Louisiana Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Louisiana Stamps
Louisiana, situated in the Southern United States, possesses a unique postal history reflecting its transition from French and Spanish colonial rule to its current status within the American federal system. While primarily issuing stamps under the United States Post Office Department, its cultural heritage is often subtly referenced through imagery, though the primary language on its postal material is English. The territory’s complex administrative shifts, particularly the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, firmly integrated its postal operations into the developing U.S. national system, standardizing its issuance practices relative to the rest of the nation.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Americas
- Subregion:
- North America
- Issuing period:
- None
- Languages:
- English, French, Spanish
- Currency:
- USD
- Parent issuer:
- United States
Stamp Catalogs
Louisiana stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Louisiana Stamp Series
Louisiana Provisional Issues (Confederate) (1861-1862)
Stamps issued locally by postmasters in Louisiana during the early Confederate period, before general Confederate issues became widely available.
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issuer:louisiana.series.items.2.name (issuer:louisiana.series.items.2.period)
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Louisiana Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: While Louisiana itself did not issue federal stamps, its provisional issues during the Confederate period are highly sought after by collectors. Stamps from the U.S. period used in Louisiana are valued as standard U.S. issues, with some cancellations or covers potentially adding premium.
How to Identify Louisiana Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Louisiana stamps:
- 1 Look for 'LOUISIANA' or town names within the state on Confederate provisional issues.
- 2 Examine cancellations on U.S. stamps for Louisiana postmarks.
- 3 Note the design and denomination, especially for provisional issues which often have a crude appearance.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Louisiana stamps?
Louisiana, as a U.S. state, does not issue its own federal postage stamps. However, during the American Civil War, various postmasters in Louisiana issued 'provisional' stamps due to the disruption of federal postal services. These are highly collectible and distinct from regular U.S. issues.
Are Louisiana stamps valuable?
Yes, particularly the Confederate provisional issues from Louisiana can be quite valuable, ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on rarity, condition, and specific postmark. Regular U.S. stamps used in Louisiana are valued as standard U.S. issues, though specific cancellations can add value.
How can I identify Louisiana stamps?
Identifying Louisiana provisional stamps involves looking for the state name or specific city names (e.g., New Orleans, Baton Rouge) on the stamp itself, often with a 'Paid' or 'Postage' inscription. For U.S. stamps used in Louisiana, identification relies on the postmark. A stamp identifier app can help you quickly determine the origin and catalog details of your stamps.
Which catalogs list Louisiana stamps?
The Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue lists Confederate provisional issues, including those from Louisiana, typically within the Confederate States of America section. Michel and Stanley Gibbons also cover these issues, often within their respective U.S. or Confederate sections.
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