US forever stamps as an alternative "currency"

[swissaustrian]

Just read about this interesting inflation "hedge":

Forever Stamps - What Are Forever Stamps?

Forever Stamps are first-class stamps issued by the United States Postal Service. What makes them special is that you can buy them at the current first-class postage rate, and they remain valid even if that rate rises in the future.

If you assume postal rates will always rise and never sink, then Forever Stamps are a good investment. :wave:

If you enter mail-in sweepstakes, buying Forever Stamps can protect you from the additional risk associated with rising postage stamps.

Forever Stamps can be purchased from the United States Postal Service at your local post office, online, or by telephone.

The Canadian Post offers a similar product, the Permanent Stamp.

http://contests.about.com/od/f/g/foreverstamps.htm

Seems to be a great investment:

 

[pmbug]

Not sure how you trade/convert the stamps should you want to unlock the value of your investment in those stamps. I'm not aware of a large/liquid secondary market for them.

 

[swissaustrian]

Not sure how you trade/convert the stamps should you want to unlock the value of your investment in those stamps. I'm not aware of a large/liquid secondary market for them.

That's what I've asked myself, too. The USPS is probably not going to buy them back at "market" value. But who knows, maybe they are

 

[ancona]

Bwahahahyaha.....Isn't that how Charles Ponzi defrauded all those people in his postal scam??

 

[swissaustrian]

Bwahahahyaha.....Isn't that how Charles Ponzi defrauded all those people in his postal scam??

He promised returns on stamp investments that he couldn't deliver. In our case the returns are historically prooven (see the chart in the op).

 

[mike]

Just remember, the government can renege on anything. ANYTHING!

 

[ancona]

Sorry SA, no offense intended, just some unbridled sarcasm.

 

[Penn]

when ever there is a break in postage stamps trump the booze!


HA!!