Tuscaloosa Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Tuscaloosa (Confederate Postmaster Provisionals) Stamps
Tuscaloosa is a city located in the southeastern United States, specifically within the state of Alabama. As part of the United States, its postal history falls under the jurisdiction of the United States Postal Service, reflecting national administrative structures rather than independent colonial or union memberships. Stamps issued for use in Tuscaloosa would feature English as the primary language and adhere to U.S. currency denominations. The city's postal administration has remained consistent under the framework of the U.S. federal system throughout its history.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Americas
- Subregion:
- North America
- Issuing period:
- 1861 – 1861
- Languages:
- English
- Currency:
- USD
- Parent issuer:
- Confederate States of America
Stamp Catalogs
Tuscaloosa (Confederate Postmaster Provisionals) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Tuscaloosa (Confederate Postmaster Provisionals) Stamp Series
Tuscaloosa Provisional (1861)
The single known provisional stamp issued by the Tuscaloosa postmaster during the early days of the American Civil War, before Confederate national stamps became widely available.
issuer:tuscaloosa.series.items.1.name (issuer:tuscaloosa.series.items.1.period)
issuer:tuscaloosa.series.items.1.description
issuer:tuscaloosa.series.items.2.name (issuer:tuscaloosa.series.items.2.period)
issuer:tuscaloosa.series.items.2.description
Tuscaloosa (Confederate Postmaster Provisionals) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Tuscaloosa provisionals are exceedingly rare, with only a few examples known to exist. Their value is highly dependent on condition, provenance, and specific variety (e.g., on or off cover). They are considered significant philatelic rarities of the Confederate States postal history.
How to Identify Tuscaloosa (Confederate Postmaster Provisionals) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Tuscaloosa (Confederate Postmaster Provisionals) stamps:
- 1 Look for a 5-cent denomination, typically printed in black on a yellowish paper.
- 2 The design is a simple, hand-stamped '5' within a circular or octagonal frame, often with 'TUSCALOOSA' or 'PAID' hand-stamped or written.
- 3 Authenticity is paramount; expertization is required due to the rarity and high value, and the existence of forgeries.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Tuscaloosa stamps?
Tuscaloosa stamps refer to a rare provisional stamp issued by the postmaster of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in 1861, during the American Civil War. These were local issues used for a brief period before official Confederate States of America stamps became available.
Are Tuscaloosa stamps valuable?
Yes, Tuscaloosa provisional stamps are extremely valuable. They are considered major rarities in Confederate philately, with prices ranging from tens of thousands of dollars for genuine examples, depending on condition and specific characteristics.
How can I identify Tuscaloosa stamps?
Identifying a Tuscaloosa provisional stamp requires careful examination. Look for a 5-cent denomination, often hand-stamped, on a yellowish paper. Due to their rarity and value, expert authentication is essential. A stamp identifier app can help with initial recognition, but professional philatelic expertization is crucial for confirmation.
Which catalogs list Tuscaloosa stamps?
Tuscaloosa provisional stamps are primarily listed in specialized catalogs focusing on United States and Confederate States philately, most notably the Scott Specialized Catalogue of United States Stamps and Covers.
Not sure if your stamp is from Tuscaloosa (Confederate Postmaster Provisionals)?
Identify it instantly with our iPhone app
Download on App Store