A more detailed specialized catalog of the United States is currently being constructed online. Many parts of it are available now. Click the link below to access it. Once the specialized catalog is completed, the USA chapter of the International catalog will be replaced by the US specialized catalog.
Part 3 covers software-generated stamps (PC stamps), those from public vending machines, and those used only in post offices and restricted to use by the military and other government agencies. Part 1 and Part 2 cover all stamps generated by stand-alone mechanical and digital meters available to the public. Click here to jump to Part 1: [1] and to Part 2: [2]
The stamps are grouped according to appearance and usage as follows:
Found in Part 1:
A - Early experimental stamps, 1897 - 1920
B - Square frank with wavy lines at the sides
C - Oval frank with wavy lines at the sides
D - Square or nearly square frank with simulated perforation frame
E - Frameless design containing text and arcs of various sizes
F - Wide rectangular frank with flying eagle in center
G - Wide rectangular frank with sitting eagle in center
H - Small rectangular frank with simulated perforation frame and separate town mark
Found in Part 2:
I - Frameless design with large sitting eagle in center
J - Square design with straight-line outer frame and separate town mark
K - Frameless or partially frameless design with torch in hand motif
L - Frank contains profile of complete eagle
M - Digital stamps with unframed eagle or eagle wing ornament
N - Digital stamps with torch-in-hand ornament
P - Simple rectangle with star ornaments
Q - Digital stamp with eagle head in oval ornament
R - Digital stamps without ornament except for manufacturer's name or initials
S - Digital stamps with flag ornament
Found in Part 3:
PC - Special designs generated by personal computer and printer
PO - Special designs generated only by machines in Post Offices
PV - Special designs generated only by self-service vending machines
OO - Special designs for official government mail use only
NOTES: 1) For specialized information about the meter stamps of the United States, see the United States Postage Meter Stamp Catalog, 2nd edition, 1994, and the 2001 Update by Joel Hawkins and Richard Stambaugh, privately published, Goodyear, Arizona.
2) The small green entries ("USPMSC: xxx") located above the Type number are the corresponding United States Postage Meter Stamp Catalog type numbers. If not present, the numbers are the same in both catalogs.
3) Most recently issued digital stamps include a 2-dimensional barcode in the design. In the United States three types have been used so far. They are the large rectangular "PDF417", square "Datamatrix", and small rectangular "IBI Lite" barcodes. The listings use these terms in the descriptions. The Datamatrix barcode can vary in size, and the PDF417 barcode can vary in both size and proportions.
An additional barcode found as a printable option with many digital stamps is the Facer Identification Mark or "FIM".
4) This catalog does not include self-service, public vending machine stamps that do not show a date and town name. These stamps are portable, i.e. they can be carried away and used at any future time and from any location and thus function as traditional adhesive stamps rather than meter stamps. These include “Postal Buddy” and the “Postal Mailing Center” stamps (ECA-Gard, Unisys). See the specialized catalog referenced in Note 1 for information about these issues.
GROUP PC: Special designs generated by personal computer[edit | edit source]
All the stamps listed here are valid only on the date generated. PC stamps with unrestricted validity, i.e. they can be saved for future use, are more like traditional stamps than meter stamps and are not cataloged here. This eliminates Type SD1 from the original version of this catalog and excludes all photostamps.
Group PC stamps can vary considerably in size, font styles, and color within the same stamp type depending on the users' printer settings, available fonts, etc. Size variations or colors other than black are unusual but should not be considered of great significance.
The stamps are found on plain paper, adhesive labels of various sizes, and with or without fluorescent tagging. As with color and font, paper or label type is a user controlled variable and not of great significance.
PC stamps are often found in a frame at the top right of large address labels. To the left of the stamp is a smaller frame containing a large letter or number representing the class of mail. Codes found are: '1' (first class), 'fcm' (first class), 'P' (priority), 'E' (express), 'M' (media), 'T' (parcel post), solid block (media, or other). Not all the codes are found with all the stamp types that use the labels.
* * *
NOTE: Several stamps in Group R resemble stamps in Group PC. If you don't find what you are looking for here, check there.
Sub-group PC-A: Franks from E-Stamp software, ID numbers with 05#E prefix[edit | edit source]
All have large, negative “e” at top right.
E-stamp ceased operations at the end of 2000.
USPMSC: RA1
PC-A1.1. E-Stamp (digital), 31 March 1998. [$10]
Town line and value figures across center, 2D "PDF417" barcode across bottom with identification number at bottom right.
Class of mail/ "US Postage”/ date at top center.
With or without "FIM" barcode at top left.
ID# with 051E, 052E or 053E prefix.
V/F: $0.00 , $0.00o , $ 0.00 o
a. With "Additional" instead of class of mail above "US Postage"
b. With recipient's identity at left below bar code field [very rare]
NOTE: First day covers have large value figures 4mm tall. (See image at right.) All subsequent stamps have smaller value figures between 2 and 3mm tall. Only 100 FDCs were prepared. They were sold for $100 each by E-Stamp in coordination with the National Postal Museum.
USPMSC: RA2
PC-A1.2. E-Stamp (digital), March 2000. [$10]
As Type PC-A1.1 but inscriptions are larger.
"e-stamp.com" at bottom left below 2D barcode.
ID# with 053E prefix.
V/F: $ 0.00
a. With "Additional" instead of class of mail above "US Postage" (shown)
Sub-group PC-B: Franks from Neopost software, ID numbers with 04#N or N04#N prefix[edit | edit source]
Always printed on labels with red-pink fluorescent stripe along the bottom and vertical "U.S. POSTAGE" at right.
