Galveston Provisional Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Galveston (Confederate Provisional) Stamps
Galveston, a city located on an island in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Texas, was never an independent sovereign nation and therefore did not issue its own national postage stamps. Its postal history is entirely integrated with that of the United States, utilizing US postal services and bearing US postage from its establishment. Stamps issued for use in Galveston would invariably feature English text and US currency denominations, reflecting its status as a major American port city throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Any distinct postal markings would relate to local city post offices or provisional issues within the US system, rather than independent national issues.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Americas
- Subregion:
- North America
- Issuing period:
- 1861 – 1861
- Languages:
- English
- Currency:
- USD
- Parent issuer:
- Confederate States of America
Stamp Catalogs
Galveston (Confederate Provisional) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Galveston (Confederate Provisional) Stamp Series
Galveston Provisional Postmaster's Stamps (1861)
Handstamped provisional issues created by the Galveston postmaster during the early days of the American Civil War due to a shortage of official Confederate stamps.
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Galveston (Confederate Provisional) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Galveston provisional stamps are exceedingly rare and highly sought after by Confederate philately specialists. Their value depends heavily on condition, cancellations, and specific varieties. No 'common' issues exist.
How to Identify Galveston (Confederate Provisional) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Galveston (Confederate Provisional) stamps:
- 1 Look for handstamped designs, typically 'PAID' and '5' or '10' (cents) in various frames or straight lines.
- 2 Examine the cancellation, often 'GALVESTON TEX' or similar town markings.
- 3 Authenticity is paramount; expertization is highly recommended due to rarity and potential for forgeries.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Galveston stamps?
Galveston stamps refer to rare provisional issues created by the postmaster of Galveston, Texas, in 1861 during the American Civil War. These were handstamped due to a temporary shortage of official Confederate States of America stamps and were used for a very brief period.
Are Galveston stamps valuable?
Yes, Galveston provisional stamps are extremely valuable. They are considered significant rarities in Confederate philately, with individual stamps often fetching hundreds or thousands of dollars at auction, depending on their condition and specific characteristics.
How can I identify Galveston stamps?
Galveston provisional stamps are identified by their handstamped designs, typically indicating 'PAID' and a denomination (5 or 10 cents), often within a frame, along with a Galveston postmark. Due to their rarity and value, expert authentication is crucial. You can also use a stamp identifier app to help with initial recognition, but always seek professional verification for such valuable items.
Which catalogs list Galveston stamps?
Galveston provisional stamps are primarily listed in the Scott Specialized Catalogue of United States Stamps and Covers, specifically within the Confederate States of America section under 'Postmasters' Provisionals'.
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