Baton Rouge Provisional Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Baton Rouge (Local Post) Stamps
Baton Rouge, while a significant city, is not a sovereign nation and therefore does not issue its own international postage stamps. As the capital of Louisiana, USA, its postal services fall under the jurisdiction of the United States Postal Service (USPS). Consequently, all postal history and stamp usage within Baton Rouge adhere to the standards, denominations, and linguistic conventions established by the federal government of the United States. Any historical postal transitions would reflect the broader evolution of the American postal system, including its membership in the Universal Postal Union.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Americas
- Subregion:
- North America
- Issuing period:
- 1861 – 1861
- Languages:
- English
- Currency:
- USD
- Parent issuer:
- United States
Stamp Catalogs
Baton Rouge (Local Post) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Baton Rouge (Local Post) Stamp Series
Baton Rouge Provisional (1861)
Issued by the postmaster of Baton Rouge during the early days of the American Civil War, before Confederate stamps were widely available. These were handstamped or printed locally.
issuer:baton-rouge.series.items.1.name (issuer:baton-rouge.series.items.1.period)
issuer:baton-rouge.series.items.1.description
issuer:baton-rouge.series.items.2.name (issuer:baton-rouge.series.items.2.period)
issuer:baton-rouge.series.items.2.description
Baton Rouge (Local Post) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Baton Rouge provisional stamps are exceedingly rare and highly sought after by collectors of Confederate and U.S. local post issues. Values vary significantly based on condition, type (handstamped vs. printed), and specific varieties.
How to Identify Baton Rouge (Local Post) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Baton Rouge (Local Post) stamps:
- 1 Look for 'BATON ROUGE' handstamps or locally printed designs, often with denominations like '5 CENTS' or '10 CENTS'.
- 2 These stamps were typically applied to covers (envelopes), as loose examples are even rarer and harder to authenticate.
- 3 Authenticity is paramount; expertization is highly recommended due to the rarity and potential for forgeries.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Baton Rouge stamps?
Baton Rouge stamps refer to provisional postal issues created by the postmaster of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1861. These were local stamps used during the American Civil War when regular U.S. postal services ceased and Confederate stamps were not yet readily available.
Are Baton Rouge stamps valuable?
Yes, Baton Rouge provisional stamps are among the most valuable and rare local post issues from the American Civil War era. Their value can range from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on their condition, type, and whether they are on cover. They are highly prized by philatelists.
How can I identify Baton Rouge stamps?
Identifying Baton Rouge stamps requires careful examination for the 'BATON ROUGE' inscription, often accompanied by a denomination. Due to their rarity and the existence of forgeries, expert authentication is crucial. A stamp identifier app might help with initial recognition, but professional philatelic expertise is essential for confirmation.
Which catalogs list Baton Rouge stamps?
Baton Rouge provisional stamps are listed in specialized catalogs focusing on U.S. local posts and Confederate philately, most notably the Scott Specialized Catalogue of United States Stamps and Covers. They are typically not found in general world catalogs like Michel or Stanley Gibbons.
Not sure if your stamp is from Baton Rouge (Local Post)?
Identify it instantly with our iPhone app
Download on App Store