This this sub-page of the postal objects section contains the list of all postal rates for domestic letter (plus registration, express delivery and other additional services) from 1945 to 2001.
The list also includes the following discounted fares:
– the discount “within the Disctrict”, where District corresponds to the boundaries of a city or to a group of nearby country villages (up to 1947);
– the foreign destinations for which bilateral or multi-lateral agreements allowed the use of the domestic fare; the first ones dates back to 1950 (Somalia, France) and there were still valid agreements in 2001 (European Countries);
– official letters exchanged by city Mayors or from a city Mayor to other public offices, for duty reasons only (up to 1961);
– letters sent to army enlisted personnel, limited to privates, privates first class and lance corporals or equivalent ranks in other Armed Forces such as Navy, Air Force, Police, etc. (up to 1999); discount was allowed only in absence of registration or express delivery, while other additional services such as air mail, hold for collection and pneumatic mail were compatible with the reduced fare;
– registered unsealed letters, for which a discounted “open registration” fee was applied (up to 1965).
Each line containing a link allows to consult a sub-page where postal objects travelled with the described rate are presented.
A bibliography and some further explanations can be found at the bottom of the page.
From April 1st 1945 to January 1st 1946
The following rates were in use when Democratic definitive series was issued on October 1st 1945, some month before the Proclamation of the Republic.
Rates for objects up to 15 grams (approx. ½ oz.)
– Letter within the district: 1 lira
– Domestic letter: 2 lire
Additional services:
– Letter within the district, registered: 6 lire (1 + 5)
– Letter within the district, registered unsealed: 3,40 (1 + 2,40)
– Letter within the district, express delivery: 6 lire (1 + 5)
– Letter within the district, registered and express delivery: 11 lire (1 + 5 + 5)
– Letter within the district, registered unsealed and express delivery: 8,40 lire (1 + 2,40 + 5)
– Domestic letter, registered: 7 lire (2 + 5)
– Domestic letter, registered unsealed: 4,40 lire (2 + 2,40)
– Domestic letter, express delivery: 7 lire (2 + 5)
– Domestic letter, registered and express delivery: 12 lire (2 + 5 + 5)
– Domestic letter, registered unsealed and express delivery: 9,40 lire (2 + 2,40 + 5)
Discounted rates:
– Domestic letter between mayors or for army enlisted personnel: 1 lira (50% of 2 lire)
Further steps: same rates as above to be added up for each 15 additional grams.
– Second step (15 g x 2) domestic letter: 4 lire (2 + 2)
From February 1st 1946 to March 24th 1947
The following rates were in use at the proclamation of the Italian Republic after the Referendum of June 2nd 1946
Rates for objects up to 15 grams (approx. ½ oz.)
– Letter within the district: 3 lire
– Domestic letter: 4 lire
Additional services:
– Letter within the district, registered: 13 lire (3 + 10)
– Letter within the district, registered unsealed: 8 lire (3 + 5)
– Letter within the district, express delivery: 13 lire (3 + 10)
– Letter within the district, registered and express delivery: 23 lire (3 + 10 + 10)
– Letter within the district, registered unsealed and express delivery: 18 lire (3 + 5 + 10)
– Domestic letter, registered: 14 lire (4 + 10)
– Domestic letter, registered unsealed: 9 lire (4 + 5)
– Domestic letter, express delivery: 14 lire (4 + 10)
– Domestic letter, registered and express delivery: 24 lire (4 + 10 + 10)
– Domestic letter, registered unsealed and express delivery: 19 lire (4 + 5 + 10)
Discounted rates:
– Domestic letter between mayors or for army enlisted personnel: 2 lire (50% of 4 lire)
– Registered domestic letter between mayors: 12 lire (50% of 4 lire + 10)*
Further steps: same rates as above to be added up for each 15 additional grams.
– Second step (15 g x 2) domestic letter: 8 lire (4 x 2)
– Second step (15 g x 2) domestic letter, registered: 18 lire (4 x 2 + 10)
– Third step (15 g x 3) domestic letter: 12 lire (4 x 3)
– Fifth step (15 g x 5) domestic letter, registered: 30 lire (4 x 5 + 10)
Other additional services:
– Domestic letter via air mail (5 g): 8 lire (4 + 4)
– Domestic letter via air mail (5 g x 2): 12 lire (4 + 4 x 2)
– Seventh step (15 g x 7) domestic letter, registered, insured for 1000 lire: 68 lire (4 lire x 7 times + 10 lire registration + 6 lire for 200 lire insurance + 3 lire x 8 times additional 100 lire insurance)
Notes:
* registered letters for Army enlisted personnel were not allowed at discounted rate; a registered discounted rate letter could be sent by Mayors only
From March 25th 1947 to July 31st 1947
Rates for objects up to 15 grams (approx. ½ oz.)
– Letter within the district: 3 lire
– Domestic letter: 6 lire
Additional services:
– Letter within the district, registered: 18 lire (3 + 15)
– Letter within the district, registered unsealed: 10 lire (3 + 7)
– Letter within the district, express delivery: 18 lire (3 + 15)
– Letter within the district, registered and express delivery: 33 lire (3 + 15 + 15)
– Letter within the district, registered unsealed and express delivery: 25 lire (3 + 7 + 15)
– Domestic letter, registered: 21 lire (6 + 15)
– Domestic letter, registered unsealed: 13 lire (6 + 7)
– Domestic letter, express delivery: 21 lire (6 + 15)
– Domestic letter, registered and express delivery: 36 lire (6 + 15 + 15)
– Domestic letter, registered unsealed and express delivery: 28 lire (6 + 7 + 15)
Discounted rates:
– Domestic letter between mayors or for army soldiers: 3 lire (50% of 6 lire)
Further steps: same rates as above to be added up for each 15 additional grams.
