Sumter Provisional Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Sumter (USA Local Post) Stamps
Sumter is not recognized as a sovereign country with its own postal administration or stamp-issuing authority in standard philatelic geography. Therefore, it lacks a distinct postal history, linguistic environment, or administrative transitions that would define a national stamp series. Any postal markings associated with "Sumter" would typically pertain to a locality within a larger, recognized nation, most famously Sumter, South Carolina, USA.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Americas
- Subregion:
- North America
- Issuing period:
- 1861 – 1861
- Languages:
- English
- Currency:
- USD
- Parent issuer:
- United States
Stamp Catalogs
Sumter (USA Local Post) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Sumter (USA Local Post) Stamp Series
Sumter Provisional Issue (1861)
Handstamped provisional stamps issued by the postmaster of Sumter, South Carolina, during the early days of the American Civil War.
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Sumter (USA Local Post) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Sumter provisional stamps are exceedingly rare and highly sought after by collectors of Confederate and U.S. local posts. Values depend heavily on condition, cancellations, and specific varieties.
How to Identify Sumter (USA Local Post) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Sumter (USA Local Post) stamps:
- 1 Look for a handstamped 'SUMTER S.C.' postmark, often with a manuscript 'Paid' or '5' (cents).
- 2 These are not printed stamps but rather postal markings applied directly to covers or sometimes to paper to create a provisional stamp.
- 3 Authenticity is paramount; expertization is highly recommended for any purported Sumter provisional.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sumter stamps?
Sumter 'stamps' refer to rare provisional postal markings used in Sumter, South Carolina, during 1861, at the outset of the American Civil War. These were not officially printed stamps but rather handstamped indications of postage paid, created by the local postmaster due to a shortage of official Confederate or U.S. stamps.
Are Sumter stamps valuable?
Yes, Sumter provisional stamps are among the most valuable and rare items in U.S. philately. Due to their extreme scarcity and historical significance, authentic examples can fetch thousands to tens of thousands of dollars at auction, depending on their condition, clarity of the strike, and whether they are on cover.
How can I identify Sumter stamps?
Identifying Sumter provisional stamps requires careful examination. Look for a distinctive handstamped 'SUMTER S.C.' marking, often accompanied by a manuscript 'Paid' or a denomination like '5' (cents). These are typically found on envelopes (covers) from 1861. Given their rarity and value, authentication by a reputable philatelic expert is crucial. You can also use a stamp identifier app to help with initial recognition, though expert opinion is essential for such rare items.
Which catalogs list Sumter stamps?
Sumter provisional issues are primarily listed in specialized catalogs focusing on U.S. local posts and Confederate States philately, most notably the Scott Specialized Catalogue of United States Stamps and Covers. They are generally not found in international catalogs like Michel or Stanley Gibbons, which focus on national issues.
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