Point-of-sale data bound by horizontal bars at top right: identification number, value figures, date, with “MAILED FROM” and ZIP code below the lower bar.
Two lines of micro-printing reading "NEOPOSTNEOPOST..." vertical at far right.
ID# with N042N prefix.
V/F: $0.00 $Ø.ØØø
USPMSC: SA1
PC-B3. Neopost “ProMail” (digital), 1998.
Stamp with square "Datamatrix" barcode at right.
Point-of-sale data centered at left with value figures at top and identification number at bottom.
Two lines of micro-printing reading "NEOPOSTNEOPOST..." vertical at far left.
Identification number with 04#N prefix.
Stamps printed on self-adhesive labels with fluorescent bar at left or right produced by an internet-connected labeling device.
A. Fluorescent bar at left
B. Fluorescent bar at right
V/F: $Ø.ØØø
Sub-group PC-C: Franks from Stamps.com software, ID numbers with 06#S prefix[edit | edit source]
USPMSC: RB1
PC-C1. StampMaster (digital), summer 1998. [$200]
Experimental stamp with negative “S”/Internet Postage ornament at top center.
Town line at bottom left of "PDF417" barcode.
Identification number with 061S prefix at bottom right.
V/F: $0.00o
USPMSC: RB2
PC-C2.1. Stamps.com (successor name to StampMaster) (digital), 1999.
Stamp with "PDF417" barcode.
“stamps.com” logo at top, right of center.
At top right are value figures/ "US POSTAGE”/ class of mail/ town line.
Identification number with 061S or 062S prefix below right of barcode.
With or without "FIM" barcode at top left.
V/F: $0.00o
a. With "ADDITIONAL POSTAGE" instead of class of mail below "US Postage"
b. With "CORRECTION" instead of class of mail below "US Postage"
NOTES:
The stamps.com logo can vary considerably in size.
The system could produce a re-date stamp without postage value, as shown (right).
USPMSC: RB3 PC-C2.2. Stamps.com (successor name to StampMaster) (digital), 2000.
As Type PC-C2.1 but with larger inscriptions.
Identification number with 062S prefix below right of 2D "PDF417" barcode.
Town line with town, state and ZIP code or with MAILED FROM and ZIP code.
V/F: $0.00o
a. With "ADDITIONAL POSTAGE" instead of class of mail below "US Postage"
b. With "CORRECTION" instead of class of mail below "US Postage"
NOTES:
The NOTES below PC-C2.1 apply to PC-C2.2 also.
These stamps can be printed directly to the mail piece or on labels. Stamps.com provided L-shaped labels with pink fluorescent bars along the top and right.
PC-C2.3. Stamps.com (digital), 2005.
Downloaded directly from the Stamps.com web site.
Stamps.com” logo at far right of 2D "PDF417" barcode.
At top left: postage value above "US POSTAGE" and class of mail.
At top right: identification number with 062S prefix above "FROM" and ZIP code.
A. Basic stamp without framing
B. Stamp at top right of address label with large mail class indicator to its left and the class of mail spelled out below.
V/F: $0.00 $00.00
a. With "COMMERCIAL BASE PRICING" below the rate statement.
PC-C2.4. Stamps.com (digital), 2005.
As Type PC-C2.3 but with rate statement instead of value figures.
Stamps.com logo right of "PDF417" barcode.
"US POSTAGE & FEES PAID" at top left above rate statement.
ID number with 062S prefix above mailer’s Zip code at top right.
A. Basic stamp without framing
B. Stamp at top right of address label with large mail class indicator or solid block to its left and the class of mail spelled out below.
a. With "COMMERCIAL BASE PRICING" or "COMMERCIAL PLUS PRICING" below the rate statement
b. With panel containing advertisement above the frank
PC-C2.5. Stamps.com (digital), 2014.
Similar to Type PC-C2.4 but the stamps.com logo is above the right end of the "PDF417" barcode.
One seen so far, in a large frame with tracking barcode at left.
Identification number with 062S prefix.
With "US POSTAGE & FEES PAID" instead of value figures.
PC-C2.6. Stamps.com (digital), 2015.
Very similar to Type PC-C2.3B but "U.S. POSTAGE" is right of the value figures rather than below them.
Identification number with 062S prefix.
V/F: $0.00 $00.00
PC-C3.1. Stamps.com (digital), 2007.
Stamp with horizontal "IBI Lite" barcode.
Small frank with value figures at top above "U.S. POSTAGE", class of mail, "FROM" ZIP code, and date.
Below the date are the stamps.com logo, the barcode, and identification number at bottom.
Identification number with 062S prefix.
V/F: $0.00o
PC-C3.2. Stamps.com (digital).
As Type PC-C3.1 but the "IBI Lite" barcode is vertical at right next to the identification number reading down at far right.
Identification number with 062S prefix.
V/F: $0.00o
a. Identification number omitted (shown at right)
b. "FROM" only, without ZIP code
NOTE: These stamps can be printed directly to the mail piece or on labels. Stamps.com provided L-shaped labels with pink fluorescent bars along the top and right.
PC-C4.1. Stamps.com (digital), 2011.
Frank similar to Type PC-C3.1 but it has a square Datamatrix barcode.
It appears in a large frame at the top of an address label.
Text at top shows the value figures, weight, "FROM" ZIP code, mail class, identification number, and date.
Identification number with 062S prefix.
The country name is not in the frank itself but is found at top left of the frame.
V/F: $0.00
PC-C4.2. Stamps.com (digital), 2011.
As Type PC-C4.1 but the text is at left of the square Datamatrix barcode rather than above.
It appears unframed at the top of an address label.
Identification number with 062S prefix.
The country name is not in the frank itself but is below and to its left.
