Alaska News

Puffin stamp unveiled prior to rate increase

The U.S. Postal Service unveiled its new 86-cent stamp showing a pair of tufted puffins at the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward on Wednesday. The center was chosen in part due to a suggestion by Seward Postmaster Jerry Nassen. Only one U.S. location is selected for the First Day of Issue ceremony for a new stamp.

The picture on the stamp of two of the charismatic seabirds was done by artist Robert Giusti of Bridgewater, Conn. The Postal Service said the stamp would be good for mailing domestic first-class letters weighing up to 3 ounces both now and after rates go up on Jan. 27.

Rates for post cards and first-class letters will raise one cent to $0.33 and $0.46 respectively. Each additional ounce will cost $0.20 for letters. One ounce first class flat mail (large envelopes) will go from $0.90 to $0.92 and 1 ounce first class parcels will go from $1.64 to $1.69. First class international mail will go from $1.05 to $1.10 for the first ounce. Prices for packages, priority and express mail and other services will also increase.

Anchorage Daily News / adn.com

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