Charleston (Local Post) Stamps

Identification, history, popular series & stamp values

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About Charleston (Local Post) Stamps

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Learn more: Wikipedia

Issuer Overview

Region:
Americas
Subregion:
North America
Issuing period:
1861 – 1861
Languages:
English
Currency:
USD
Parent issuer:
Confederate States of America

Stamp Catalogs

Charleston (Local Post) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:

✓ Scott Catalog
✓ Michel Catalog
✓ Stanley Gibbons Catalog

Popular Charleston (Local Post) Stamp Series

Charleston Postmaster Provisional (1861)

Issued by the Charleston Postmaster during the early days of the American Civil War, before Confederate general issues were available.

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Charleston (Local Post) Stamp Value Overview

Common stamps
Not applicable; all known examples are rare.
Rare stamps
$5,000 - $50,000+

Value Notes: Charleston Postmaster Provisionals are extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors of Confederate and U.S. philately. Values depend heavily on condition, cancellations, and specific varieties.

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How to Identify Charleston (Local Post) Stamps

Key features to look for when identifying Charleston (Local Post) stamps:

  • 1 Look for the handstamped 'PAID' or 'PAID 5' on envelopes, often in red or blue ink.
  • 2 These are not adhesive stamps but rather handstamped markings on covers (envelopes).
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Related Issuers & Topics

Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:

Anderson Court House (Confederate Postmaster Provisional) Barnwell Court House (Confederate Provisionals) Demopolis (Confederate Postmaster Provisional) Milledgeville (Confederate Provisional) North Carolina (U.S. State) Savannah (Confederate Provisional) St. Louis (Provisional Issues) Tuscumbia, Alabama (Confederate Postmaster Provisionals)

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Charleston (Local Post) stamps?

Charleston (Local Post) refers to the 'Postmaster Provisional' handstamps used in Charleston, South Carolina, during 1861. These were temporary postal markings applied to mail by the local postmaster after South Carolina seceded from the Union and before the Confederate States of America issued its own stamps.

Are Charleston (Local Post) stamps valuable?

Yes, Charleston Postmaster Provisionals are among the most valuable and rare items in Confederate philately. Due to their limited usage and historical significance, surviving examples, especially on cover, command high prices, often ranging from $5,000 to well over $50,000.

How can I identify Charleston (Local Post) stamps?

Identifying Charleston Postmaster Provisionals requires careful examination. They are not adhesive stamps but handstamped markings, typically 'PAID' or 'PAID 5', applied directly to the envelope. Look for these markings on covers originating from Charleston, SC, dated 1861. For definitive identification, consult a specialized catalog or use a stamp identifier app.

Which catalogs list Charleston (Local Post) stamps?

Charleston Postmaster Provisionals are primarily listed in specialized catalogs focusing on United States and Confederate States philately, most notably the Scott Specialized Catalogue of United States Stamps and Covers. They are generally not found in general world catalogs like Michel or Stanley Gibbons.

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