A. With value figures
B. Without value figures
V/F: $0.00
USPMSC: SA2
PC-C4.3. Stamps.com (digital), 2002.
Very wide design with large "Delivery Confirmation" 1D barcode at center and square Datamatrix barcode at right.
Above the 2D barcode are the weight, ZIP code, ID# with 062S prefix, and date.
At far left is the class of mail above “US POSTAGE PAID”.
A. Without value figures. The "stamps.com" logo is below the 2D barcode.
B. With "stamps.com" logo and value figures at top above the 2D barcode: $0.00
C. Without value figures but otherwise as B, with "stamps.com" logo at top
a. Without tracking barcode at center
USPMSC: SA2
PC-C4.4. Stamps.com (digital), 2002.
Downloaded directly from the Stamps.com web site.
Square Datamatrix barcode at right with "stamps.com" reading up to its right.
Text left justified as follows:
Value figures at top above "US POSTAGE", mail class, date, ID number, and ZIP code
Identification number with 062S prefix.
A. Value figures above "US POSTAGE. V/F: $0.00
B. Without value figures. "US POSTAGE & FEES PAID" above date, ID# with 062S prefix, ZIP code, rate statement
USPMSC: RG2
PC-C5.1. Stamps.com (digital).
With "DPDF417" barcode as with Types PC-C2.1 through PC-C2.5 but without "stamps.com" logo.
Top panel contains USPS eagle logo and Click-N-Ship® logo.
Value figures and "US POSTAGE" at left.
Tracking number above the barcode.
Identification number with 062S prefix.
V/F: $0.00, $00.00
a. With "Commercial Base Pricing" immediately below the 2D barcode
PC-C5.2. Stamps.com (digital).
Similar to Type PC-C5.1 but very wide imprint with Click-N-Ship® logo above usps.com (without the eagle-head logo)/ "US POSTAGE / PAID" at left.
Along the bottom are the weight, date, Mailed from ZIP code, and identification number with "062S" prefix.
"Commercial Base Pricing" is immediately below the barcode.
Without value figures; rate statement only.
It appears that this stamp is generated only for International Priority and Express mail services.
Two versions are known:
A. Tracking barcode at far left in the panel. Smaller lower panel contains the mail class statement.
B. Smaller stamp, traditional barcode at center of panel, USPS logo at far left. A Customs Declaration statement appears above the traditional barcode. No lower panel containing a mail class statement, and no indication anywhere of the mail service being used.
Sub-group PC-D: Franks from Pitney Bowes software, ID numbers with 02#P, 02#W, or 07#P prefix[edit | edit source]
Very wide design with square "Datamatrix" barcode at right and large tracking barcode at center.
Above the 2D barcode are the date, ZIP code, weight, and "Pitney Bowes".
Below the 2D barcode is the ID number with 024P prefix.
At far left is “US POSTAGE PAID” above the class of mail.
A. With rate statement instead of value figures.
B. With value figures above the date
a. With "Commercial Based Pricing" added between the barcode and the ID number
PC-D4.4. Pitney Bowes (presumed to be “Shipstream Manager” ) (digital), 2013.
Similar to Type PC-D4.3 but with the elements rearranged.
The identification number, date, "From" Zip code, and weight are below the square "Datamatrix" barcode.
The tracking barcode is at far left rather than center.
At near left of the Datamatrix barcode is "Pitney Bowes".
"US POSTAGE PAID" and the mail class are at far left above the tracking barcode.
Identification number with 024P prefix.
A. With value figures above "Pitney Bowes": $0.00
B. Without value figures
a. With "ComBasPrice" below "Pitney Bowes" (shown)
PC-D4.5. Pitney Bowes (digital), 2006.
Similar to Type PC-D3.2 but with square DataMatrix barcode instead of "PDF417" barcode.
“US POSTAGE PAID” at top center above "Pitney Bowes", a rate statement, and the identification number with 024P prefix.
If present the value figures are at upper left above the date and ZIP code (and weight if present).
A. With value figures. V/F: $0.00 [scarce]
B. Without value figures but with rate statement
C. As B but the service indicator box at left is narrower (not square) and the contained letter is outlined rather than solid. Also the lettering in the panel at bottom is smaller.
D. As C but with value figures. V/F: $0.00
a. With "Commercial Base Pricing" or "ComBasPrice" immediately below the "Pitney Bowes"
b. With "Commercial Plus Pricing" or "ComPlsPrice" immediately below the "Pitney Bowes"
NOTE: The stamps have been seen with both the ebay logo and www.paypal.com at upper right.
As Type PC-D4.5 but with "www.pbSmartPostage.com" instead of the eBay logo.
Identification number with 024P prefix.
A. With value figures. V/F: $0.00
B. Without value figures but with rate statement
a. With "Commercial Base Pricing" immediately below the "Pitney Bowes"
Sub-group PC-E: Franks from Envelope Manager (Endicia) software, ID numbers mostly with 07#V prefix but also 07#M, 07#S, and without ID number[edit | edit source]
“endicia.com” or "endicia.com/mac" at bottom left of "PDF417" barcode.
“US POSTAGE” at top right.
Stacked at center: value figures / class of mail / date / town line.
ID# with 071M, 071S, or 071V prefix at bottom right.
With or without "FIM" barcode at top left.
A. Basic stamp without framing
B. The stamp is in a frame with large mail class indicator at left and the class of mail spelled out below.
V/F: $0.00 $0.000
a. Top portion above 2D barcode shifted far to the left (shown at right). This may be the result of inconsistent software rather than printer variables.
Similar to Type PC-E1.2 but with rate statement instead of value figures.
“POSTAGE AND FEES PAID” at top above date, ZIP code, and rate statement.