– Second step (15 g x 2) registered letter within the district: 21 lire (3 x 2 + 15)
– Sixth step (15 g x 6) registered domestic letter: 51 lire (6 x 6 + 15)
From August 1st 1947 to August 10th 1948
The discounted rate for letters within the district is abolished, all domestic letters pay the same fee
Rates for objects up to 15 grams (approx. ½ oz.)
– Domestic letter: 10 lire
Additional services:
– Domestic letter, registered: 30 lire (10 + 20)
– Domestic letter, registered unsealed: 20 lire (10 + 10)
– Domestic letter, express delivery: 35 lire (10 + 25)
– Domestic letter, registered and express delivery: 55 lire (10 + 20 + 25)
– Domestic letter, registered unsealed and express delivery: 45 lire (10 + 10 + 25)
Discounted rates:
– Domestic letter between mayors or for army soldiers: 5 lire (50% of 10 lire)
– Registered domestic letter between mayors: 25 lire (50% of 10 lire + 20)*
Further steps: same rates as above to be added up for each 15 additional grams.
– Second step (15 g x 2) domestic letter: 20 lire (10 x 2)
– Second step (15 g x 2) domestic letter, registered: 40 lire (10 x 2 + 20)
– Second step (15 g x 2) domestic letter, express delivery: 45 lire (10 x 2 + 25)
– Second step (15 g x 2) domestic letter, registered and express delivery: 65 lire (10 x 2 + 20 + 25)
– Third step (15 g x 3) domestic letter: 30 lire (10 x 3)
– Third step (15 g x 3) domestic letter, registered: 50 lire (10 x 3 + 20)
– Fourth step (15 g x 4) domestic letter: 40 lire (10 x 4)
Other additional services:
– Domestic letter via air mail (up to 5 g): 16 lire (10 + 6)
Notes:
* registered letters for Army enlisted personnel were not allowed at discounted rate; a registered discounted rate letter could be sent by Mayors only
From August 11th 1948 to April 9th 1949
Rates for objects up to 15 grams (approx. ½ oz.)
– Domestic letter: 15 lire
Additional services:
– Domestic letter, registered: 50 lire (15 + 35)
– Domestic letter, registered unsealed: 35 lire (15 + 20)
– Domestic letter, express delivery: 50 lire (15 + 35)
– Domestic letter, registered and express delivery: 85 lire (15 + 35 + 35)
– Domestic letter, registered unsealed and express delivery: 70 lire (15 + 20 + 35)
Discounted rates:
– Domestic letter between mayors or for army soldiers: 7,50 lire (50% of 15 lire)
Further steps: same rates as above to be added up for each 15 additional grams.
– Second step (15 g x 2) domestic letter: 30 lire (2 x 15)
– Second step (15 g x 2) registered domestic letter: 65 lire (15 x 2 + 35)
– Second step (15 g x 2) domestic letter, express delivery: 100 lire (2 x 15 + 35 + 35)
– Second step (15 g x 2) domestic open letter, express delivery: 85 lire (15 x 2 + 20 + 35)
– Third step (15 g x 3) domestic letter: 45 lire (3 x 15)
– Fourth step (15 g x 4) domestic letter: 60 lire (4 x 15)
From April 10th 1949 to December 31st 1949
Rates for objects up to 15 grams (approx. ½ oz.)
– Domestic letter: 20 lire
Additional services:
– Domestic letter, registered: 55 lire (20 + 35)
– Domestic letter, registered unsealed: 40 lire (20 + 20)
– Domestic letter, express delivery: 60 lire (20 + 40)
– Domestic letter, registered and express delivery: 95 lire (20 + 35 + 40)
– Domestic letter, registered unsealed and express delivery: 80 lire (20 + 20 + 40)
Discounted rates:
– Letters exchanged by State offices: tax exemption
– Letters exchanged by State offices, registered: tax exemption
– Letters exchanged by State offices, registered and express delivery: 40 lire (express fee only)
– Lettera tra sindaci o per militari: 10 lire (50% of 20 lire)
Further steps: same rates as above to be added up for each 15 additional grams.
– Second step (15 g x 2) domestic letter: 40 lire (20 x 2)
– Second step (15 g x 2) domestic letter, registered: 75 lire (20 x 2 + 35)
– Second step (15 g x 2) domestic letter, express delivery: 115 lire (20 x 2 + 35 + 40)
Other additional services:
– Domestic letter to be held for collection (holding fee paid by receiver): 30 lire (20 + 10 tax at arrival)
– Domestic letter, via air mail (up to 5 g): 30 lire (20 + 10)
– Domestic letter, via air mail (from 5 g to 10 g): 40 lire (20 + 2 x 10)
– Domestic letter, via air mail (from 5 g to 10 g), espredd delivery: 80 lire (20 + 2 x 10 + 20)
From January 1st 1950 to July 31st 1951
All postal rates remain the same of 1949, only difference is the introduction of a “receipt right” of 10 lire which affects all registered objects (sealed or unsealed), plus other objects (for example the money transfer receipts via postal bank) which are not considered in the present web site. This fee implied the application of further 10 lire franking on the registered objects.
Rates for objects up to 15 grams (approx. ½ oz.)
– Domestic letter: 20 lire
Additional services:
– Domestic letter, registered: 65 lire (20 + 35 + 10*)
– Domestic letter, registered unsealed: 50 lire (20 + 20 + 10*)
– Domestic letter, express delivery: 60 lire (20 + 40)
– Domestic letter, registered and express delivery: 105 lire (20 + 35 + 10* + 40)
– Domestic letter, registered unsealed and express delivery: 90 lire (20 + 20 + 10* + 40)
Further steps: same rates as above to be added up for each 15 additional grams.
