This may sound like a stupid question, but can United Nations Stamps actually be used to mail a letter? Searching the internet, all answers seem to dance around that question. I guess they can only be mailed from UN offices. Do they only deliver to other UN offices? Only UN countries? My research indicates that UN stamps are created mainly to be collected and not used.
The United Nations Postal Administration has agreements with the postal services of the host countries where its offices are housed to handle the mail. Thus you will find the stamps denominated in the rates for those countries.
Mail is delivered anywhere in the world, but you are right. Many years ago, the UNPA made it difficult for people to buy and use the UN stamps. That in turn has caused a major downturn in the popularity of UN stamps, and is a prime reason for the downward spiral in values of UN stamps.
Mail franked with United Nations stamps has to originate from UN offices (which officially are in their own "territory"), but can be sent anywhere in the world following UPU regulations. The UPU itself is a "specialized agency" of the United Nations.
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"All hobbies are absurd to those on the outside, and a joy to those within."
Thanks. It seemed (to me, anyway) that the United Nations Postal Service was more concerned about printing stamps that supported a 'cause' than actually delivering mail. Circles within circles, wheels within wheels...
George, you are correct. The UN issues many stamps inspired by political issues geared mostly for collectors. But then, tons of stamps are issued all over the world are issued to try to get collectors to buy them. Look at the deluge of stamps the USPS put out during the New York stamp exhibition. Other countries did likewise.
Yes, UN stamps can be used to mail letters. Our club uses them to mail out our show announcement postcards. The UN postage is affixed to to postcards and mailed in a bulk box to the UN office in New York. That office will then mail the cards out in lots of 100 (I believe) until they are all gone. I do not handle the mailings and do not know all the details, but I know there are limits on the quantity of items that can be sent to the UN for mailings. If you need specific information, I can find out more.
"... Mail franked with United Nations stamps has to originate from UN offices ..."
... and mail franked with Angolan stamps can only be mailed from Angola.
Q/ How many other postal agencies in the world (aside from the UN) will let you send them sealed personal mail (under cover) to be franked & posted from their locale?
Cheers,
/s/ ikeyPikey
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"I collect stamps today precisely the way I collected stamps when I was ten years old."
