San Antonio Postmaster's Provisional Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About San Antonio (United States Local Post) Stamps
San Antonio, a city located in the state of Texas, United States, does not possess independent postal authority and therefore has not issued its own national stamps. Its postal history is entirely integrated with that of the United States, utilizing the United States Postal Service (USPS) system. Consequently, stamps issued for use in San Antonio feature English text and denominations in US currency. The city's postal administration reflects the broader administrative and political history of the United States, including its evolution through various postal rate changes and commemorative issues.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Americas
- Subregion:
- North America
- Issuing period:
- 1861 – 1861
- Languages:
- English
- Currency:
- USD
- Parent issuer:
- United States
Stamp Catalogs
San Antonio (United States Local Post) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular San Antonio (United States Local Post) Stamp Series
San Antonio Postmaster's Provisional (1861)
Issued by the local postmaster during the early days of the American Civil War when regular postal services were disrupted. These stamps were handstamped and served a temporary need.
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San Antonio (United States Local Post) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: San Antonio's 'stamps' are exceedingly rare Postmaster's Provisionals, not official government issues. Their value is highly dependent on condition, specific variety, and provenance. They are considered significant philatelic rarities.
How to Identify San Antonio (United States Local Post) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying San Antonio (United States Local Post) stamps:
- 1 Look for a handstamped design, often in black or blue ink, on various paper types.
- 2 The design typically features text like 'San Antonio' and a denomination, often '5 Cents'.
- 3 These are not engraved or lithographed stamps but rather crude handstamps, reflecting their provisional nature.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are San Antonio stamps?
San Antonio 'stamps' refer to a rare Postmaster's Provisional issue from 1861. These were temporary, handstamped issues created by the local postmaster in San Antonio, Texas, to maintain postal service during the disruption caused by the American Civil War, before the Confederate States of America established its own postal system.
Are San Antonio stamps valuable?
Yes, San Antonio Postmaster's Provisionals are extremely valuable. They are considered significant philatelic rarities due to their limited production, short period of use, and historical context. Individual stamps can fetch tens of thousands of dollars, depending on their condition, specific variety, and authenticity.
How can I identify San Antonio stamps?
Identifying San Antonio Postmaster's Provisionals requires careful examination. Look for a handstamped design, typically in black or blue ink, often with 'San Antonio' and a '5 Cents' denomination. They are not finely printed like official government stamps. Due to their rarity and value, expert authentication is crucial. A stamp identifier app can help with initial recognition, but professional philatelic expertise is essential for confirmation.
Which catalogs list San Antonio stamps?
San Antonio Postmaster's Provisionals are listed in specialized catalogs focusing on United States and Confederate States philately, most notably the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue under the 'Confederate States of America - Postmasters' Provisionals' section. They are generally not found in general world catalogs like Michel or Stanley Gibbons as they are not national issues.
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