“endicia.com” at bottom left
Identification number with 071M or 071V prefix
A. Basic stamp without framing
B. The stamp is in a frame with large mail class indicator at left and the class of mail spelled out below.
a. "endicia.com/mac" at lower left, produced by systems designed for Apple computer users
b. With text above bar code shifted significantly to left or right. This may be the result of inconsistent software rather than printer variables.
c. With "Commercial Base Pricing" or "Commercial Base Price" added below the rate statement
d. With "Commercial Plus Pricing" added below the rate statement
e. As B, with question mark after the mail class statement: PRIORITY MAIL 2-DAY? (This may be a computer error with the question mark printing in place of a registration mark (R in circle).)
f. Without the panel containing the class of mail below the frank
Found only on the top of large address labels downloaded directly from the USPS web site.
In wide box at right is the 2D "PDF417" barcode.
To the left of the 2D barcode are "US POSTAGE" vertical, "WWW.USPS.COM", value figures, and date.
A series of nine 4-digit numbers is above the 2D barcode, and the ZIP code and identification number with 071V prefix are below.
Very large “P” (for Priority Mail) or “E” (for Express Mail) in box at left.
Across the bottom is the class of mail spelled out.
V/F: $0.00 $00.00
PC-E2.1. Endicia.com (digital), 2010.
Square "DataMatrix" barcode at right with "endicia.com" reading down at far right.
Text from top, at left of barcode: "US POSTAGE AND FEES PAID", mail class (may be omitted), date (mmm dd yyyy), ZIP code, rate statement (may be omitted).
Later stamps also include a second, more specific, rate statement. (see the image for "b" below)
ID# with 071S or 071V prefix below 2D barcode.
a. Datamatrix barcode omitted
b. Text at top truncated: "US POSTAGE AND FEES P"
c. Printed on short label containing tracking bar code but not the destination address
d. Printed on very short label showing the frank but not the tracking bar code
PC-E2.2. Endicia.com (digital), 2014.
Similar to Type PC-E2.1 with square "DataMatrix" barcode, but it has value figures at upper left.
Inscribed US POSTAGE" alone at top.
ID# with 071V prefix seen.
V/F: $00.00
PC-E2.3. Endicia.com (digital), 2015.
Similar to Types PC-E2.1 and PC-E2.2 but "U.S. POSTAGE" is lower, below the date and ZIP code.
The value figures are at far left.
One seen, with "FIM" bar code at upper left.
ID# with 071V prefix seen.
V/F: $00.00
PC-E2.4. Endicia.com (digital), 2016.
Similar to Type PC-E2.1 but inscribed "U.S. POSTAGE PAID" without "AND FEES". Also the inscription is centered rather than high.
Below "US POSTAGE PAID" is "From ZIP ##### and a rate statement.
Rather than a large mail classification code, the mailer's name and address is found in the box at left.
Nearly identical to Types PC-C5.2 (Stamps.com) and PC-D3.3 (Pitney Bowes) except for the identification number which has "071V" prefix.
Sub-group PC-F: Franks generated by "ePostage" software, with "e-Postage" or variant in the frank[edit | edit source]
E-Postage is a system designed for merchants who sell their wares through online marketplaces.
Apparently merchants have some control over the appearance of the stamp. The e-Postage designation is found in different fonts. The frank box is found in a variety of sizes with contents left justified or centered.
When inaugurated in September 2011 only certain mail services were available to the e-Postage system: Express Mail, Priority Mail, First-Class Mail parcels, Package Services (except Library Mail), and Parcel Select barcoded nonpresort.
What is common to all e-Postage stamps is that the frank box contains e-Postage (or variant), U.S. POSTAGE PAID (or variant), and the mailer's identification.
PC-F1. "ePostage" (digital), September 2011.
Always appearing on large address label with the top section having a large enclosed mail-service letter at left and a frank box at right above a panel containing the mail class.
The central section contains the return address, date, and addressee.
At bottom is the tracking barcode and number.
The stamp shows no value figures, only the class of mail.
The stamp shows no identification number except the tracking number.
A. With single-line border surrounding the complete design, printed on label 135 mm tall
B. With no outer border, printed on smaller label, 115 mm tall
Known variations:
a. Mail class shown in the frank box
b. Incomplete box around mail-service letter at upper left
c. Mailer's name repeated at top outside the frank box
Sub-group PC-G: Franks generated by "easypost" software, with "easypost" in the frank[edit | edit source]
Easypost is a software company that provides companies with integrated shipping options through USPS and several private carriers.
The company was founded in 2012 although the first stamp came to our attention in 2016.
PC-G1. "easypost" (digital), 2016 but possibly as early as 2012.
The one stamp we have seen appears on a large address label.
The stamp contains a PDF417 barcode which sits under "US POSTAGE AND FEES PAID" and easypost at the right of the stamp.
Left of the barcode are the date, ZIP code, "CID" (number), and COMBASE (with no value figures).
Along the bottom are the weight and identification number with "0901" prefix.
GROUP PO: Special Post Office machine stamps with no counterpart among general use meter stamps[edit | edit source]
USPMSC: POX-A1
PO1. International Business Machine (MV), February 6, 1935 to May 23, 1938.
IBM built six or possibly seven machines designed primarily for franking parcel post but which were used for other classes of mail as well.
The stamps are similar to Group E stamps in that they are printed on tapes of the same size and have groups of wavy lines in the corners.
"U.S. POSTAGE" at top, meter number and town name at bottom
Meter number with "METER" prefix and "P.O." suffix
Across the center are a serial number, the weight and zone, and at right the value figures.
