Confederate States Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Confederate States of America Stamps
The Confederate States of America, existing briefly in the southeastern region of North America during the American Civil War, established its own postal system separate from the United States. This entity operated from 1861 to 1865, issuing stamps that primarily featured English text and denominations in US currency equivalents before the adoption of the Confederate cent. The postal service was crucial for internal communication but was severely hampered by the Union blockade and the eventual collapse of the Confederacy, leading to the resumption of US postal authority over the territory.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Americas
- Subregion:
- North America
- Issuing period:
- 1861 – 1865
- Languages:
- English
- Currency:
- USD
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Stamp Catalogs
Confederate States of America stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Confederate States of America Stamp Series
General Issues (1861-1863)
The initial series of stamps issued by the Confederate Post Office Department, featuring portraits of prominent figures like Jefferson Davis and Andrew Jackson, and a representation of George Washington.
Local Postmaster Provisionals (1861)
Stamps issued by individual postmasters in various Confederate towns and cities due to the initial lack of official Confederate stamps. These are highly sought after by collectors.
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Confederate States of America Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: The value of Confederate States stamps varies greatly depending on condition, rarity of the specific issue, and whether they are general issues or local provisionals. Local provisionals, especially those with unique cancellations or in exceptional condition, can command very high prices. General issues in fine condition are also desirable.
How to Identify Confederate States of America Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Confederate States of America stamps:
- 1 Look for 'Confederate States of America' or 'C.S.A.' in the inscription, though some early issues may not have this explicit text.
- 2 Denominations are typically in cents (e.g., '5 Cents', '10 Cents').
- 3 The designs often feature portraits of Confederate leaders or historical American figures.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Confederate States stamps?
Confederate States stamps are postage stamps issued by the Confederate States of America between 1861 and 1865, during the American Civil War. They were used for postal communication within the Confederacy, separate from the United States postal system.
Are Confederate States stamps valuable?
Yes, many Confederate States stamps are valuable, particularly rare issues, local postmaster provisionals, and stamps in excellent condition or on cover. Values can range from tens of dollars for common issues to tens of thousands for rare varieties and covers.
How can I identify Confederate States stamps?
Confederate States stamps can be identified by their inscriptions (often 'Confederate States of America' or 'C.S.A.'), their designs featuring historical figures, and their period of issue. Many early issues were imperforate. For precise identification, use a stamp identifier app or consult a specialized catalog like Scott.
Which catalogs list Confederate States stamps?
Confederate States stamps are extensively cataloged in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue (Volume 1), Michel (North America), and Stanley Gibbons (Part 1: United States). These catalogs provide detailed listings, values, and varieties.
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