Lynchburg Postmaster Provisional Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Lynchburg, Virginia (Confederate Postmaster Provisionals) Stamps
Lynchburg is a city located in the Commonwealth of Virginia, situated in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. As a municipality within the US federal system, its postal services have historically been administered by the United States Post Office Department and subsequently the United States Postal Service. Stamps issued for use in Lynchburg would therefore conform to the national standards of the United States, primarily featuring English text and denominations in US currency. The city's postal history is integrated into the broader narrative of American postal expansion and standardization throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Americas
- Subregion:
- North America
- Issuing period:
- 1861 – 1861
- Languages:
- English
- Currency:
- USD
- Parent issuer:
- Confederate States of America
Stamp Catalogs
Lynchburg, Virginia (Confederate Postmaster Provisionals) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Lynchburg, Virginia (Confederate Postmaster Provisionals) Stamp Series
Lynchburg Postmaster Provisionals (1861)
Handstamped or locally printed stamps issued by the Lynchburg postmaster during the early days of the American Civil War, before official Confederate stamps were widely available.
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Lynchburg, Virginia (Confederate Postmaster Provisionals) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Lynchburg Postmaster Provisionals are highly sought after by collectors of Confederate philately. Their value depends heavily on condition, type (handstamped vs. printed), color, and whether they are on cover. Forgeries exist, so expert authentication is crucial.
How to Identify Lynchburg, Virginia (Confederate Postmaster Provisionals) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Lynchburg, Virginia (Confederate Postmaster Provisionals) stamps:
- 1 Look for the distinctive 'PAID' handstamp or locally printed designs, often with 'Lynchburg, Va.' and a denomination (e.g., '5 Cts.').
- 2 Examine the paper and cancellation for authenticity, as these were often crudely produced.
- 3 Compare against known examples in specialized Confederate catalogs.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Lynchburg stamps?
Lynchburg stamps refer specifically to the 'Postmaster Provisionals' issued by the postmaster of Lynchburg, Virginia, in 1861. These were temporary stamps created for local use during the American Civil War, before the Confederate States of America could issue their own national stamps.
Are Lynchburg stamps valuable?
Yes, Lynchburg Postmaster Provisionals are considered quite valuable due to their historical significance, rarity, and the limited period of their use. Common examples can fetch hundreds to thousands of dollars, while rare varieties or those on original covers can command tens of thousands.
How can I identify Lynchburg stamps?
Lynchburg provisionals typically feature a handstamped 'PAID' or a locally printed design with 'Lynchburg, Va.' and a denomination like '5 Cts.' or '10 Cts.' They are usually found on crude paper. For accurate identification and authentication, it's best to consult specialized Confederate stamp catalogs or use a stamp identifier app that can help compare your stamp to known examples.
Which catalogs list Lynchburg stamps?
Lynchburg Postmaster Provisionals are listed in major stamp catalogs such as Scott (under Confederate States Provisionals), Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. Specialized catalogs focusing on Confederate States of America philately will also provide detailed listings and information.
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