Port Gibson Provisional Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Port Gibson (Confederate Postmaster Provisional) Stamps
Port Gibson is a municipality located in Claiborne County, Mississippi, within the Southern United States. As a locality within the United States, its postal history falls under the jurisdiction of the United States Postal Service, reflecting national postal regulations and issues. Stamps issued for use in Port Gibson would feature English inscriptions and denominations consistent with U.S. currency. The area's postal administration has remained continuous under the federal structure of the United States, with no distinct historical period necessitating separate local postal issues.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Americas
- Subregion:
- Southern United States
- Issuing period:
- 1861 – 1861
- Languages:
- English
- Currency:
- USD
- Parent issuer:
- Confederate States of America
Stamp Catalogs
Port Gibson (Confederate Postmaster Provisional) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Port Gibson (Confederate Postmaster Provisional) Stamp Series
Port Gibson Provisional (1861)
A single provisional stamp issued by the postmaster of Port Gibson during the early days of the American Civil War, before Confederate general issues were available.
issuer:port-gibson.series.items.1.name (issuer:port-gibson.series.items.1.period)
issuer:port-gibson.series.items.1.description
issuer:port-gibson.series.items.2.name (issuer:port-gibson.series.items.2.period)
issuer:port-gibson.series.items.2.description
Port Gibson (Confederate Postmaster Provisional) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Port Gibson provisionals are among the rarest and most sought-after Confederate postmaster provisionals. Their value is highly dependent on condition, provenance, and whether they are on or off cover. Only a handful of examples are known.
How to Identify Port Gibson (Confederate Postmaster Provisional) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Port Gibson (Confederate Postmaster Provisional) stamps:
- 1 Look for a 5-cent stamp, typically in blue, with the inscription 'P. GIBSON' or 'PORT GIBSON' and 'PAID 5'.
- 2 These are handstamped or crudely printed issues, often on colored paper.
- 3 Authenticity is paramount; expertization is required due to their extreme rarity and value.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Port Gibson stamps?
Port Gibson stamps refer to a rare 'postmaster provisional' stamp issued in Port Gibson, Mississippi, in 1861, at the outset of the American Civil War. These were local issues created by the postmaster to meet postal needs before official Confederate stamps became available.
Are Port Gibson stamps valuable?
Yes, Port Gibson provisional stamps are extremely valuable. They are among the rarest and most prized Confederate postmaster provisionals, with known examples fetching tens of thousands of dollars at auction. Their value is due to their historical significance and scarcity.
How can I identify Port Gibson stamps?
Identifying a Port Gibson provisional requires careful examination for the specific design, inscription ('P. GIBSON' or 'PORT GIBSON' and 'PAID 5'), and paper characteristics. Due to their rarity and high value, expert authentication is essential. A stamp identifier app can help with initial recognition, but professional philatelic expertization is crucial for confirmation.
Which catalogs list Port Gibson stamps?
Port Gibson provisional stamps are listed in specialized catalogs focusing on United States and Confederate States philately, most notably the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue (under Confederate States Postmaster Provisionals). They are generally not found in general world catalogs like Michel or Stanley Gibbons.
Not sure if your stamp is from Port Gibson (Confederate Postmaster Provisional)?
Identify it instantly with our iPhone app
Download on App Store