Meter numbers:
00001, NEW YORK, N.Y. [$50]
00002, WASHINGTON, D.C. [$250]
00003, PHILADELPHIA, PA. [$250]
00004, NEW YORK, N.Y. [$150]
00005, WASHINGTON, D.C. [$50]
00007 [Used for a short time by the retailer Montgomery Ward in Chicago, Illinois and not in a post office. Examples have never been seen or reported by collectors.]
V/F: $ .00 $ 0.00
a. With "FEE" replacing weight and zone number in center of stamp, intended to indicate payment for extra services such as special delivery, insurance, etc.
NOTES:
Catalog values are for loose tapes. Examples on cover or large piece are extremely rare.
No information about meter 00006 has ever been found.
USPMSC: POX-B1
PO2. National Cash Register (MV), 1959. [Extremely rare, value unknown]
Used in Alexandria, Virginia post office for five months in 1959.
Although about 50,000 stamps were sold, only a single cover with two 2-cent stamps affixed is known to survive.
"U.S. POSTAGE PAID" at top followed by "N.C.R. METER No. 1234", and "Alexandria, Va. P/ O.".
The date is in the center, and the value figures are at the bottom.
Columns of arcs are located at both sides. Possibly these are end-of-roll markings and not part of the stamp design.
V/F: $ 0.00
USPMSC: POX-C1
PO3. Electronic Communications, Inc. (National Cash Register) (MV), 1974. [$20]
Used at various post offices in Flushing, New York from 1974 to about the mid-1980s.
Horizontal design with outer frame line at top and sides with rounded corners.
Profile of eagle at left looking right.
Text at right is "US POSTAGE/ FLUSHING/ NY 113".
Added in a separate step across the bottom are the meter number, date and postage value.
M# with "NCR"" prefix.
V/F: .00 0.00
a. With "REGISTERED NO" and number added across the bottom [$30 loose stamp, $100 on cover]
b. Without meter number, blank below "NCR" and eagle. This was an error produced by machine NCR271 for a short time.[$50 as loose stamp, not known on cover]
USPMSC: POX-C2
PO4. Electronic Communications, Inc. (National Cash Register) (MV), 1978. [$20]
Very similar to Type PO3 but the design is somewhat smaller, and the outer frame has square corners.
V/F: .00 0.00
a. With "REGISTERED NO" and number added across the bottom (shown) [$30 loose stamp, $100 on cover]
USPMSC: POX-D1
PO5. Friden (Frama) (MV), August 1984 to February 1985. [$40]
Rectangular design with single outer frame line indented deeply at left for the date.
Above the date is the town name and below is the state abbreviation.
At right two shafts of wheat flank an inner box containing the value figures.
Above the value figures is "U.S. POSTAGE" and below is "PAID" above the meter number.
Meter numbers 7000001 through 7000039 used in five cities:
BOSTON MA, PHILADELPHIA PA, CHARLOTTE NC, ST. LOUIS MO, and SAN JOSE CA.
V/F: 00.00
USPMSC: POX-E1, POX-E2
PO6. Intermec (digital), July 31, 1985.
Printed thermally on heat-sensitive, self-adhesive labels with fluorescent stripe at right.
The design is of an eagle with wings spread over boxes containing town and date at left and "U.S. POSTAGE" above value figures at right.
Below the date is the meter number with "U.S.P.S." prefix.
A. V/F: 000.00 (M# 123456 only, Vienna VA, July 31, 1985 to January 1986) [$30]
B. V/F: 0.00 (M# 000009-000012, Vienna VA, January to March 1986) [$200]
C. V/F: 0.00 (M# I8600000 series, Vienna VA, Washington DC, Tampa FL, St. Petersburg FL, Largo FL, Clearwater FL, Arvada CO, and Denver CO. Most machines were withdrawn from use by 1989 although at least one in Tampa remained in use till late 1993.) [$15]
a. Date with 3-letter abbreviation for the month [$25]
NOTES:
Town names are variable, with all capitals or with mixed case, with or without ZIP code, and with or without "PO".
Sub-type C stamps are found both with and without anti-peel slits cut into their edges. Sub-types A and B are not known with the anti-peel slits.
USPMSC: POX-F1/3
PO7. MOS Corporation/Unisys (digital), April 16, 1992.
Large round-cornered self-adhesive labels with red, orange or pink stripe along the top.
At left is a right-facing standing eagle with wings raised.
At center right, "U.S. POSTAGE/ PAID"/ town line/ ZIP code/ date/ "AMOUNT"/ value figures/ identification number
The ID number consists of an 8-digit machine number and a 2-digit operator number (00000000 – 00).
A. Without bar code, used for any class of mail.
B. With 3 mm tall "Postnet" barcode across bottom of stamp. "AMOUNT" and value figures are moved to the center of the stamp. Used for large flat items.
C. With large 18 mm barcode in center of stamp. Used for parcels.
V/F: $0.00 $00.00
a. With generic town line "UNIT CITY, ST"
b. Tape inverted with fluorescent stripe across the bottom
c. Postage Due stamp. Town line includes "PD BR"(Postage Due Branch). One reported: "TAMPA PD BR FL".
NOTES:
For mail brought to the post office clerk with postage applied, the machine would print non-postage labels showing a barcode of the destination ZIP code. The machine could also produce labels with a tracking number barcode, both labels shown at right.
In addition to sub-type c these stamps have been used to collect Postage Due but without a usage indicator in the town line.
USPMSC: POX-F4/6
PO8. MOS/Unisys (digital), 1995.
Nearly identical to Type PO7, but the USPS logo is changed to a streamlined eagle's head in a black slanted rectangle.
