Lexington, Missouri Postmaster's Provisional Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Lexington, Missouri (Postmaster's Provisional) Stamps
Lexington, Missouri, is a city located in the central United States, not a sovereign stamp-issuing entity. As such, its postal history falls entirely under the jurisdiction of the United States Postal Service. Stamps issued for use in Lexington would feature English text and denominations in US currency, reflecting the broader administrative and political history of the American republic. There are no distinct postal administrations or unique historical transitions specific to Lexington that would result in separate, nationally recognized stamp issues.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Americas
- Subregion:
- North America
- Issuing period:
- 1861 – 1861
- Languages:
- English
- Currency:
- USD
- Parent issuer:
- United States
Stamp Catalogs
Lexington, Missouri (Postmaster's Provisional) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Lexington, Missouri (Postmaster's Provisional) Stamp Series
Lexington, Missouri Postmaster's Provisional (1861)
A single provisional stamp issued by the local postmaster during the early days of the American Civil War, before regular Confederate postal services were established in the area.
issuer:lexington-miss.series.items.1.name (issuer:lexington-miss.series.items.1.period)
issuer:lexington-miss.series.items.1.description
issuer:lexington-miss.series.items.2.name (issuer:lexington-miss.series.items.2.period)
issuer:lexington-miss.series.items.2.description
Lexington, Missouri (Postmaster's Provisional) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: The Lexington, Missouri Postmaster's Provisional is extremely rare, with only a handful of known examples. Its value is highly dependent on condition, provenance, and whether it is on or off cover. It is considered a major rarity in U.S. philately.
How to Identify Lexington, Missouri (Postmaster's Provisional) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Lexington, Missouri (Postmaster's Provisional) stamps:
- 1 Look for a handstamped 'PAID' and '5' (for 5 cents) on a piece of paper, often with the manuscript 'Lexington Mo.' or 'Lexington' and a date.
- 2 The stamp is not a printed adhesive but a handstamped marking, typically in black ink, on a piece of paper that was then affixed to a letter.
- 3 issuer:lexington-miss.identification.tips.2
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Lexington, Missouri stamps?
The 'Lexington, Missouri' stamp refers to a rare Postmaster's Provisional issued in 1861 during the American Civil War. It was a temporary postal marking created by the local postmaster to frank mail when regular U.S. postal services ceased and before Confederate services were fully established. It is not a conventional adhesive stamp but a handstamped marking.
Are Lexington, Missouri stamps valuable?
Yes, the Lexington, Missouri Postmaster's Provisional is exceptionally valuable. It is one of the rarest and most sought-after items in U.S. philately, with known examples fetching tens of thousands of dollars at auction due to its historical significance and extreme scarcity.
How can I identify Lexington, Missouri stamps?
Identification requires expert knowledge due to its rarity and the nature of it being a handstamped provisional. Key features include a handstamped 'PAID' and '5' (for 5 cents) on a piece of paper, often with a manuscript 'Lexington Mo.' or 'Lexington' and a date. Authentication by a recognized philatelic expert is crucial. You can also use a stamp identifier app to help with initial recognition, though for such a rarity, professional authentication is paramount.
Which catalogs list Lexington, Missouri stamps?
The Lexington, Missouri Postmaster's Provisional is listed in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue under the United States section, typically within the Confederate States Postmasters' Provisionals or similar specialized sections. It is not generally found in international catalogs like Michel or Stanley Gibbons as it is a highly specialized U.S. item.
Not sure if your stamp is from Lexington, Missouri (Postmaster's Provisional)?
Identify it instantly with our iPhone app
Download on App Store