– Second step (15 g x 2) domestic letter: 40 lire (20 x 2)
– Second step (15 g x 2) domestic letter, registered: 85 lire (20 x 2 + 35 + 10*)
– Second step (15 g x 2) domestic letter, express delivery: 80 lire (20 x 2 + 40)
– Third step (15 g x 3) domestic letter: 60 lire (20 x 3)
– Third step (15 g x 3) domestic letter, registered: 105 lire (20 x 3 + 35 + 10*)
– Third step (15 g x 3) domestic letter, registered and express delivery: 145 lire (20 x 3 + 35 + 10* + 40)
Discounted rates:
– Domestic letter between mayors or for army soldiers: 10 lire (50% of 20 lire)
– From April 1st 1950: letter for Somalia to be franked with domestic letter fare
– From June 1st 1950: letter for France, Algeria and Andorra to be franked with domestic letter fare (agreement up to 100 g, to be applied therefore to second step, third step, fourth step, fifth step and sixth step as well)
Notes:
*= 10 lire receipt right
From August 1st 1951 to September 30th 1957
– Domestic letter: 25 lire
Additional services:
– Domestic letter, registered: 80 lire (25 + 45 + 10*)
– Domestic letter, registered unsealed: 60 lire (25 + 25 + 10*)
– Domestic letter, express delivery: 75 lire (25 + 50)
– Domestic letter, registered and express delivery: 130 lire (25 + 45 + 10* + 50)
– Domestic letter, registered unsealed and express delivery: 110 lire (25 + 25 + 10* + 50)
Discounted rates:
– Letter exchanged by State offices: tax exemption
– Letter exchanged by State offices, express delivery: 50 lire (express fee only)
– Domestic letter between post offices for bonds collection, compulsory registration: 70 lire (25 + 45)**
– Domestic letter between mayors or for army soldiers: 13 lire (50% of 25, rounded to 13; 12,5 allowed as well being 0,50 lire stamps still available)
– Letter for France, Algeria, Andorra, Somalia: 25 lire (domestic letter fare)
– Letter for France, Algeria, Andorra, Somalia, express delivery: 110 lire (25 domestic letter + 85 express fee for foreign countries from Sep 1st 1951 to Sep 30 1957)
– Letter for France, via air mail: 50 lire (25 domestic letter + 25 air mail for European countries, up to Dec 31st 1953, then abolished)
– From February 1st 1952: Letter for Vatican City: 25 lire (domestic letter fare)
Further steps: same rates as above to be added up for each 15 additional grams
– Second step (15 g x 2) domestic letter: 50 lire (25 x 2),
– Second step (15 g x 2) domestic letter between mayors or for army soldiers: 26 lire (13 x 2, even 25 tolerated as 12,5 x 2)
– Second step (15 g x 2) domestic letter, registered: 105 lire (25 x 2 + 45 + 10*)
– Second step (15 g x 2) domestic letter, express delivery: 100 lire (25 x 2 + 50)
– Second step (15 g x 2) domestic letter, registered and express delivery: 155 lire (25 x 2 + 45 + 10* + 50)
– Third step (15 g x 3) domestic letter: 75 lire (25 x 3),
– Third step (15 g x 3) domestic letter, registered: 130 lire (25 x 3 + 45 + 10*)
– Third step (15 g x 3) domestic letter, express delivery: 125 lire (25 x 3 + 50)
– Third step (15 g x 3) domestic letter, registered and express delivery: 180 lire (25 x 3 + 45 + 10* + 50)
– Sixth step (15 g x 6) domestic letter: 150 lire (25 x 6)
– Twelfth step (15 g x 12) domestic letter, registered: 355 lire (25 x 12 + 45 + 10*)
– Fifteenth step (15 g x 15) domestic letter, registered: 430 lire (25 x 15 + 45 + 10*)
Other additional services:
– Domestic letter via air mail (5 g): 35 lire (25 + 10)
– Domestic letter via air mail (5 g), express delivery: 85 lire (25 + 10 + 50)
– Domestic letter, pneumatic tube transport: 30 lire (25 + 5)
– Domestic letter, pneumatic tube transport, express delivery: 80 lire (25 + 5 + 50)
– Domestic letter, pneumatic tube transport, for Army soldiers: 18 lire (13 + 5)***
– Domestic letter to be held for collection (holding fee paid by sender): 35 lire (25 + 10)
*: 10 lire receipt right
**: these letters were exempted the 10 lire receipt right
***: this additional service was compatible with the reduced fee for Army personnel
From October 1st 1957 to August 31st 1959
Rates for domestic mail remain the same as before; the change applies to registration and express delivery fee only
Rates for objects up to 15 grams (approx. ½ oz.); same rates to be added up for each 15 additional grams.
– Domestic letter: 25 lire
Additional services:
– Domestic letter, registered: 110 lire (25 + 75 + 10*)
– Domestic letter, registered unsealed: 85 lire (25 + 50 + 10*)
– Domestic letter, express delivery: 100 lire (25 + 75)
– Domestic letter, registered and express delivery: 185 lire (25 + 75 + 10* + 75)
– Domestic letter, registered unsealed and express delivery: 160 lire (25 + 50 + 10* + 75)
Discounted rates:
– Domestic letter between mayors or for army soldiers: 13 lire (50% of 25, rounded to 13; 12,5 allowed as well being 0,50 lire stamps still available)
– Domestic letter between mayors, registered: 98 lire (13 + 75 + 10*)
– Domestic letter between post offices for bonds collection, compulsory registration: 100 lire (25 + 75)**
– Letter for France, Algeria, Andorra, Somalia: 25 lire domestic rate
Further steps: same rates as above to be added up for each 15 additional grams.