A. Without bar code
B. With 3 mm tall bar code across bottom of stamp
C. With large 18 mm bar code in center of stamp
V/F: $0.00 $00.00
a. With generic town line "UNIT CITY, ST"
b. Tape inverted with fluorescent stripe across the bottom
USPMSC: POX-F7
PO9. MOS/Unisys (digital), August 1995. [extremely rare, value unknown]
Experimental stamp, as Type PO8 but the labels are from experimental self-stick liner-less coil rolls.
The labels are larger and have square corners.
Used only on one machine at Merrifield, Virginia in August and September 1995.
V/F: $0.00 $00.00
PO10. Pitney Bowes (digital), 2008.
At left, large “CPU” above ID# and mail class indicator.
At center, “U.S. POSTAGE” above value figures, date and Zip code.
At right, large 2D "Datamatrix" barcode.
Printed on self-adhesive labels with fluorescent pink stripe at far right.
Used by contract post offices (contract postal units).
All examples seen so far have identification number with “PB 1P 000” prefix.
V/F: $ 0.00o
a. Without pink stripe at far right
PO11. Toshiba (digital), 2014.
Wide self-adhesive label, 35mm tall, with square corners and with fluorescent strip at right invisible in daylight, visible only under UV light.
USPS logo at left, tall bar code above destination ZIP code in center, point-of-sale data at right, all printed in black.
The frank is very similar to Type PO8C except for the smaller USPS logo and the stripeless, square-cornered label.
Identification number below value figures, with "00" prefix.
V/F: $(00)0.00
a. Without bar code and destination ZIP code
NOTE: This stamp is from a system that replaced the MOS/Unisys system (PO7/-8/-9) that has been used in post offices since 1995.
Very similar to Type PO11 but with smaller USPS logo and much wider value figures.
The label, at 39mm, is taller than PO11.
Identification number with "R2" prefix.
Several other smaller differences exist.
V/F: $(00)0.00
a. Without bar code and destination ZIP code" similar to PO11a.
PO13. Toshiba (digital), 2014.
Framed design with top panel containing USPS logo and "Retail".
Panel at bottom contains the mail class.
Large central area contains a cut-out at upper left holding a letter indicating the class of mail.
At center is "US POSTAGE PAID" above the value figures.
In small print below the mail class letter are the origin ZIP code, weight, date, and an identification number.
Mail class symbols seen are "F" for First Class, "P" for Priority mail, and "X" for "Retail Ground" and probably other classes of mail.
The stamp is found at the top of a large label containing a tracking number at the bottom (shown above right). This stamp is apparently used only on mail with tracking. It is generated by the same system that produces types PO11 and PO12.
The label is 135 mm tall, and the tracking barcode is 83 mm wide.
Note that the "X" shown on the document is a cross-out (not an "X") indicating I don't know what, possibly bulk rate mail. The illustration for PO13a at lower right shows the actual "X".)
V/F: $(00)0.00
a. Without outer frame line. The label is shorter at 115 mm (most easily identifiable in the shorter field between the mail class text and the tracking barcode). The tracking barcode is narrower at 62 mm.
NOTE: For some Priority ("P") mail labels (only those for express 1-day service?) the panel between the mail class panel and the bar code contains "Expected Delivery Day" and date.
PO14. Stamps.com (digital), late 2013.
Except for textual element similar in appearance to several PC-F and PC-G types, especially PC-C5B.
"US POSTAGE" above "mPOS" at upper left of "PDFD417" style 2D barcode.
ID number with "062S" prefix at upper right above "FROM" and ZIP code.
At right of barcode are the value figures, a 4-digit number, and the date.
This stamp comes from a mobile point-of-sale system used by postal employees roving through customers lined up for service in post offices. The system can handle simple transactions thereby saving some customers the need to stand in line. One of the services offered is the printing of flat rate Priority Mail stamps which is currently the only type of stamp available from the system.
V/F: $(00)0.00
PO15. Toshiba (digital), 2017.
Large “CPU” at left, large 2D "Datamatrix" barcode at center.
At right, “U.S. POSTAGE” above value figures and other data as follows: mail class and number, originating ZIP code, date, and number of unknown meaning.
Found both with and without destination and code below originating ZIP code.
At left of this data, reading up vertically, is an alpha-numeric code starting with R2305P, and at left, also reading up, is identification code 06 2S.
Printed on plain white self-adhesive labels.
Used by contract post offices (contract postal units).
V/F: $(00)0.00
PO16. Unidentified (digital), 2017.
Large label version of Type PO15 with large mail class indicator in box at left.
“CPU” is vertical left of identification code 06 2S at lower right of frank.
Used by contract post offices (contract postal units).
V/F: $(00)0.00
GROUP PD: Post Office machine stamps with no counterpart to general use meter stamps, used for collecting Postage Due[edit | edit source]
USPMSC: PDX-A1
PD1. Intermec (digital), 1986.
Similar to Type PO6 but with a large "POSTAGE DUE" in white on black panel.
A. Meter number 123456 [Extremely rare, value unknown]
B. Meter number 000009-000012 (Vienna, VA) [Extremely rare, value unknown]
C. Meter number in I8600000 series [$20 as loose tape, $100 on cover]
V/F: 0.00
a. Date with 3-letter abbreviation for the month [$200]
NOTES:
As with Type PO6 town names are variable, with all capitals or with mixed case, with or without ZIP code, and with or without "PO".
Sub-type B stamps are found both with and without anti-peel slits.
Postage Due stamps with meter number 123456 (as Type PO6A) probably were used but examples have not been seen or reported.
GROUP PV: Special designs generated by public-access, self-service vending machines[edit | edit source]
All the stamps listed here are valid only on the date generated. Vending machine stamps with unrestricted validity, i.e. they can be saved for future use, are more like traditional stamps than meter stamps and thus are not included. This eliminates Types PV6 through PV13 from the original version of this catalog.
