Chapel Hill Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Chapel Hill (US Local Post) Stamps
Chapel Hill is a municipality located in the state of North Carolina, within the Southeastern United States. As a constituent part of the United States, its postal history is entirely integrated into the United States Postal Service (USPS) system, meaning it does not issue its own independent national stamps. Consequently, postal markings and stamps associated with Chapel Hill exclusively feature English text and denominations consistent with US currency. The administrative history of its postal service reflects the broader evolution of the American postal network since the nation's founding.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Americas
- Subregion:
- Southeastern United States
- Issuing period:
- 1861 – 1861
- Languages:
- English
- Currency:
- USD
- Parent issuer:
- United States
Stamp Catalogs
Chapel Hill (US Local Post) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Chapel Hill (US Local Post) Stamp Series
Chapel Hill Postmaster Provisional (1861)
A rare provisional stamp issued by the Chapel Hill postmaster during the early days of the American Civil War, before Confederate stamps became widely available. These were handstamped on envelopes.
issuer:chapel-hill.series.items.1.name (issuer:chapel-hill.series.items.1.period)
issuer:chapel-hill.series.items.1.description
issuer:chapel-hill.series.items.2.name (issuer:chapel-hill.series.items.2.period)
issuer:chapel-hill.series.items.2.description
Chapel Hill (US Local Post) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: The Chapel Hill provisional is exceedingly rare, with only a handful of examples known. Its value is highly dependent on condition, provenance, and whether it is on or off cover. It is considered a major rarity in US philately.
How to Identify Chapel Hill (US Local Post) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Chapel Hill (US Local Post) stamps:
- 1 Look for a handstamped 'PAID' marking, often in red or black ink, sometimes accompanied by '5' or '10' cents, applied to envelopes originating from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, in 1861.
- 2 Authenticity is paramount; these are frequently faked. Expertization by a recognized philatelic authority is essential for any purported Chapel Hill provisional.
- 3 issuer:chapel-hill.identification.tips.2
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Chapel Hill stamps?
Chapel Hill, North Carolina, is known in philately for a single, extremely rare 'Postmaster Provisional' stamp issued in 1861. This provisional was a temporary measure by the local postmaster to frank mail during the early stages of the American Civil War, before official Confederate stamps were distributed. It was not a national issue but a local solution.
Are Chapel Hill stamps valuable?
Yes, the Chapel Hill Postmaster Provisional is one of the most valuable and rare items in US philately. Only a very small number of examples are known to exist, making them highly sought after by collectors. Values can range from tens of thousands to over a hundred thousand dollars, depending on condition and whether it's on cover.
How can I identify Chapel Hill stamps?
Identifying a Chapel Hill provisional requires expert knowledge. It typically involves a handstamped 'PAID' marking, possibly with a denomination like '5' or '10' cents, applied to an envelope from Chapel Hill, NC, in 1861. Due to their extreme rarity and value, authentication by a reputable philatelic expert is absolutely essential. You can also use a stamp identifier app to learn more about potential finds, though for such a rarity, professional appraisal is critical.
Which catalogs list Chapel Hill stamps?
The Chapel Hill Postmaster Provisional is listed in specialized catalogs for United States stamps, most notably the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, typically within the Confederate States of America or US Locals sections. It is generally not found in international catalogs like Michel or Stanley Gibbons, as it is a highly specific US local issue.
Not sure if your stamp is from Chapel Hill (US Local Post)?
Identify it instantly with our iPhone app
Download on App Store