– Second step (15 g x 2) domestic letter: 50 lire (25 x 2)
– Second step (15 g x 2) domestic letter, registered: 135 lire (25 x 2 + 75 + 10*)
– Second step (15 g x 2) domestic letter, express delivery: 125 lire (25 x 2 + 75)
– Second step (15 g x 2) domestic letter, registered and express delivery:210 lire (25 x 2 + 75 + 10* + 75)
– Second step (15 g x 2) domestic letter, reduced fee: 26 lire (13 x 2)
– Third step (15 g x 3) domestic letter: 75 lire (25 x 3)
– Third step (15 g x 3) domestic letter, registered: 160 lire (25 x 3 + 75 + 10*)
– Third step (15 g x 3) domestic letter, express delivery: 235 lire (25 x 3 + 75 + 10* + 75)
– Third step (15 g x 3) domestic letter, reduced fee: 39 lire (13 x 3)
– Fourth step (15 g x 4) domestic letter, registered and express delivery: 260 lire (25 x 4 + 75 + 10* + 75)
– Fifth step (15 g x 5) domestic letter: 125 lire (25 x 5)
– Fifth step (15 g x 5) domestic letter, reduced fee: 65 lire (13 x 5)
Other additional services:
– Domestic letter, via air mail: 25 lire (no extra fee from Sept 1st 1953 to Aug 31st 1961)
– Domestic letter, pneumatic tube transport: 35 lire (25 + 10)
Notes:
*: these letters were exempted the 10 lire receipt right
**: corrispondenza di servizio esente dal diritto di ricevuta di 10 lire.
From September 1st 1959 to June 30th 1960
Rates for domestic mail remain the same, the 10 lire receipt right is abolished and registration fees increase of 10 lire, so the registered mail franking remains the same as well.
Rates for objects up to 15 grams (approx. ½ oz.); same rates to be added up for each 15 additional grams.
– Domestic letter: 25 lire
Additional services:
– Domestic letter, registered: 110 lire (25 + 85)
– Domestic letter, registered unsealed: 85 lire (25 + 60)
– Domestic letter, express delivery: 100 lire (25 + 75)
– Domestic letter, registered and express delivery: 185 lire (25 + 85 + 75)
– Domestic letter, registered unsealed and express delivery: 160 lire (25 + 60 + 75)
Discounted rates:
– Letters for France, Algeria, Andorra, Somalia*: 25 lire domestic rate
– Domestic letter between mayors or for army soldiers: 13 lire (50% of 25, rounded to 13; 12,5 allowed as well being 0,50 lire stamps still available)
Further steps, same rates as above to be added up for each 15 additional grams.
– Second step (15 g x 2) domestic letter: 50 lire (25 x 2)
– Second step (15 g x 2) domestic letter, registered: 135 lire (25 x 2 + 85)
– Second step (15 g x 2) domestic letter, reduced fee: 26 lire (13 x 2),
– Second step (15 g x 2) domestic letter, express delivery: 125 lire (25 x 2 + 75)
– Third step (15 g x 3) domestic letter, registered: 160 lire (25 x 3 + 85)
– Third step (15 g x 3) domestic letter, reduced fee: 39 lire (13 x 3),
– Third step (15 g x 3) domestic letter, registered and express delivery: 235 lire (25 x 3 + 85 + 75)
Other additional services:
– Domestic letter, via air mail: 25 lire (no extra fee from Sept 1st 1953 to Aug 31st 1961)
Notes:
* on July 1st 1960 the “Trust Territory of Somaliland under Italian Administration” gained its independence and therefore all postal benefits ceased;
From July 1st 1960 to July 31st 1965
Rates for objects up to 20 grams (approx. 0,7 oz.)
– Domestic letter: 30 lire
Additional services:
– Domestic letter, registered: 115 lire (30 + 85)
– Domestic letter, registered unsealed: 90 lire (30 + 60)
– Domestic letter, express delivery: 105 lire (30 + 75)
– Domestic letter, registered and express delivery: 190 lire (30 + 85 + 75)
– Domestic letter, registered unsealed and express delivery: 165 lire (30 + 60 + 75)
Discounted rates:
– Letter per France, Algeria*, Andorra: 30 lire lire domestic rate
– Domestic letter between mayors or for army soldiers: 15 lire (50% of 30 lire)**
Further steps: 20 lire to be added up for each 20 additional grams (this is the only period for which the postage rate for further steps is different than the basic fare)
– Second step (20 g + additional 20 g) domestic letter: 50 lire (30 + 20)
– Second step (20 g + additional 20 g) domestic letter, registered: 135 lire (30 + 20 + 85)
– Second step (20 g + additional 20 g) domestic letter, express delivery: 125 lire (30 + 20 + 75)
– Second step (20 g + additional 20 g) domestic letter, registered and express delivery: 210 lire (30 + 20 + 85 + 75)
– Third step (20 g + 2 x additional 20 g) domestic letter: 70 lire (30 + 20 x 2)
– Fourth step (20 g + 3 x additional 20 g) domestic letter, registered: 175 lire (30 + 20 x 3 + 85)
– Sixth step (20 g + 5 x additional 20 g) domestic letter, registered: 215 lire (30 + 20 x 5 + 85)
Other additional services:
– Domestic letter, via air mail (5 g): 40 lire (30 + 10)***
– Second step domestic letter (20 g + additional 20 g), registered, via air mail (5 x 5 g): 185 lire (30 + 20 + 85 + 5 x 10)
Notes:
* on July 3rd 1962 Algeria became independent and lost the domestic mail reduced fee which was granted as a French Madomestic,
**on December 31st 1961 the discounted rate for letters between Mayors was abolished, discounted rate remained for Army personnel only.
***: after being abolished from 1953 to 1961, the air mail fee was re-introduced on September 1st 1961
From August 1st 1965 to December 31st 1965
The reduced fee for the registration of unsealed registered mail is abolished
Rates for objects up to 20 grams (approx. 0,7 oz.)
