Chattanooga Provisional Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Chattanooga (Confederate Postmaster Provisionals) Stamps
Chattanooga is a city located in the southeastern United States, within the state of Tennessee, and is not a sovereign country with its own distinct postal administration. As part of the United States, its postal history is integrated into the U.S. Postal Service, utilizing English inscriptions and denominations established by the federal government. Therefore, stamps issued for use in Chattanooga reflect the national postal history of the United States, including its adherence to international postal agreements through the USPS. There are no separate national stamp issues specific to the city of Chattanooga.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Americas
- Subregion:
- North America
- Issuing period:
- 1861 – 1861
- Languages:
- English
- Currency:
- USD
- Parent issuer:
- Confederate States of America
Stamp Catalogs
Chattanooga (Confederate Postmaster Provisionals) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Chattanooga (Confederate Postmaster Provisionals) Stamp Series
Chattanooga Provisional (1861)
A single provisional stamp issued by the postmaster of Chattanooga during the early days of the American Civil War, before Confederate general issues became widely available.
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Chattanooga (Confederate Postmaster Provisionals) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: The Chattanooga provisional is extremely rare, with only a handful of examples known. Its value is highly dependent on condition, cancellations, and provenance. It is considered a significant rarity in Confederate philately.
How to Identify Chattanooga (Confederate Postmaster Provisionals) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Chattanooga (Confederate Postmaster Provisionals) stamps:
- 1 Look for a 5-cent denomination, typically printed in black on yellowish paper.
- 2 The design features the word 'CHATTANOOGA' at the top, 'TENN.' at the bottom, and '5 CENTS' in the center.
- 3 These are handstamped provisionals, so variations in impression and paper are common.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Chattanooga stamps?
Chattanooga stamps refer to a single provisional stamp issued by the postmaster of Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1861, during the American Civil War. These were local issues created to meet postal needs before official Confederate States of America stamps became available.
Are Chattanooga stamps valuable?
Yes, Chattanooga provisional stamps are extremely valuable. They are among the rarest and most sought-after Confederate postmaster provisionals, with known examples fetching prices ranging from $5,000 to over $20,000, depending on condition and authenticity.
How can I identify Chattanooga stamps?
Chattanooga provisional stamps are typically 5-cent denominations, printed in black on yellowish paper, featuring 'CHATTANOOGA' at the top, 'TENN.' at the bottom, and '5 CENTS' in the center. Due to their rarity and value, expert authentication is crucial. A stamp identifier app can help with initial recognition, but professional philatelic expertization is required for confirmation.
Which catalogs list Chattanooga stamps?
Chattanooga provisional stamps are primarily listed in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, specifically within the Confederate States of America section under 'Postmaster Provisionals'. They are not typically found in European catalogs like Michel or Stanley Gibbons as they are highly specialized U.S. Civil War issues.
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