Knoxville Provisional Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Knoxville Provisional Postmaster's Stamps Stamps
Knoxville is a city located in the southeastern United States, within the North American continent. As a municipality within the United States, its postal history is entirely integrated with the United States Postal Service (USPS), adhering to federal postal regulations and participating in international postal unions through the US system. Stamps issued for use in Knoxville feature English as the primary language, reflecting the dominant linguistic environment of Tennessee. The city's postal administration has not historically operated as a separate issuing entity, remaining subject to the administrative transitions of the USPS.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Americas
- Subregion:
- North America
- Issuing period:
- 1861 – 1861
- Languages:
- English
- Currency:
- USD
- Parent issuer:
- United States
Stamp Catalogs
Knoxville Provisional Postmaster's Stamps stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Knoxville Provisional Postmaster's Stamps Stamp Series
Knoxville Provisional (1861)
Issued by Postmaster J.M. Fleming during the early days of the American Civil War due to a shortage of federal stamps.
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Knoxville Provisional Postmaster's Stamps Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Knoxville provisional stamps are exceedingly rare and highly sought after by collectors of Confederate and U.S. local post issues. Values depend heavily on condition, cancellations, and specific varieties.
How to Identify Knoxville Provisional Postmaster's Stamps Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Knoxville Provisional Postmaster's Stamps stamps:
- 1 Look for 'PAID' handstamped in red or blue, often with '5' or '10' for the denomination.
- 2 The stamps are typically crude, locally produced issues, often appearing on cover.
- 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 Knoxville stamps?
Knoxville stamps refer to provisional stamps issued by the Postmaster of Knoxville, Tennessee, J.M. Fleming, in 1861. These were local issues created due to the disruption of postal services and the shortage of official U.S. stamps at the outbreak of the American Civil War, before the Confederate States of America began issuing their own stamps.
Are Knoxville stamps valuable?
Yes, Knoxville provisional stamps are extremely valuable. They are among the rarest and most historically significant of all U.S. local post and Confederate provisional issues. Individual stamps or covers can fetch thousands to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on their condition, cancellation, and specific variety.
How can I identify Knoxville stamps?
Knoxville provisional stamps are characterized by a 'PAID' handstamp, typically in red or blue ink, often accompanied by a numeral indicating the denomination (e.g., '5' or '10'). They are usually found on covers (envelopes). Due to their rarity and value, expert authentication is crucial. You can use a stamp identifier app to get an initial assessment, but for definitive identification and valuation, consult a philatelic expert specializing in U.S. locals and Confederates.
Which catalogs list Knoxville stamps?
Knoxville provisional stamps are primarily listed in the Scott Specialized Catalogue of United States Stamps and Covers, typically found within the 'Confederate States of America - Postmasters' Provisionals' section. They are generally not listed in international catalogs like Michel or Stanley Gibbons, which focus on broader national issues.
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