– Domestic letter: 40 lire
Additional services:
– Domestic letter, registered: 130 lire (40 + 90)
– Domestic letter, express delivery: 160 lire (40 + 120)
– Domestic letter, registered and express delivery: 250 lire (40 + 90 + 120)
Discounted rates:
– Domestic letter for army soldiers: 20 lire (50% of 40 lire)
– Letter for Andorra, Belgium, France, West Germany: 40 lire lire domestic rate
Further steps, same rates as above to be added up for each 20 additional grams.
– Second step (20 g x 2) domestic letter, registered: 170 lire (40 x 2 +90)
– Third step (20 g x 3) domestic letter, registered: 210 lire (40 x 3 + 90)
From January 1st 1966 to August 15th 1967
Letter rate remains the same, registration and express delivery fees increase
– Domestic letter: 40 lire
Additional services:
– Domestic letter, registered: 170 lire (40 + 130)
– Domestic letter, express delivery: 190 lire (40 + 150)
– Domestic letter, registered and express delivery: 320 lire (40 + 130 + 150)
Discounted rates:
– Domestic letter for army soldiers: 20 lire (50% of 40 lire)
– Letter for Andorra, Belgium, France, West Germany, Luxembourg, The Netherlands: 40 lire domestic rate
Porti successivi:
– Second step (20 g x 2) domestic letter: 80 lire (40 x 2)
– Second step (20 g x 2) domestic letter, registered: 210 lire (40 x 2 + 130)
Other additional services:
– Domestic letter, via air mail (5 g): 50 lire (40 + 10)
From August 16th 1967 to March 30th 1974:
Letters above 20g are not charged each 20 additional grams: letter fares are grouped
– Domestic letter: 50 lire
Additional services:
– Domestic letter, registered: 180 lire (50 + 130)
– Domestic letter, express delivery: 200 lire (50 + 150)
– Domestic letter, registered and express delivery: 330 lire (50 + 130 + 150)
Discounted rates:
– Domestic letter for army soldiers: 20 lire (50% of 50 lire)
– Letter for Andorra, Belgium, France, West Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands: 50 lire domestic rate
Further steps:
– Domestic letter between 20 and 100 g: 100 lire
– Domestic letter between 20 and 100 g, registered: 230 lire (100 + 130)
– Domestic letter between 20 and 100 g, express delivery: 250 lire (100 + 150)
– Domestic letter between 20 and 100 g, registered, express delivery: 380 lire (100 + 130 + 150)
– Domestic letter between 500 and 1000 g: 1500 lire
Other additional services:
– Domestic letter, registered, insured for 100.000 lire: 480 lire (50 + 130 + 300)
– Domestic letter between 20 and 100g, registered, cash on delivery: 380 lire (100 + 130 + 150)
From March 31st 1974 to March 24th 1975:
– Domestic letter: 50 lire
Additional services:
– Domestic letter, registered: 180 lire (50 + 130)
– Domestic letter, express delivery: 300 lire (50 + 250)
– Domestic letter, registered and express delivery: 430 lire (50 + 130 + 250)
Discounted rates:
– Letter for Andorra, Belgium, France, West Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands: 50 lire domestic rate
Further steps:
– Domestic letter between 20 and 100 g: 100 lire
– Domestic letter between 20 and 100 g, registered: 230 lire (100 + 130)
From March 25th 1975 to December 31st 1975
Fares for letter above 20 g are re-organised in different groups
– Domestic letter: 100 lire
Additional services:
– Domestic letter, registered: 300 lire (100 + 200)
– Domestic letter, express delivery: 350 lire (100 + 250)
– Domestic letter, registered and express delivery: 550 lire (100 + 200 + 250)
Discounted rates:
– Letter for Andorra, Belgium, France, West Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands: 100 lire domestic rate
Further steps:
– Domestic letter between 20 and 50 g: 180 lire
– Domestic letter between 20 and 50 g, registered: 380 lire (180 + 200)
From January 1st to October 31st 1976:
– Domestic letter: 150 lire
Additional services:
– Domestic letter, registered: 400 lire (150 + 250)
– Domestic letter, express delivery: 450 lire (150 + 300)
– Domestic letter, registered and express delivery: 700 lire (150 + 250 + 300)
Discounted rates:
– Letter for Andorra, Belgium, France, West Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands: 150 lire domestic rate
Further steps:
– Domestic letter between 20 and 50 g, registered: 520 lire (270 + 250)
Other additional services:
– Domestic letter, hold for collection: 200 lire (150 + 50)
– Domestic letter between 20 and 50 g, registered, insured for 100.000 lire: 1020 lire (270 + 250 + 500)
From November 1st 1976 to December 31st 1980:
– Domestic letter: 170 lire
Additional services:
– Domestic letter, registered: 520 lire (170 + 350)
– Domestic letter, express delivery: 520 lire (170 + 350)
– Domestic letter, registered and express delivery: 870 lire (170 + 350 + 350)
Discounted rates:
– Letter for Andorra, Belgium, France, West Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands: 170 lire domestic rate
– Letters between State offices: fee exemption
– Letters between State offices, express delivery: 350 lire (the express delivery fee only)
Further steps:
– Domestic letter between 20 and 50 g: 320 lire
– Domestic letter between 20 and 50 g, registered: 670 lire (320 + 350)
– Domestic letter between 20 and 50 g, express delivery: 670 lire (320 + 350)
– Domestic letter between 50 and 100 g, registered and express delivery, 50.000 lire insurance: 1620 lire (420 + 350 + 350 + 500)
– Domestic letter between 100 and 250 g: 900 lire
Other additional services:
– Domestic letter, registered, cash on delivery: 870 lire (170 + 350 + 350)
From January 1st 1981 to September 30th 1981
A new additional service is introduced: the “conventional insurance” for a standard fixed value of 10.000 lire, to be added on top of the registration fee.
