Cleveland Ohio Local Post Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Cleveland, Ohio (United States Local Post) Stamps
Cleveland, Ohio, is a major metropolitan area situated in the Great Lakes region of the Midwestern United States. As a constituent part of the United States, its postal history is entirely integrated with the United States Postal Service, reflecting national political periods and federal administration rather than independent issuance. Stamps issued for use in Cleveland feature English as the standard language and utilize U.S. currency denominations. The city's postal development mirrors the broader expansion and modernization of the American postal network throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Americas
- Subregion:
- North America
- Issuing period:
- 1854 – 1854
- Languages:
- English
- Currency:
- USD
- Parent issuer:
- United States
Stamp Catalogs
Cleveland, Ohio (United States Local Post) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Cleveland, Ohio (United States Local Post) Stamp Series
Cleveland Ohio Despatch Post (1854)
Stamps issued by a private local post operating in Cleveland, Ohio, primarily for city mail delivery before the widespread establishment of official U.S. postal services.
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issuer:cleveland-ohio.series.items.2.name (issuer:cleveland-ohio.series.items.2.period)
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Cleveland, Ohio (United States Local Post) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Stamps from Cleveland's local post are generally scarce due to their limited issuance and usage period. Condition significantly impacts value, with well-preserved examples fetching premium prices. Forgeries are known to exist.
How to Identify Cleveland, Ohio (United States Local Post) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Cleveland, Ohio (United States Local Post) stamps:
- 1 Look for the inscription 'CLEVELAND O. DESPATCH POST' or similar variations.
- 2 Examine the design, which typically features a central vignette (e.g., a horse and rider, or a portrait) surrounded by text.
- 3 Pay attention to the paper type and printing method, as these can be indicators of authenticity for these early local issues.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cleveland Ohio stamps?
Cleveland Ohio stamps refer to issues from a private local post, the 'Cleveland Ohio Despatch Post,' which operated briefly in 1854. These stamps were used for local mail delivery within the city before the U.S. Post Office fully established its services.
Are Cleveland Ohio stamps valuable?
Yes, stamps from the Cleveland Ohio Despatch Post are considered valuable due to their rarity and historical significance. Common examples can fetch $50-$200, while rare varieties or those in exceptional condition can command prices from $500 to over $5,000. Their value is highly dependent on condition, rarity, and authenticity.
How can I identify Cleveland Ohio stamps?
You can identify Cleveland Ohio stamps by looking for the specific inscription 'CLEVELAND O. DESPATCH POST' and examining the design, which often includes a central vignette. Consulting a specialized catalog for U.S. local posts is highly recommended. For quick identification, you can also use a stamp identifier app that can analyze images of your stamps.
Which catalogs list Cleveland Ohio stamps?
Cleveland Ohio local post stamps are listed in major philatelic catalogs such as Scott (under U.S. Local Posts), Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information, including varieties, values, and historical context.
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