A question often asked by our customers concerns non-value indicator stamps and how to know their value. Here, we would like to clarify how these stamps work and how to use them.
Most stamps have a specific monetary value printed on them that clearly states their value. However, non-value indicator (NVI) stamps work differently. Instead of a specific monetary value, these stamps have a denomination indicating where they can be sent. The following NVI denominations are used by Åland Post: Lokalpost (local Åland), Inrikes (domestic Finland), Europa (Europe), Världen (the world) and Julpost (Christmas postage).
How do these denominations work?
The denomination of an NVI stamp corresponds to a specific value when you use it to send a letter or card. The value is determined by the current postage tariffs, and it changes in the event of a postage adjustment. This means that the value of an NVI stamp can actually increase over time.
The meaning of the different denominations is:
- Lokalpost: the value corresponds to Priority mail items within Åland weighing up to 50 grams.
- Inrikes: the value corresponds to mail items to Finland weighing up to 50 grams.
- Europa: the value corresponds to Priority mail items to the Nordics and Europe weighing up to 20 grams.
- Världen: the value corresponds to Priority mail items to the rest of the world weighing up to 20 grams.
- Julpost: the value corresponds to Christmas greetings within Åland and to Finland weighing up to 20 grams for a reduced price during a limited period in November and December. However, you can use a Julpost stamp at any time during the year, and the value will then be based on the most recent Julpost tariff until this is changed.
What are the current values of NVI stamps?
According to the current Åland postage tariffs, non-denominated stamps have the following values:
- Lokalpost (50 g Priority Åland): €2.90
- Inrikes (50 g Finland): €3.10
- Europa (20 g Priority, Nordics/Europe): €3.50
- Världen (20 g Priority, rest of the world): €3.70
- Julpost: (domestic Christmas mail) €1.60
When you know the current value of the various NVI stamps, you can also combine them and use them as additional postage when sending letters and packages in other weight classes to various destinations. The use of an NVI stamp is not limited to the area indicated on the stamp.
Åland stamps with a “1 klass” and “2 klass” denomination
You may also have seen stamps with a “1 klass” and ”2 klass” denomination? These denominations were previously used on Åland stamps instead of specific monetary values but were withdrawn from use in 2008. However, these stamps are still valid to use as postage for sending letters or cards.
- The value of a “1 klass” stamp corresponds to a letter or card sent by Priority up to 50 grams within Åland.
- The value of a ”2 klass” stamp corresponds to a letter or card sent by Economy up to 50 grams within Åland.
Their current values are:
- 1 klass: €2.90
- 2 klass: €2.50
Which Åland stamps are valid as postage?
Please note that old stamps without a currency symbol that were issued prior to the introduction of the euro in 2002, i.e. those with the denomination in Finnish marks, are no longer valid as postage. Valid as postage are stamps marked 'Åland' and:
- with a monetary value and dual currency symbol 'mk' and €.
- with a monetary value and the currency symbol €.
- with the denominations 1 klass, 2 klass and Julpost.
- with the denominations Lokalpost, Inrikes, Europa and Världen.
Summary
Non- value indicator stamps can be confusing at first glance, but they are very flexible and adapt to changing postage rates. Understanding what each denomination means and staying up to date with the current postage tariffs will help you get the most out of NVI stamps.
Do you have questions? Contact our customer service.