– Domestic letter: 200 lire
Additional services:
– Domestic letter, registered: 600 lire (200 + 400)
– Domestic letter, express delivery:700 lire (200 + 500)
– Domestic letter, registered and express delivery:1100 lire (200 + 400 + 500)
– Domestic letter, registered and conventional insurance: 1100 lire (200 + 400 + 500)
Discounted rates:
– Lettera per Andorra, Belgio, Danimarca, Francia, Germania Ovest, Lussemburgo, Olanda: 200 lire domestic rate
Further steps:
– Domestic letter between 20 and 50 g: 400 lire
– Domestic letter between 20 and 50 g, registered and express delivery: 1300 lire (400 + 400 + 500)
– Domestic letter between 50 and 100 g, registered: 900 lire (500 + 400)
From October 1st 1981 to September 30th 1982:
– Domestic letter: 300 lire
Additional services:
– Domestic letter, registered: 900 lire (300 + 600)
– Domestic letter, express delivery: 1000 lire (300 + 700)
– Domestic letter, registered and express delivery: 1600 lire (300 + 600 + 700)
– Domestic letter, registered and conventional insurance: 1400 lire (300 + 600 + 500)
Discounted rates:
– Letter for Andorra, Belgium, Denmark, France, West Germany, Luxembourg, The Netherlands: 300 lire domestic rate
– Lettera letter for the above countries, registered: 1300 lire (300 + 1000)*
– Lettera letter for the above countries, registered and acknowledgement of receipt: 1750 lire (300 + 1000 + 450)
Further steps:
– Domestic letter between 20 and 50 g: 550 lire
– Domestic letter between 20 and 50 g, express delivery: 1250 lire (550 + 700)
– Domestic letter between 50 and 100 g: 700 lire
– Domestic letter between 100 and 250 g: 1400 lire
– Domestic letter between 100 and 250 g, express delivery: 2100 (1400 + 700)
Other additional services:
– Domestic letter, registered, cash on delivery: 1300 lire (300 + 600 + 400)
* for registration and express delivery the foreign rates are applied; 1000 lire from Feb 10th 1982 rp Dec 31st 1982
From October 1st 1982 to January 31st 1983:
– Domestic letter: 350 lire
Additional services:
– Domestic letter, registered: 1050 lire (350 + 700)
– Domestic letter, express delivery: 1150 lire (350 + 800)
– Domestic letter, registered and express delivery: 1850 lire (350 + 700 + 800)
– Domestic letter, registered and conventional insurance: 1550 lire (350 + 700 + 500)
Discounted rates:
– Letter for Andorra, Belgium, Denmark, France, West Germany, Luxembourg, The Netherlands: 350 lire domestic rate
Further steps:
– Domestic letter between 20 and 50 g: 600 lire
– Domestic letter between 20 and 50 g, registered: 1300 lire (600 + 700)
– Domestic letter between 50 and 100 g: 800 lire
– Domestic letter between 100 and 250 g: 1600 lire
– Domestic letter between 100 and 250 g, registered: 2300 lire (1600 + 700)
– Domestic letter between 100 and 250 g, registered and express delivery: 3100 lire (1600 + 700 + 800)
From February 1st 1983 to May 31st 1984:
– Domestic letter: 400 lire
Additional services:
– Domestic letter, registered: 1400 lire (400 + 1000)
– Domestic letter, express delivery: 1400 lire (400 + 1000)
– Domestic letter, registered and express delivery: 2400 lire (400 + 1000 + 1000)
– Domestic letter, registered and conventional insurance: 1900 lire (400 + 1000 + 500)
Discounted rates:
– Letter for Andorra, Belgium, Denmark, France, West Germany, Luxembourg, The Netherlands: 400 lire domestic rate
Further steps:
– Domestic letter between 20 and 50 g: 700 lire
– Domestic letter between 20 and 50 g, registered: 1700 lire (700 + 1000)
– Domestic letter between 100 and 250 g, registered: 2900 lire (1900 + 1000)
From June 1st 1984 to November 12th 1985:
– Domestic letter: 450 lire
Additional services:
– Domestic letter, registered: 1950 lire (450 + 1500)
– Domestic letter, express delivery: 1950 lire (450 + 1500)
– Domestic letter, registered and express delivery: 3450 lire (450 + 1500 + 1500)
– Domestic letter, registered and conventional insurance: 2450 lire (450 + 1500 + 500)
Discounted rates:
– Letter for Andorra, Belgium, Denmark, France, West Germany, Luxembourg, The Netherlands: 450 lire domestic rate
Further steps:
– Domestic letter between 20 and 50 g: 900 lire
– Domestic letter between 20 and 50 g, registered: 2400 lire (900 + 1500)
– Domestic letter between 20 and 50 g, express delivery: 2400 lire (900 + 1500)
From November 13th 1985 to November 15th 1986:
– Domestic letter: 550 lire
Additional services:
– Domestic letter, registered: 2550 lire (550 + 2000)
– Domestic letter, express delivery: 2550 lire (550 + 2000)
– Domestic letter, registered and express delivery: 4550 lire (550 + 2000 + 2000)
– Domestic letter, registered and conventional insurance: 3050 lire (550 + 2000 + 500)
Discounted rates:
– Letter for Andorra, Belgium, Denmark, France, West Germany, Luxembourg, The Netherlands: 550 lire domestic rate
Further steps:
– Domestic letter between 20 and 50 g: 1100 lire
– Domestic letter between 20 and 50 g, registered: 3100 lire (1100 + 2000)
From November 16th 1986 to February 29th 1988:
– Domestic letter: 600 lire
Additional services:
– Domestic letter, registered: 2800 lire (600 + 2200)
– Domestic letter, express delivery: 3000 lire (600 + 2400)
– Domestic letter, registered and express delivery: 5200 lire (600 + 2200 + 2400)
– Domestic letter, registered and conventional insurance: 3800 lire (600 + 2200 + 1000)
Discounted rates:
– Letter for Andorra, Belgium, Denmark, France, West Germany, Luxembourg, The Netherlands: 600 lire domestic rate
– Letter for United Kingdom and to Ireland: 600 lire domestic rate from January 1st 1987
Further steps:
– Domestic letter between 20 and 50 g: 1200 lire
– Domestic letter between 20 and 50 g, registered: 3400 lire (1200 + 2200)
– Domestic letter between 50 and 100 g: 1600 lire
From March 1st 1988 to December 31st 1989:
– Domestic letter: 650 lire
Additional services:
– Domestic letter, registered: 3050 lire (650 + 2400)
– Domestic letter, express delivery: 3050 lire (650 + 2400)
