Greensboro NC Provisional Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Greensboro, North Carolina (Confederate Postmaster Provisionals) Stamps
Greensboro, North Carolina, is a city located in the Piedmont region of the southeastern United States. As part of the United States, its postal history falls under the jurisdiction of the United States Postal Service, reflecting the nation's unified postal administration since the late 18th century. Stamps issued for use in Greensboro and the surrounding area are denominated in US currency and primarily feature English text. The city's postal development mirrors the broader expansion and modernization of the American postal system throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Americas
- Subregion:
- North America
- Issuing period:
- 1861 – 1861
- Languages:
- English
- Currency:
- USD
- Parent issuer:
- Confederate States of America
Stamp Catalogs
Greensboro, North Carolina (Confederate Postmaster Provisionals) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Greensboro, North Carolina (Confederate Postmaster Provisionals) Stamp Series
Greensboro NC Provisional (1861)
The single known provisional stamp issued by the Greensboro, NC postmaster during the early days of the Confederacy.
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Greensboro, North Carolina (Confederate Postmaster Provisionals) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Greensboro, NC provisionals are exceedingly rare, with only a handful of examples known. Their value is highly dependent on condition, provenance, and specific variety (e.g., on or off cover). They are considered major rarities in Confederate philately.
How to Identify Greensboro, North Carolina (Confederate Postmaster Provisionals) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Greensboro, North Carolina (Confederate Postmaster Provisionals) stamps:
- 1 Look for a handstamped 'PAID' in a circle, often with '5' or '10' cents, applied to covers originating from Greensboro, NC, during 1861.
- 2 The most famous example is the 'Greensboro NC Provisional' which is a handstamped 'PAID' in a circle, with '5' cents, on a buff-colored paper.
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Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Greensboro NC stamps?
Greensboro NC stamps refer to extremely rare Confederate Postmaster Provisionals issued by the postmaster of Greensboro, North Carolina, in 1861. These were temporary stamps or markings used before the Confederate States of America issued its own general postage stamps.
Are Greensboro NC stamps valuable?
Yes, Greensboro NC provisional stamps are among the most valuable and rarest items in Confederate philately. With only a very limited number of examples known to exist, they command prices ranging from tens of thousands to over a hundred thousand dollars, depending on their condition and specific characteristics.
How can I identify Greensboro NC stamps?
Identification of Greensboro NC provisionals requires expert knowledge due to their rarity and the potential for forgeries. Key features include a handstamped 'PAID' in a circular design, often with a denomination like '5' or '10' cents, applied to covers (envelopes) postmarked from Greensboro, NC, in 1861. For definitive identification, consult a philatelic expert or use a stamp identifier app that can connect you with specialists.
Which catalogs list Greensboro NC stamps?
Greensboro NC provisional stamps are listed in specialized catalogs focusing on United States and Confederate States philately, most notably the Scott Specialized Catalogue of United States Stamps and Covers. Due to their extreme rarity and specialized nature, they may not be found in general world stamp catalogs like Michel or Stanley Gibbons.
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