Arkansas Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Arkansas Stamps
Arkansas, situated in the South Central region of the United States, has a postal history intrinsically linked to the development of the American postal system following its admission to the Union in 1836. As a state within the US, its postal administration falls under the United States Postal Service, with stamps consistently denominated in US currency and primarily featuring English text. The state's philatelic record reflects major national periods, including issues related to the Civil War era and subsequent territorial and statehood milestones. Arkansas's postal history is therefore characterized by adherence to federal postal regulations rather than distinct colonial or independent administrative traditions.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Americas
- Subregion:
- North America
- Issuing period:
- 1836 – present
- Languages:
- English
- Currency:
- USD
- Parent issuer:
- United States
Stamp Catalogs
Arkansas stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Arkansas Stamp Series
Statehood Commemoratives (Various)
Stamps issued by the United States Postal Service commemorating Arkansas's statehood or significant historical events within the state.
Civil War Issues (Confederate) (1861-1865)
While not directly 'Arkansas' stamps, stamps of the Confederate States of America were used within Arkansas during the Civil War, reflecting a distinct postal period.
Territorial Postmarks (Pre-1836)
Early postal markings from the Arkansas Territory, preceding statehood, are of interest to collectors of postal history.
Arkansas Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Stamps directly 'from' Arkansas are US federal issues. Value depends on condition, rarity of specific US issues, and postal history items like covers or pre-statehood territorial markings. Confederate issues used in Arkansas can be significantly valuable.
How to Identify Arkansas Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Arkansas stamps:
- 1 Look for 'United States' or 'U.S. Postage' as the primary identifier on stamps used in Arkansas.
- 2 For pre-statehood or Civil War era postal history, examine postmarks for 'Arkansas Territory' or specific Arkansas town names, especially on Confederate States of America stamps or covers.
- 3 Modern stamps will feature English text and US currency denominations.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Arkansas stamps?
Arkansas, as a U.S. state, does not issue its own postage stamps. Stamps used in Arkansas are official United States postage stamps, issued by the United States Postal Service (USPS). However, collectors often refer to stamps featuring Arkansas-related themes, historical events, or those used within the state during significant periods (like the Civil War) as 'Arkansas stamps' within a collecting context.
Are Arkansas stamps valuable?
The value of stamps used in Arkansas largely depends on their status as U.S. federal issues. Common modern stamps have minimal value beyond face. However, older U.S. stamps, especially those from the 19th century, or Confederate States of America stamps used in Arkansas, can be quite valuable, particularly if they are rare, in excellent condition, or part of significant postal history (e.g., on covers with unique postmarks). Values can range from a few cents to thousands of dollars for rare items.
How can I identify Arkansas stamps?
To identify stamps used in Arkansas, look for the 'United States' or 'U.S. Postage' inscription, as these are federal issues. For historical context, examine postmarks for Arkansas town names or 'Arkansas Territory' on older covers. To accurately identify and value any stamp, you can use a stamp identifier app, which allows you to photograph your stamp for instant recognition and catalog information.
Which catalogs list Arkansas stamps?
Since stamps used in Arkansas are primarily United States issues, they are listed in all major stamp catalogs that cover U.S. stamps. This includes the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information, including issue dates, varieties, and estimated values for U.S. stamps.
Not sure if your stamp is from Arkansas?
Identify it instantly with our iPhone app
Download on App Store