– Domestic letter, registered and express delivery: 5450 lire (650 + 2400 + 2400)
– Domestic letter, registered and conventional insurance: 4250 lire (650 + 2400 + 1200)
Discounted rates:
– Letter for Andorra, Belgium, Denmark, France, West Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, United Kingdom: 650 lire domestic rate
Further steps:
– Domestic letter between 20 and 50 g: 1300 lire
– Domestic letter between 20 and 50 g, registered: 3700 lire (1300 + 2400)
– Domestic letter between 50 and 100 g, registered: 1700 lire
– Domestic letter between 100 and 250 g, registered: 3200 lire
– Domestic letter between 100 and 250 g, registered and express delivery: 8000 lire (3200 + 2400 + 2400)
From January 1st to June 30th 1990:
– Domestic letter: 700 lire
Additional services:
– Domestic letter, registered: 3500 lire (700 + 2800)
– Domestic letter, express delivery: 3500 lire (700 + 2800)
– Domestic letter, registered and express delivery: 6300 lire (700 + 2800 + 2800)
– Domestic letter, registered and conventional insurance: 4700 lire (700 + 2800 + 1200)
Discounted rates:
– Letter for Andorra, Belgium, Denmark, France, West Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Portugal, The Netherlands, Spain, United Kingdom: 700 lire domestic rate
From July 1st 1990 to January 15th 1992:
– Domestic letter: 750 lire
Additional services:
– Domestic letter, registered: 3950 lire (750 + 3200)
– Domestic letter, express delivery: 3750 lire (750 + 3000)
– Domestic letter, registered and express delivery: 6950 lire (750 + 3200 + 3000)
– Domestic letter, registered and conventional insurance: 5150 lire (750 + 3200 + 1200)
Discounted rates:
– Letter for Andorra, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany*, Ireland, Luxembourg, Portugal, The Netherlands, Spain, United Kingdom: 750 lire domestic rate
Further steps:
– Domestic letter between 20 and 50 g: 1500 lire
– Domestic letter between 20 and 50 g, registered: 4700 lire (1500 + 3200)
– Domestic letter between 50 and 100 g: 2000 lire
– Lettera tra 50 e 100 grammi assicurata convenzionale: 6400 lire (2000 + 3200 + 1200)
Notes:
* Unificazione tedesca dal 3 ottobre 1990
Dal 16 gennaio 1992 si riorganizzano gli scaglioni per i porti successivi al primo, tariffe valide fino al 31 maggio 1995:
– Domestic letter: 750 lire
Additional services:
– Domestic letter, registered: 3950 lire (750 + 3200)
– Domestic letter, express delivery: 3750 lire (750 + 3000)
– Lettera raccomandata da recapitarsi per espresso: 6950 lire (750 + 3200 + 3000)
– Domestic letter, registered and conventional insurance: 5150 lire (750 + 3200 + 1200)
Discounted rates:
– Lettera per Andorra, Belgio, Danimarca, Francia, Germania, Grecia, Irlanda, Lussemburgo, Olanda, Portogallo, Regno Unito, Spagna: 750 lire domestic rate
Further steps:
– Domestic letter between 20 and 100 g: 1850 lire
– Domestic letter between 20 and 100 g, registered: 5050 lire (1850 + 3200)
– Lettera tra 20 e 100 grammi da recapitarsi per espresso: 4850 lire (1850 + 3000)
Dal 1° giugno 1995 al 4 maggio 1997:
– Domestic letter: 750 lire
Additional services:
– Domestic letter, registered: 4150 lire (750 + 3400)
– Domestic letter, express delivery: 3750 lire (750 + 3000)
– Domestic letter, registered and express delivery: 7150 lire (750 + 3400 + 3000)
– Domestic letter, registered and conventional insurance: 5350 lire (750 + 3400 + 1200)
Discounted rates:
– Lettera per Andorra, Belgio, Danimarca, Francia, Germania, Grecia, Irlanda, Lussemburgo, Olanda, Portogallo, Regno Unito, Spagna: 750 lire domestic rate
Further steps:
– Domestic letter between 20 and 100 g: 1850 lire
– Domestic letter between 20 and 100 g, registered: 5250 lire (1850 + 3400)
– Lettera tra 100 e 250 grammi: 4000 lire
– Lettera tra 100 e 250 grammi assicurata convenzionale: 8600 lire (4000 + 3400 racc. + 1200)
– Lettera tra 250 e 500 grammi: 7000 lire
– Lettera tra 500 e 1000 grammi: 13200 lire
– Lettera tra 500 e 1000 grammi espresso: 16200 lire (13200 + 3000)
Dal 5 maggio 1997 al 3 giugno 1999:
– Domestic letter: 800 lire
Additional services:
– Domestic letter, registered: 4800 lire (800 + 4000)
– Domestic letter, express delivery: 4400 lire (800 + 3600)
– Domestic letter, registered and express delivery: 8400 lire (800 + 4000 + 3600)
– Domestic letter, registered and conventional insurance: 6400 (800 + 4000 + 1600)
Discounte rates:
– Carta per i ciechi: in franchigia
– Carta per i ciechi raccomandata: 4000 lire (solo la soprattassa)
– Carta per i ciechi da recapitarsi per espresso: 3600 lire (solo la soprattassa)
– Letter for all the countries of the European Union: 800 lire domestic rate
Further steps:
– Domestic letter between 20 and 50 g: 1800 lire
– Domestic letter between 20 and 50 g, registered: 5800 lire (1800 + 4000)
– Domestic letter between 20 and 50 g, registered, express delivery: 9400 lire (1800 + 4000 + 3600)
– Lettera tra 20 e 50 grammi assicurata convenzionale: 7400 lire (1800 + 4000 racc + 1600)
– Lettera tra 50 e 100 grammi: 2000 lire
– Lettera tra 50 e 100 grammi raccomandata: 6000 lire (2000 + 4000)
– Lettera tra 100 e 250 grammi: 4500 lire
– Lettera tra 250 e 500 grammi: 6000 lire
Dal 4 giugno 1999 nuove tariffe e nuovi scaglioni oltre i 20 grammi, tariffe valide fino al 20 giugno 1999 (vedi nota):
– Domestic letter: 800 lire
Additional services:
– Domestic letter, registered: 4800 lire (800 + 4000)
– Domestic letter, express delivery: 4400 lire (800 + 3600)
– Domestic letter, registered and express delivery: 8400 lire (800 + 3600 + 4000)
– Domestic letter, registered and conventional insurance: 6400 lire (800 + 4000 + 1600)
Discounted rates:
– Letter for all the Countries of the European Union: 800 lire domestic rate
Con l’introduzione del corriere ordinario e del corriere prioritario, dal 21 giugno 1999 la lettera primo porto confluì nella voce generica “Corriere” assieme ad altri oggetti postali.
