St. Louis Provisional Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About St. Louis (Provisional Issues) Stamps
St. Louis, while a major city in the United States, is not recognized as an independent stamp-issuing entity in standard philatelic geography; therefore, its postal history is entirely subsumed under that of the United States of America, located in North America. Stamps issued for use in St. Louis would bear U.S. federal issues, primarily in English, reflecting its role as a significant early American gateway to the West. Any distinct postal markings or local provisional issues would fall under the broader context of 19th-century American municipal postal history before full integration into the U.S. postal system.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Americas
- Subregion:
- North America
- Issuing period:
- 1845 – 1847
- Languages:
- English
- Currency:
- USD
- Parent issuer:
- United States of America
Stamp Catalogs
St. Louis (Provisional Issues) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular St. Louis (Provisional Issues) Stamp Series
St. Louis Postmaster's Provisionals (1845-1847)
These are the iconic provisional stamps issued by the St. Louis postmaster, Henry von Phul, before the general issue of U.S. federal stamps. They feature the St. Louis coat of arms.
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St. Louis (Provisional Issues) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: St. Louis Postmaster's Provisionals are among the most famous and valuable of all U.S. philatelic items. Their value varies significantly based on denomination, condition, and specific plate varieties (e.g., the 'bear' or 'eagle' varieties). Even damaged examples command substantial prices.
How to Identify St. Louis (Provisional Issues) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying St. Louis (Provisional Issues) stamps:
- 1 Look for the distinctive St. Louis city coat of arms design, featuring a bear and an eagle.
- 2 Check the denomination: 5 cents, 10 cents, and 20 cents are known.
- 3 Examine the paper and printing method; they are crudely printed on various papers, often yellowish or bluish.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are St. Louis stamps?
St. Louis stamps refer to the 'St. Louis Postmaster's Provisionals,' which were local stamps issued by the postmaster of St. Louis, Missouri, between 1845 and 1847. These were created to prepay postage before the first general issue of United States federal stamps became available.
Are St. Louis stamps valuable?
Yes, St. Louis Postmaster's Provisionals are extremely valuable. They are considered some of the rarest and most historically significant stamps in U.S. philately, with individual examples fetching thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction, depending on their condition and specific variety.
How can I identify St. Louis stamps?
St. Louis stamps are identified by their unique design featuring the St. Louis city coat of arms (a bear and an eagle) and their denominations (5c, 10c, 20c). They were printed in black on various colored papers. Due to their rarity and value, expert authentication is crucial. You can also use a stamp identifier app to help with initial recognition, but for these specific stamps, professional verification is essential.
Which catalogs list St. Louis stamps?
St. Louis Postmaster's Provisionals are prominently listed in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, specifically within the United States section under 'Postmasters' Provisionals'.
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