On January 19, 1999, a new non-denominated Machin definitive stamp was issued to pay the pan-European minimum letter rate.

In Great Britain, non-denominated stamps are known as non-value indicators, or NVIs. These stamps indicate the service being paid for rather than the amount of postage paid. They were introduced for domestic mail in 1989 with markings “1st” or “2nd” to denote the class of service desired.

Unlike similar United States stamps, British NVIs retain the ability to pay for the indicated service, regardless of rate changes. A 1st class NVI purchased in 1989 for 19 pence may still be used today to mail a letter, even though the current rate is 26p.

The validity of NVIs was extended to all international mail in 1995.

The concept is now being extended to the pan-European minimum letter rate which is currently 30p. The new stamp will remain valid to pay for that service indefinitely.

The stamp has the usual Machin design, with a capital letter “E” as the service indicator. It is printed in the standard dark blue color, last used for the 17p stamp and second class NVI issued in 1990.