Nota bibliografica: in merito alla scomparsa dal tariffario della voce “Lettera” ed alla contemporanea introduzione delle voci “Corriere Ordinario” o “Corriere Prioritario”, è opportuno notare alcune discrepanze rilevate tra le principali fonti bibliografiche consultate.
Il Catalogo Unificato di Storia Postale, edizione 2011-2013, Terzo volume “Servizio Corrispondenze Repubblica Italiana”, nel capitolo dedicato alle lettere, spiega come il 21 giugno 1999 la voce “Lettera” sia stata sostituita nel tariffario postale dalla voce “Corriere”, ordinario o prioritario. Contrariamente a questa premessa, però, la tabella delle tariffe contiene una riga per le lettere dal 4.6.1999 al 30.9.2000 e la tabella delle valutazioni cita le lettere dal 5.5.1997 al 30.9.2000. Com’è possibile, visto che dopo il 20 giugno 1999 non si dovrebbe più parlare di lettere? A maggior ragione, nei capitoli dedicati al Corriere Ordinario ed al Corriere Prioritario lo stesso testo fa cominciare le tabelle delle tariffe e delle valutazioni il 21 giugno 1999.
Nella tabella delle tariffe 4.6.1999 – 30.9.2000 del testo Carobene, Gabbini, Macrelli “AICPM 1974-2004 Storia dell’Associazione e tariffe postali italiane 1863 – 2000”, AICPM 2005 si trovano le voci “Corriere Prioritario” e “Lettera” mentre non c’è la voce “Corriere Ordinario”.
Infine, in Crevato-Selvaggi (a cura di) “La Repubblica Italiana“, Poste Italiane 2003 nel capitolo “Le Poste – Ordinamento e Tariffe”, la tabella relativa alla tariffa lettera si interrompe il 20 giugno 1999 (in accordo con la spiegazione teorica del Catalogo Unificato, ma in disaccordo con le tabelle del medesimo). Non è però citato il cambio di tariffa degli scaglioni oltre 20 grammi avvenuto tra il 3 ed il 4 giugno precedente, a differenza di Catalogo Unificato e di Carobene et al.
La spiegazione di queste discrepanze si trova nell’articolo di Giovanni Riggi di Numana “Storia dell’Avviamento del Servizio Postale Prioritario in Italia dal dicembre 1997 al febbraio 2000” pubblicato in “Sestri 2000 – esposizione nazionale filatelica di storia postale tradizionale e tematica”, Federazione Società Filateliche Italiane, 2000. Nel testo si spiega, infatti, che l’introduzione del corriere prioritario sarebbe dovuta avvenire all’inizio di giugno, contestualmente alla variazione degli scaglioni, ma poi all’ultimo minuto fu rimandata di tre settimane. Ecco quindi perché le fonti divergono ed anche le Gazzette Ufficiali non consentono di fare molta chiarezza su questo pasticcio tecnico.
Nella presente trattazione si è scelto di classificare gli oggetti come segue, cercando di seguire nella maniera più aderente possibile lo svolgersi dei fatti:
– 3/4 giugno 1999: ultimo cambio tariffario che ha interessato la tariffa Lettera: la variazione delle tariffe, limitata agli scaglioni successivi al primo porto, è citata sia in Unificato sia in Carobene et al. mentre non è invece menzionata da Crevato-Selvaggi;
– 14 giugno 1999: emissione del francobollo di Posta Prioritaria, senza però la possibilità di usarlo per il servizio prioritario perché non ancora introdotto;
– 20 giugno 1999: ultimo giorno d’uso della lettera in accordo con Crevato-Selvaggi e Riggi di Numana, ed anche secondo la spiegazione teorica del Catalogo Unificato di Storia Postale;
– 21 giugno 1999: primo giorno d’uso del Corriere, Ordinario o Prioritario (in accordo con il Catalogo Unificato di Storia Postale, con Crevato-Selvaggi e con Riggi di Numana).
Per l’agevolazione concessa alle corrispondenze dirette alla Città del Vaticano, ammesse alla tariffa interna dal 1952, ho fatto riferimento a Crevato-Selvaggi (a cura di) “La Repubblica Italiana”, Poste Italiane 2003 nel capitolo “Le Poste – Ordinamento e Tariffe”, tabella “Le voci tariffarie e le tariffe per la Città del Vaticano