Tellico Plains Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Tellico Plains (Local Post) Stamps
Tellico Plains is a historical settlement located in the southeastern United States, specifically within the Appalachian region of Tennessee. As part of the United States, its postal history falls under the jurisdiction of the United States Postal Service, reflecting national postal regulations and affiliations with international postal unions. Stamps issued for this area would primarily feature English text and denominations in US currency, consistent with the broader American philatelic tradition. The administrative history of the region is tied to the development of the US postal network following the establishment of the nation.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Americas
- Subregion:
- North America
- Issuing period:
- 1861 – 1861
- Languages:
- English
- Currency:
- USD
- Parent issuer:
- United States
Stamp Catalogs
Tellico Plains (Local Post) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Tellico Plains (Local Post) Stamp Series
Tellico Plains Provisional (1861)
A single provisional stamp issued during the American Civil War due to postal disruptions.
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Tellico Plains (Local Post) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: The Tellico Plains provisional stamp is exceedingly rare, with only a handful of known examples. Its value is highly dependent on condition and provenance, making it a significant item for specialist collectors of Confederate Postmasters' Provisionals.
How to Identify Tellico Plains (Local Post) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Tellico Plains (Local Post) stamps:
- 1 Look for a handstamped 'PAID' or 'PAID 5' on a piece of paper, often cut from a larger sheet.
- 2 The stamp typically features a manuscript 'Tellico Plains' or 'T. Plains' and a date.
- 3 Often found on original covers (envelopes), which adds significantly to its value and authenticity.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Tellico Plains stamps?
Tellico Plains stamps refer to a rare provisional stamp issued locally in Tellico Plains, Tennessee, during the American Civil War in 1861. These were created by the local postmaster to maintain postal service when official U.S. stamps became unavailable due to the conflict.
Are Tellico Plains stamps valuable?
Yes, Tellico Plains provisional stamps are among the most valuable and rare items in U.S. philately. Due to their extreme scarcity (only a few examples are known), they can command prices ranging from tens of thousands to over a hundred thousand dollars at auction, depending on condition and whether they are on cover.
How can I identify Tellico Plains stamps?
Identifying a Tellico Plains provisional requires expert knowledge. Look for a handstamped 'PAID' or 'PAID 5' (indicating a 5-cent rate) with a manuscript 'Tellico Plains' or 'T. Plains' and a date, usually on a piece of paper or directly on an envelope. Due to their rarity and high value, authentication by a recognized philatelic expert is crucial. You can also use a stamp identifier app to help with initial recognition, but professional verification is essential for such rare items.
Which catalogs list Tellico Plains stamps?
Tellico Plains provisional stamps are listed in specialized catalogs focusing on U.S. philately, most notably the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue under Confederate Postmasters' Provisionals. They are generally not found in general international catalogs like Michel or Stanley Gibbons, which do not specialize in such local U.S. issues.
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