Revised stamp denominations

I propose that the Royal Mail scraps all stamp denominations that are not powers of two.  So the only stamps available would be 1p, 2p, 4p, 8p, 16p etc.

You’d only ever need a maximum of one of each denomination on any letter or parcel.  For a 39p first class letter, you’d affix a 32p, 4p, 2p and 1p stamp.  And for a 30p second class letter, you’d go for a 16p, 8p, 4p and a 2p.

What do you think?

April 17, 2009 | Filed Under Numbers and stuff, Random thoughts 

Comments

3 Responses to “Revised stamp denominations”

  1. Chinese restaurants: new numbering system : Tangential Ramblings on April 18th, 2009 20:08

    [...] similar fashion to the proposal to limit the denominations of stamps produced by the Royal Mail, here is a proposal to revamp the numbering system adopted by Chinese [...]

  2. andy on April 20th, 2009 14:19

    Brilliant Dan – you’ve managed to quadruple the effort required to send a letter. Plus, when I go to replenish my book of 6 x first class stamps, do I now need a book of 24 (6 each of 32, 4, 2 and 1), or a you proposing that I buy separate books of 6 x 32, 6 x 4 etc?

    You’re an idiot.

  3. Dan on April 21st, 2009 22:07

    Fabulous idea, Andy. Your book of six first class stamps will actually be 24 stamps, in six rows/four columns. The first column will contain the 32s, then the 4s, 2s, 1s.

    To send a first class letter, simply tear off a row. What could be simpler. (Don’t say a single first class stamp.)

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