significant in Lunar New Year celebrations. It was issued in January 2025 and remains available as current Forever postage.
Year of the Horse (2026)
The next stamp in the series — the Year of the Horse — is expected to release in early 2026, continuing the third cycle. USPS has not yet announced a specific issue date or final design details at the time of writing.
Where These Stamps Shine
Lunar New Year stamps work on more than holiday mail. Consider them for:
- Greeting cards: Lunar New Year, spring festival, and thank-you cards
- Wedding and event invitations: Cultural or Asian-themed celebrations
- Small-business mail: Customer appreciation notes, seasonal promotions, or invoices with personality
- Personal letters: A distinctive touch on everyday correspondence
- Stamp collections: Complete zodiac sets from the third series
For standard 1 oz domestic First-Class letters, one Forever stamp covers full postage. Heavier envelopes, square formats, international destinations, or nonstandard sizes may require additional postage — check the current USPS rate schedule or ask at your local post office if you are unsure.
Compare verified Forever stamps →
Price Comparison: Where to Buy for Less
| Source | Price Per Stamp | Notes | Auth Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| USPS.com | $0.78 | Full design selection; $2 handling fee per order; 1–5% credit-card cashback possible | None |
| Local Post Office | $0.78 | Face value; design availability varies by branch | None |
| Costco | $0.7775 | $77.75/roll of 100; members only; limited design options | Low |
| Resale marketplaces (eBay, etc.) | Varies | Individual seller quality varies; inspect on arrival | Medium |
| Unknown sellers (30–50%+ off) | Varies | USPIS warns that discounts this steep are a common counterfeit indicator | High |
How the Savings Add Up
A quick way to think about it: if you mail 20 letters a month, you use roughly 240 stamps per year. Buying at face value runs about $187.20. A 10–15% discount saves you $18–28 annually — and you still get authentic USPS Forever postage.
For more on the upcoming rate change and what it means for your stamp budget, see how much is a Forever stamp in 2026.
Step-by-Step: How to Order Safely
- Step 1: Verify the seller.
Look for HTTPS on the website, a physical business address, and major payment options (credit card, PayPal). A legitimate seller provides clear contact information and a return or refund policy. - Step 2: Check product photos.
Authentic USPS stamps display “Forever” and “USA” text on the face. Product images should show real stamps with clean perforations and accurate color — not blurry mockups or generic stock photos. - Step 3: Evaluate the discount.
Discounts in the 10–15% range below face value are consistent with surplus and liquidation sourcing. If a seller offers 30–50% or more off face value, treat that as a red flag. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) has flagged steep discounts as a common counterfeit indicator. - Step 4: Inspect on arrival.
When your stamps arrive, check perforations for clean, even spacing. Confirm the print quality matches what you expect from USPS-issued stamps. Authentic Forever stamps have a consistent finish and precise color registration. - Step 5: Report concerns.
If you suspect you have received counterfeit postage, contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 1-877-876-2455 or file a report at uspis.gov. Do not use suspected fake stamps on outgoing mail.
Buying stamps online — whether from USPS.com, a warehouse club, or an independent seller — follows the same core logic: confirm legitimacy, compare pricing, and inspect your order. The steps above apply whether you are ordering a single book for personal cards or a larger quantity for business mail.
For a broader look at where to shop, our guide on where to buy postage stamps covers every major channel.
See current prices and availability →
Choosing the Right Lunar New Year Design for Your Mail
The USPS Lunar New Year series gives you a new zodiac design each year, and each stamp in the third cycle shares a consistent artistic style — dimensional paper-cut masks by Camille Chew. That consistency makes them easy to mix across years while maintaining a cohesive look, which is especially useful if you are building a multi-year set or sending mail across several Lunar New Year seasons.
Design Pairing Ideas
| Occasion | Suggested Design | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Lunar New Year cards | Current year’s zodiac | Matches the celebration; shows cultural awareness |
| Wedding invitations (Asian theme) | Year of the Dragon or Snake | Bold gold and red tones complement formal stationery |
| Business thank-you notes | Any current series design | Distinctive without being holiday-specific |
| Collecting / gifting | Complete set of all 12 zodiac stamps | Full third-series sets become collectible after the cycle ends |
| Everyday personal letters | Whatever design you like best | All Forever stamps carry identical postage value |
Because every Forever stamp covers the same postage regardless of its design, your choice comes down to visual preference and the message you want your mail to send. If you are ordering for a specific event, keep in mind that popular designs — particularly the Dragon and Snake — may sell out faster at USPS.com as Lunar New Year approaches each January.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do USPS Lunar New Year stamps cost?
Are Lunar New Year stamps real USPS stamps?
Yes. USPS Lunar New Year stamps are authentic Forever stamps issued by the United States Postal Service. They are valid for any standard 1 oz domestic First-Class letter and never expire, regardless of when you purchased them or future rate changes.
Can I get a discount on Lunar New Year stamps?
Do Forever stamps expire?
Which design is the newest in the Lunar New Year series?
The 2025 Year of the Snake is the most recent release in the third USPS Lunar New Year stamp cycle. The next design — the Year of the Horse — is expected in early 2026. Each stamp in the current cycle is designed by artist Camille Chew.
Can I use Lunar New Year stamps for non-Lunar New Year mail?
Absolutely. Every Forever stamp carries the same postage value regardless of its design. Lunar New Year stamps work perfectly for everyday letters, business correspondence, thank-you cards, or any standard 1 oz domestic First-Class mail throughout the year.
Ready to Order?
Lunar New Year stamps combine meaningful cultural artwork with practical Forever postage. Whether you are preparing cards for the next Lunar New Year, adding a distinctive touch to invitations, or simply stocking up before the July 2026 price increase to $0.82, comparing your buying options is the smartest first step.
Shop Lunar New Year stamps → — valid forever, price rising soon.
For more on what’s ahead for stamp pricing, read our guide to the Forever stamps price increase in 2026.