Last 17 May, 2010, the U.S. Postal Service released a new definitive stamp designed to make life easier for postal customers who are mailing Christmas greeting cards, birthday cards, or other assorted greeting cards.

Postal customers have often been surprised or confused by the non-machinable surcharge applied to some greeting cards. The USPS hopes the new Monarch Butterfly stamp, along with the cooperation of greeting card manufacturers, will help solve this problem.

Which Envelopes Require the Butterfly Stamp?

The new 64-cent Monarch Butterfly stamp is designed for use on non-machinable envelopes that require additional postage. Letters or cards that weigh less than 3.5 ounces (the max weight for first-class letters) and meet any of the following characteristics (as found on the USPS web site) are subject to the non-machinable surcharge of $0.20, bringing the final 2010 cost of postage for a one-ounce, non-machinable letter to $0.64.

    * A square envelope
    * A letter or card that is rigid
    * An envelope with clasps, strings, buttons, or other such closure devices
    * An address parallel to the shorter side of the envelope
    * An envelope containing items (such as pens) that make the surface uneven
    * The length of the envelope divided by the height is less than 1.3 or more than 2.5

Participating greeting card manufacturers have agreed to print a silhouette of a butterfly on envelopes that require the additional postage. These envelopes began appearing in stores during the summer of 2010.

What are the Postal Rates for Non-Machinable Envelopes?

Postage rates for non-machinable envelopes are based on weight. To calculate the postage price, add the first-class stamp price for the envelope's weight (see rates below) to the non-machinable surcharge of $0.20. For example, a three-ounce square envelope would cost $0.78 for the first-class stamp plus $0.20 for the non-machinable surcharge for a total first-class postage rate of $0.98.

    * 1 ounce - $0.44
    * 2 ounce - $0.61
    * 3 ounce - $0.78
    * 3.5 ounce - $0.95

First-class letters and cards may not weigh more than 3.5 ounces. Letters heavier than 3.5 ounces are considered packages or large envelopes for the purpose of postage prices.

In 2009, the USPS issued 61-cent and 78-cent stamps to cover the cost of postage for 2 and 3 ounce letters.

The Monarch Butterfly Stamp

According to the official USPS press release, the Monarch Butterfly stamp represents the first in a series of "additional postage" stamps. The monarch butterfly was chosen for this initial design because it is one of the most recognizable butterflies in North America.

“The Greeting Card Association is extremely pleased to see the Butterfly stamp become a reality,” said Valerie Cooper, the GCA’s executive vice president. “Our members have worked long and hard to help develop this special stamp to meet the needs of card senders.”

United States stamps artist Tom Engeman created his design of the monarch butterfly from images of mounted butterflies. The resulting image is a simplified version of a monarch instead of an exact depiction.

Ordering Monarch Butterfly First-Day Covers

For collectors of first-day covers, the Stamp Fulfillment Services department of the USPS offers first-day covers of the Monarch Butterfly stamp postmarked with the official first-day-of-issue cancellation. The Monarch Butterfly first-day cover can be found in the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog. Customers may request a free catalog by calling 800-STAMP-24 or writing to:

    * Information Fulfillment
    * Dept. #6270
    * U.S. Postal Service
    * PO Box 219014
    * Kansas City, MO 64121-9014

For those who prefer to buy stamps online, Monarch Butterfly U.S. postage stamps and first-day covers may be purchased at The Postal Store.

Postage Rate Increase in 2011

In 2011, postage rates will increase. The surcharge for non-machinable mail will increase from $0.20 to $0.21. Coupled with the increase in the current stamp price for first-class stamps from $0.44 to $0.46, the stamp price for a non-machinable envelope will be $0.67.