/added 17 Aug 2009
Postage due items from USA to Sweden
1 Feb 1977 - 31 Jan 1978
US foreign surface letter rate 18 c
Swedish foreign surface letter rate 140 öre
US handstamp shows amount missing in US cents and US surface letter rate.
In Sweden the indicated fraction multiplied by 140 rounded up to nearest 5 öre and a handling fee of 100 öre were normally paid by affixing stamps on an advice card sent along with item by the Swedish post office. Items handed out at the window or by rural carriers may have the amount due affixed on the item.


Postcard with 9 cent. Correct rate 12 cent. Shortpaid 3 cent. US due handstamp shows deficiency 3 cent and surface letter rate 18 cent. In Sweden 3/18 multiplied by foreign letter rate 140 = 23.33 öre rounded up to 25 öre and handling fee 100 öre, totally 125 öre have been charged. The amont due has been affixed on the due advice card which was returned to the post office.