Lexington Va Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Lexington, Virginia (Confederate Postmaster Provisional) Stamps
Lexington, Virginia, is a city located in the Shenandoah Valley region of the Eastern United States. As a municipality within the United States, its postal history is intrinsically linked to the U.S. Post Office Department, with stamps reflecting national issues and denominations. The primary language appearing on its postal markings and associated philatelic material is English. While Lexington itself does not issue separate stamps, its postal administration reflects the broader administrative and political history of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the United States.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Americas
- Subregion:
- North America
- Issuing period:
- 1861 – 1861
- Languages:
- English
- Currency:
- USD
- Parent issuer:
- Confederate States of America
Stamp Catalogs
Lexington, Virginia (Confederate Postmaster Provisional) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Lexington, Virginia (Confederate Postmaster Provisional) Stamp Series
Lexington Va Postmaster Provisional (1861)
A single stamp issue, handstamped, created due to the lack of official Confederate stamps at the outbreak of the Civil War.
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Lexington, Virginia (Confederate Postmaster Provisional) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Lexington, VA postmaster provisionals are extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors of Confederate States philately. Their value depends heavily on condition, cancellations, and provenance. Forgeries exist, so expert authentication is crucial.
How to Identify Lexington, Virginia (Confederate Postmaster Provisional) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Lexington, Virginia (Confederate Postmaster Provisional) stamps:
- 1 Look for a handstamped design, typically in black ink, featuring 'LEXINGTON VA' and a denomination (e.g., '5 CENTS').
- 2 Examine the paper and cancellation for authenticity, as these were locally produced and often crudely applied.
- 3 Be aware that these are not official Confederate government issues, but rather local provisional stamps.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Lexington Va stamps?
Lexington Va stamps refer to a rare 'postmaster provisional' stamp issued locally in Lexington, Virginia, during 1861 at the outset of the American Civil War. These were created by the local postmaster to facilitate mail delivery when official Confederate stamps were not yet available.
Are Lexington Va stamps valuable?
Yes, Lexington Va postmaster provisional stamps are extremely valuable. They are among the rarest and most historically significant items in Confederate philately, with authentic examples fetching thousands to tens of thousands of dollars at auction. Their rarity and historical context contribute to their high value.
How can I identify Lexington Va stamps?
Lexington Va stamps are characterized by their handstamped appearance, typically in black ink, bearing the town name 'LEXINGTON VA' and a denomination like '5 CENTS'. Due to their rarity and value, expert authentication is essential. You can use a stamp identifier app or consult a philatelic expert to help verify authenticity and condition.
Which catalogs list Lexington Va stamps?
Lexington Va postmaster provisional stamps are primarily listed in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, specifically within the Confederate States of America section under 'Postmasters' Provisionals'. They are generally not found in international catalogs like Michel or Stanley Gibbons, which focus on broader national issues.
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