War Savings stamps were issued by the Treasury Department.  Several organizations, including the U.S. Post Office, sold War Savings stamps to help fund World Wars I (1917-18) and II (1942-45).  The success of the programs reflect determination of average Americans to support the war efforts.

War Savings stamps issued during World War I were avail...  more

War Savings stamps were issued by the Treasury Department.  Several organizations, including the U.S. Post Office, sold War Savings stamps to help fund World Wars I (1917-18) and II (1942-45).  The success of the programs reflect determination of average Americans to support the war efforts.

War Savings stamps issued during World War I were available in 25¢ and $5 denominations.  The $5 War Savings stamp cost $4.12 when issued and increased one cent each month until maturity.  The Boy Scouts of America alone sold $53 million War Savings stamps during World War I.

Children were encouraged to purchase the 25¢ stamps and provided with a special card to paste 20 stamps.  Completed cards could be exchanged for a $5 War Savings stamp by paying the difference between their $4 value and the current price of the $5 stamp.

Denominations of 10¢, 50¢, and $1 were added during World War II.  The War Savings stamps of World War II were redeemable in the form of U.S. Treasury War Certificates, Defense Bonds, or War Bonds.