/revised 26 Jul 2005
Postage due items from USA to Sweden
30 Jun1948/23 May 1949 to 19 Jan 1950
US foreign surface letter rate 5 c
US Conversion rate 1 US cent = 3 goldcentimes (the conversion rate was officially changed to 3 gctm on 1 Jul 1948 but items with the old rate, 5 gctm have been recorded as late as 23 May 1949)
Swedish conversion rate 1 goldcentime = 1.2 öre
US handstamp shows amount to pay in goldcentimes, normally double deficiency.
In Sweden the indicated amount was multiplied by 1.2 rounded up to nearest 5 öre and marked on the item. The amount due was normally paid by affixing stamps on the item.


Postcard with 2 cent. Correct rate 3 cent. Shortpaid 1 cent. US due handstamp indicates double deficiency 2x1x3=6 centimes. Amount converted to öre at the rate 1.2 and rounded up to 10 öre as shown by due label. Of some reason no due has been affixed on the card. The due can have been ignored, the item refused or the amount affixed somwhere else.