For other public-access, self service vending machine stamps see types G4a, G4b, IA3k, IA3l, and IA3m.
USPMSC: VM-A-GA1
PV1. Pitney Bowes "Mailomat" (MV), 14 October 1936 to 11 October 1937. [$20]
This is the first of a series of "Mailomat" designs.
The term was copyrighted by Pitney Bowes to represent their coin-operated vending machines.
This first design is a small rectangle with simulated perforation frame surrounding a circular town mark at left and vertical value box at right.
Across the bottom is "P.B. METER 100".
TM: SC
V/F: 00 (to 64)
USPMSC: VM-A-GB1
PV2. Pitney Bowes "Mailomat" (MV), 20 December 1937 to 25 August 1938. [$30]
Frank is wider than Type PV1 with spread-winged eagle facing right between the town mark and the value box.
"U.S. POSTAGE" in scroll above the eagle, "PAID" in scroll above the value box.
One machine only, M# "P.B. METER/ 101" below the value box.
TM: SC
V/F: . 00
USPMSC: VM-A-GB2
PV3. Pitney Bowes "Mailomat" (MV), April 1939. [$15]
Similar to Type PV2 but the eagle is facing left.
Three stars are above the eagle, and "U.S. POSTAGE" is curved at the top of the value box.
Meter number with "P.B. METER" prefix below the eagle.
Two machines only, M# 101 and 51001.
TM: SC
V/F: . 00
a. "P" and "O" at sides of TM (identifies a machine located in a post office lobby)
USPMSC: VM-A-IB1
PV4. Pitney Bowes "Mailomat" (LV-13), 7 October 1942. [$20]
Small design similar to sub-group IB.
No outer frame. "U.S. POSTAGE" across entire top of stamp.
Large eagle in center facing right with head above narrow value box.
One machine only, M# "P.B. METER/ 52000".
TM: SC
V/F: .00
NOTE: The Mailomats used other stamp designs besides types PV1 through PV4, but they are identical to general use stamps and can be identified only by the meter number. See Types G4a, G4b, IA3k, IA3l, and IA3m for these Mailomat stamps.
USPMSC: VMX-A1
PV5. Design & Development, Inc. "Parcel Post Mailing Facility" (MV), used for 37 days from 14 May to 20 June 1973. [$200]
Frameless design printed through a ribbon onto large, 72 mm wide labels.
A column of small stars bisects the stamp.
At left: "US POSTAGE" / service categories / year and month / "JACKSONVILLE, FL" / and USPS eagle logo at bottom
At right: total postage / postage per service / date and AM/PM / meter number "0000 01" / transaction number at bottom
The stamp is printed through a purple ribbon on pink paper with a canary yellow carbonless backing sheet used as a receipt. Miscuts were common.
One machine only
V/F: $00 .00
NOTES:
The printing on these stamps has not fared well over time. Shown above is a fairly good example in natural color and at right a black and white image with the printing enhanced. Also shown is a stamp faded nearly to extinction but with a special postmark that was used to stamp mail franked by the machine.
Most examples known are philatelic without the special postmark. Covers with the postmark are extremely rare.
GROUP OO: Special designs used for official government mail only[edit | edit source]
All these stamps have a corresponding general issue stamp type but are cataloged separately because of substantial differences in the frank designs.
Sub-group OO-A: Corresponding to Group I stamps[edit | edit source]
With "U.S. OFFICIAL MAIL" across top, without eagle. Penalty statement between TM and value box
USPMSC: OO-IA4, OO-IA10
OO-A1. Pitney Bowes "R" series (MV) , 6 September 1974.
Corresponds to Type IA5.
V/F: ≋00 : (wide decimal)
a. Value figures with narrow decimal. M# 639879 only. This is the first Official Mail meter stamp [$100]
b. TM with "P/O" at sides [$20]
USPMSC: OO-IC3B, OO-IC4, OO-IC8B,
OO-A2. Pitney Bowes "5300" series (MV), 1979.
Corresponds to Type IA8.
V/F: ≋.00 ≋.00≋ ≋0.00
a. TM with "P/O" at sides [$5]
b. TM with "US/PS" at sides
USPMSC: OO-ID2, OO-ID3
OO-A3. Pitney Bowes "5700" series (MV).
Corresponds to Type IA10.
V/F: ≋.00≋ ≋0.00
USPMSC: OO-IE1
OO-A4. Pitney Bowes "6500" series (MV).
Corresponds to Type IA11.
V/F: ≋0 .00≋
a. TM with "P/O" at sides [$5]
b. TM with "US/PS" at sides [$5]
USPMSC: OO-IF1
OO-A5. Pitney Bowes "6900" series (MV).
Corresponds to Type IC1.
V/F: ≋0.00 ≋
USPMSC: OO-IG1
OO-A6. Pitney Bowes "A900" series (MV).
Corresponds to Type IC2A.
V/F: ≋ 0 .00 ≋
a. Right frame line missing
USPMSC: OO-IH1
OO-A7. Pitney Bowes "Paragon" (MV).
Corresponds to Type IC3.
V/F: ≋ 0 .00 ≋
Sub-group OO-B: Corresponding to Group J[edit | edit source]
"U.S. OFFICIAL MAIL / U.S. POSTAGE" across top
OO-B1. Postalia (MV), 1978.
Corresponds to Types J1 and J2.
With "PENALTY/FOR" at left and "PRIVATE USE $300" across bottom above meter number.
M# with "POSTALIA" prefix.
M# in 6000000 - 613000 series.
