Mississippi Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Mississippi (U.S. State) Stamps
Mississippi, situated in the southeastern United States, possesses a postal history intrinsically linked to the development of the American postal system following its admission as the 20th state in 1817. As a constituent state of the U.S., its postal administration was absorbed into the federal structure, meaning stamps issued for use within Mississippi were standard U.S. issues, primarily denominated in English. The region's postal development reflects the expansion of the Republic across the Deep South, with postal markings and cancellations providing evidence of local administrative history rather than distinct national issues.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Americas
- Subregion:
- North America
- Issuing period:
- 1817 – present
- Languages:
- English
- Currency:
- USD
- Parent issuer:
- United States
Stamp Catalogs
Mississippi (U.S. State) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Mississippi (U.S. State) Stamp Series
U.S. General Issues (1847-present) (1847-present)
As a U.S. state, Mississippi used the standard federal issues from the inception of U.S. postage stamps. These include early issues featuring prominent figures like Benjamin Franklin and George Washington, and later definitive and commemorative series.
Confederate States of America Issues (1861-1865) (1861-1865)
During the American Civil War, Mississippi seceded from the Union and joined the Confederate States of America. Postal services within the state then utilized stamps issued by the CSA, which are distinct from U.S. federal issues.
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Mississippi (U.S. State) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Stamps used in Mississippi are primarily U.S. federal issues or Confederate States issues. Common U.S. stamps are inexpensive, while early U.S. issues or Confederate stamps, especially those with rare cancellations or in fine condition, can fetch significant prices. Value is heavily dependent on the specific stamp, its condition, and any postal markings.
How to Identify Mississippi (U.S. State) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Mississippi (U.S. State) stamps:
- 1 Look for 'U.S. POSTAGE' or 'CONFEDERATE STATES' inscriptions.
- 2 Examine the design for portraits of U.S. presidents, historical figures, or Confederate leaders.
- 3 Check for cancellations that may indicate a Mississippi post office, such as 'MISS.' or specific city names like 'Vicksburg, Miss.' or 'Jackson, Miss.'.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mississippi stamps?
Mississippi, as a U.S. state, did not issue its own postage stamps. Instead, stamps used within Mississippi were either standard issues of the United States Post Office Department (before and after the Civil War) or issues of the Confederate States of America during the Civil War period (1861-1865).
Are Mississippi stamps valuable?
The value of stamps used in Mississippi depends entirely on whether they are U.S. federal issues or Confederate States issues, and their specific rarity, condition, and postal history. Common U.S. stamps are generally inexpensive, while early U.S. issues, Confederate stamps, or stamps with rare Mississippi cancellations can be quite valuable, ranging from a few dollars to several thousands.
How can I identify Mississippi stamps?
To identify stamps used in Mississippi, you'll primarily be identifying U.S. or Confederate States stamps. Look for inscriptions like 'U.S. POSTAGE' or 'CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA'. The most direct link to Mississippi would be a cancellation mark from a Mississippi post office. Use a stamp identifier app to help catalog and learn more about your stamps.
Which catalogs list Mississippi stamps?
Stamps used in Mississippi are listed in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue (for U.S. and Confederate issues). Other specialized catalogs for U.S. postal history may also provide details on specific Mississippi cancellations and postal markings.
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