Spartanburg Postmaster Provisional Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Spartanburg (Confederate Postmaster Provisionals) Stamps
Spartanburg is a city located in the southeastern United States, specifically within the Piedmont region of South Carolina. As part of the United States, its postal history is integrated into the federal system managed by the United States Postal Service, reflecting national administrative structures rather than independent colonial or union affiliations. Stamps issued for use in this region feature English text and denominations consistent with US currency. The postal administration has remained stable under the continuous framework of the US federal government since the nation's founding.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Americas
- Subregion:
- North America
- Issuing period:
- 1861 – 1861
- Languages:
- English
- Currency:
- USD
- Parent issuer:
- Confederate States of America
Stamp Catalogs
Spartanburg (Confederate Postmaster Provisionals) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Spartanburg (Confederate Postmaster Provisionals) Stamp Series
Spartanburg Postmaster Provisional (1861)
A single issue, a 5-cent stamp, hand-stamped in black on various papers, used locally during the early days of the Confederacy before general issues became available.
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Spartanburg (Confederate Postmaster Provisionals) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Spartanburg Postmaster Provisionals are extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors of Confederate States philately. Their value depends heavily on condition, paper type, and provenance. No 'common' examples exist.
How to Identify Spartanburg (Confederate Postmaster Provisionals) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Spartanburg (Confederate Postmaster Provisionals) stamps:
- 1 Look for a hand-stamped design, typically in black, with 'SPARTANBURG S.C.' and '5 CENTS' or similar text.
- 2 These are provisional issues, meaning they were created locally due to a lack of official Confederate stamps at the outbreak of the Civil War.
- 3 Authenticity is paramount; expertization is highly recommended due to the rarity and value.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spartanburg stamps?
Spartanburg stamps refer to the Postmaster Provisional stamp issued by the postmaster of Spartanburg, South Carolina, in 1861. These were emergency stamps created for local use during the early stages of the American Civil War, before the Confederate States of America could issue its own general postage stamps.
Are Spartanburg stamps valuable?
Yes, Spartanburg Postmaster Provisional stamps are extremely valuable. They are among the rarest and most historically significant issues in Confederate philately. Their value can range from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on condition, specific variety, and whether they are on or off cover.
How can I identify Spartanburg stamps?
Spartanburg provisional stamps are characterized by a hand-stamped design, usually in black ink, featuring the town name 'SPARTANBURG S.C.' and a denomination, typically '5 CENTS'. They were printed on various types of paper. Due to their rarity and value, expert authentication is crucial. You can also use a stamp identifier app to help with initial recognition, but always seek professional verification for such valuable items.
Which catalogs list Spartanburg stamps?
Spartanburg Postmaster Provisional stamps are listed in major stamp catalogs, including Scott (under Confederate States Postmasters' Provisionals), Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed listings, varieties, and estimated values for these rare issues.
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