Boston Mass Postmaster Provisional Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Boston, Massachusetts (Postmaster Provisionals) Stamps
Boston, Massachusetts, is a major city in the northeastern United States, situated on the Atlantic coast of North America. As a foundational center of the American colonies, its postal history is intrinsically linked to the development of the United States Post Office Department, predating national unification. Stamps issued for use in Boston would primarily feature English text and denominations in US currency, reflecting its status within the federal postal system following the American Revolution. While Boston itself did not issue stamps distinct from the federal issues, its early postal infrastructure was crucial to the establishment of the national postal network.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Americas
- Subregion:
- North America
- Issuing period:
- 1849 – 1850
- Languages:
- English
- Currency:
- USD
- Parent issuer:
- United States
Stamp Catalogs
Boston, Massachusetts (Postmaster Provisionals) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Boston, Massachusetts (Postmaster Provisionals) Stamp Series
Boston Postmaster Provisional (1849-1850)
These were locally produced stamps issued by the Boston postmaster before the general issue of federal stamps in 1847 (though Boston's specific provisionals appeared later than some others). They were intended to prepay postage locally.
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Boston, Massachusetts (Postmaster Provisionals) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Boston Postmaster Provisionals are exceedingly rare and highly sought after by collectors of classic US philately. Their value depends heavily on condition, cancellations, and specific varieties. Only a handful of examples are known to exist.
How to Identify Boston, Massachusetts (Postmaster Provisionals) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Boston, Massachusetts (Postmaster Provisionals) stamps:
- 1 Look for a circular design, typically featuring the words 'PAID' and 'BOSTON' with a denomination (e.g., '5 CENTS').
- 2 These are handstamped designs, not engraved, and often appear on covers (envelopes) rather than as individual stamps.
- 3 Authenticity is paramount; expertization is essential due to their rarity and high value.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Boston Mass stamps?
Boston Mass stamps refer to the exceedingly rare 'Postmaster Provisionals' issued by the postmaster of Boston, Massachusetts, around 1849-1850. These were local stamps used to prepay postage before the widespread availability of federal postage stamps.
Are Boston Mass stamps valuable?
Yes, Boston Mass Postmaster Provisional stamps are among the most valuable and rare items in U.S. philately. Due to their extreme scarcity (only a few examples are known), they command prices ranging from tens of thousands to over a hundred thousand dollars, depending on condition and provenance.
How can I identify Boston Mass stamps?
Identifying Boston Mass Postmaster Provisionals requires expert knowledge due to their rarity and the potential for forgeries. Look for a circular handstamped design typically showing 'PAID', 'BOSTON', and a denomination like '5 CENTS'. For definitive identification, especially for such high-value items, it's crucial to consult a philatelic expert or use a stamp identifier app that can connect you with specialists.
Which catalogs list Boston Mass stamps?
Boston Mass Postmaster Provisional stamps are listed in major philatelic catalogs such as Scott (under United States Postmaster Provisionals), Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. Due to their rarity, they are typically given specialized catalog numbers and significant valuations.
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