V/F: ≋.00
OO-B2. Postalia (MV). [$25]
Corresponds to Types J1 and J2.
With "PENALTY/FOR PRIVATE USE $300" across bottom above meter number.
M# with "F" prefix. M# in 510000 and 520000 series.
V/F: ≋0.00 ≋.00≋
OO-C7. Friden-Alcatel “9257, 9258” (MV). [$5]
As Type OO-C6 but four small stars and two large stars at right.
V/F: ≋0.00 ≋.00≋
a. Without vertical frame lines at left and top right
Sub-group OO-D: Corresponding to Group L stamps[edit | edit source]
"U.S OFFICIAL MAIL/U.S. POSTAGE" in top panel
OO-D1. Hasler "Mailmaster" (MV), 1982.
Corresponds to Type LA1.
Horizontal rectangular frank with panels at top and bottom, three stars at right.
TM: SC in small, medium and large sizes (25, 27 and 29mm)
A. Three stars with point up
B. Three smaller stars with point down
V/F: 0.00 0.00 : 00.00
a. Wide value figures breaking into the stars at right.
V/F: 00.00o00.00 :
b. Inner panel lines broken in center
Sub-group OO-E: Corresponding to Group M stamps[edit | edit source]
Eagle head and wing ornament
OO-E1. Pitney Bowes “PostPerfect” (digital). [Appears to be scarce, value unknown]
Corresponds to Type M2.
Penalty statement at top left.
“U.S. OFFICIAL MAIL” with a star at each side across the top above the eagle.
M# with “PB” prefix.
V/F: $000.00o
OO-E2. Pitney Bowes “U700” (digital). [Appears to be rare, value unknown]
Corresponds to Type M4.
Similar to Type OO-E1 but “U.S. OFFICIAL MAIL” without stars to the left above smaller eagle.
Three small bars along right side.
M# with “PB” prefix.
V/F: $000.00o
OO-E3. Pitney Bowes “U700” (digital). [Appears to be rare, value unknown]
Corresponds to Type M5.
Very similar to Type OO-E2 but wider design with stars at right instead of the small bars.
M# with “PB” prefix.
Town mark is negative lettering in solid bar.
V/F: $000.00o
OO-E4. Pitney Bowes “DM300” (digital). [Appears to be rare, value unknown]
Corresponds to Type M6.
Larger eagle above "U.S. OFFICIAL MAIL".
"PITNEY BOWES" inside the wing at right.
M# with “PB” prefix.
V/F: $000.00o
a. With “LOW VALUE” inserted between “U.S. OFFICIAL MAIL” and the value figures, found on stamps with postage value below the first class postcard rate.
OO-E5. Pitney Bowes "DM" series (digital), 2002.
Corresponds to Type M9.
“U.S. OFFICIAL MAIL” above penalty statement at top right.
M# in 0002 or 0004 series with 02 1(letter) prefix: 1A, 1M, 1P, and 1R seen.
A. The ends of the wing feathers at upper right are all different lengths with longest at top
B. The ends of top two wing feathers are equal in length
TM: Straight line across bottom
V/F: $00.00o
OO-E6. Pitney Bowes “DM Infinity” (digital).
Corresponds to Types M11A and B.
With “US OFFICIAL MAIL” and stars at top above penalty statement.
ID# with 21 prefix.
A. Large 2D "Datamatrix" barcode
B. Small 2D "IBI Lite" barcode
V/F: $00.00o
OO-E7. Pitney Bowes “Connect+” (digital).
Corresponds to Types M13.
“US OFFICIAL MAIL” and penalty statement at top with ">>" between.
ID# with "02 1W" prefix.
V/F: $000.00o
Sub-group OO-F: Corresponding to Group N stamps[edit | edit source]
OO-F1. Neopost "SM26" (MV), 1998. [Appears to be scarce, value unknown]
Corresponds to Type N1.
Frame lines at top and bottom.
Penalty statement vertical at left, “U.S. POSTAGE” in negative lettering reading up at right.
“U.S. OFFICIAL MAIL” above the value figures in center.
“N METER" above M# at lower right.
TM: Straight line at top
V/F: $0.00o
Sub-group OO-G: Corresponding to Group P stamps[edit | edit source]
No outer frame line, "U.S OFFICIAL MAIL / U.S. POSTAGE" across top
OO-G1. Neopost "4400" (MV), 1983.
Corresponds to Type P1.
Without frame lines. With column of stars at right.
M# with large “N” prefix at bottom.
Penalty statement between town mark and value figures with two stars below.
TM: SC
V/F: ≋0.000 000.00
Sub-group OO-H: Corresponding to Group Q stamps[edit | edit source]
OO-H1. Francotyp-Postalia "MyMail" (digital).
Corresponds to Type Q1.
Frank without outer frame line but with two inner horizontal lines.
Top section contains “U.S. OFFICIAL MAIL” above penalty statement at left separated by a column of stars from “U.S. POSTAGE” and the value figures at right.
Bottom section contains date, meter number with "FP0" prefix plus alpha-numeric coding.
Town line in center section.
V/F: $00.00
Sub-group OO-I: Corresponding to Group R stamps[edit | edit source]
NOTE: See also Type R2a for an Official Mail stamp.
OO-I1. Neopost “IJ25/IJ45” (digital), 2004.
Corresponds to Type R4B.
“US OFFICIAL MAIL, penalty statement, and “US POSTAGE” reading up at right.
2D barcode at left.
M# with 043J prefix
A. “HASLER” reading up between barcode and frank (01#H)
B. “N neopost ” reading up between barcode and frank (04#J)
[$10]
$0.00 , 
$0.00
V/F: 
$00.00
[$50]
$0.00 
