Gainesville Provisional Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Gainesville, Florida (Confederate Postmaster Provisionals) Stamps
Gainesville is a city located in the state of Florida, within the Southeastern United States. As a municipality within the United States, its postal services have historically been administered by the United States Postal Service (USPS), meaning its stamps are federal issues rather than distinct national issues. Therefore, stamps associated with Gainesville primarily reflect broader American postal history, featuring English text and denominations in U.S. currency. The city's postal administration is subject to the administrative and political transitions of the United States federal government.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Americas
- Subregion:
- North America
- Issuing period:
- 1861 – 1861
- Languages:
- English
- Currency:
- USD
- Parent issuer:
- Confederate States of America
Stamp Catalogs
Gainesville, Florida (Confederate Postmaster Provisionals) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Gainesville, Florida (Confederate Postmaster Provisionals) Stamp Series
Gainesville Provisional (1861)
A single provisional stamp issued by the Gainesville postmaster during the early days of the American Civil War due to a shortage of official Confederate stamps.
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Gainesville, Florida (Confederate Postmaster Provisionals) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: The Gainesville 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 Confederate philately.
How to Identify Gainesville, Florida (Confederate Postmaster Provisionals) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Gainesville, Florida (Confederate Postmaster Provisionals) stamps:
- 1 Look for a 5-cent denomination, typically printed in black on yellowish paper.
- 2 The stamp features the word 'PAID' at the top, '5' in the center, and 'GAINESVILLE' at the bottom, often with a hand-stamped cancellation.
- 3 Authenticity is paramount; expertization is required due to its rarity and value.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Gainesville stamps?
Gainesville stamps refer specifically to a rare Postmaster Provisional stamp issued in Gainesville, Florida, in 1861, during the American Civil War. These were local issues created by the postmaster due to a lack of official Confederate stamps.
Are Gainesville stamps valuable?
Yes, Gainesville provisional stamps are extremely valuable. They are among the rarest and most sought-after Confederate Postmaster Provisionals, with known examples fetching tens of thousands of dollars at auction. Their value is due to their scarcity and historical significance.
How can I identify Gainesville stamps?
Gainesville provisional stamps are typically 5-cent denominations, often printed in black on yellowish paper, featuring 'PAID', '5', and 'GAINESVILLE'. Due to their extreme rarity and high value, authenticating a Gainesville provisional requires expert philatelic examination. A stamp identifier app can help with initial recognition, but professional certification is essential.
Which catalogs list Gainesville stamps?
The Gainesville provisional stamp is listed in the Scott Specialized Catalogue of United States Stamps and Covers under Confederate Postmaster Provisionals. It is a key entry for collectors of Confederate philately.
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