Houston Postmaster Provisional Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Houston, Texas (Confederate Postmaster Provisionals) Stamps
Houston is a major metropolitan area located in the southern United States, part of North America. Its postal history is entirely integrated within the United States Postal Service (USPS), reflecting the nation's development from a republic to a global postal power. Stamps issued for use in Houston invariably feature English as the primary language and utilize U.S. currency denominations. As a continuously administered part of the U.S. federal system, its postal administration has seen no major transitions separate from the national framework.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Americas
- Subregion:
- North America
- Issuing period:
- 1861 – 1861
- Languages:
- English
- Currency:
- USD
- Parent issuer:
- Confederate States of America
Stamp Catalogs
Houston, Texas (Confederate Postmaster Provisionals) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Houston, Texas (Confederate Postmaster Provisionals) Stamp Series
Houston Postmaster Provisional (1861)
Issued by the Houston postmaster during the early days of the Confederacy, these stamps were necessary due to the disruption of U.S. postal services. They are handstamped designs, typically on various paper types.
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Houston, Texas (Confederate Postmaster Provisionals) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Houston Postmaster Provisionals are exceedingly rare and highly sought after by specialists in Confederate philately. Their value depends heavily on condition, specific variety (e.g., paper, shade, cancellation), and provenance. Authenticity is paramount.
How to Identify Houston, Texas (Confederate Postmaster Provisionals) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Houston, Texas (Confederate Postmaster Provisionals) stamps:
- 1 Look for the distinctive handstamped design, often a circular or rectangular frame with 'PAID' and '5' or '10' cents, and 'HOUSTON' or 'HOUSTON, TEX.'
- 2 Examine the paper and cancellation for period-correct characteristics. Many are on locally available paper, sometimes with imperfections.
- 3 Consult specialized Confederate States catalogs and expert opinions for authentication, as forgeries exist.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Houston stamps?
Houston stamps refer specifically to the Postmaster Provisionals issued in Houston, Texas, during 1861, at the outset of the American Civil War. These were temporary stamps created by the local postmaster to maintain mail service after the Confederate States seceded from the Union and before official Confederate stamps were widely available.
Are Houston stamps valuable?
Yes, Houston Postmaster Provisional stamps are extremely valuable. They are among the rarest and most historically significant issues in Confederate philately, with individual stamps often fetching thousands or tens of thousands of dollars at auction, depending on their condition and specific variety.
How can I identify Houston stamps?
Identifying Houston Postmaster Provisionals requires careful examination of the handstamped design, which typically includes 'PAID', a denomination (5 or 10 cents), and 'HOUSTON' or 'HOUSTON, TEX.'. Due to their rarity and value, expert authentication is crucial. A stamp identifier app can help with initial recognition, but for definitive identification and valuation, consult a philatelic expert specializing in Confederate stamps.
Which catalogs list Houston stamps?
Houston Postmaster Provisionals are listed in major stamp catalogs such as Scott (under Confederate States Postmaster Provisionals), Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. Specialized catalogs focusing on Confederate States philately will provide the most detailed listings and information.
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