Tuscumbia, Alabama Postmaster Provisional Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Tuscumbia, Alabama (Confederate Postmaster Provisionals) Stamps
Tuscumbia is a municipality located in the state of Alabama, within the Southern United States. As a historical entity within the U.S. postal system, its mail service has always been governed by the United States Post Office Department and its successor, the USPS. Stamps issued for use in Tuscumbia would feature English text and denominations in U.S. currency, reflecting its integration into the national postal network since the early 19th century. The region's postal history is thus intrinsically linked to the broader administrative and political evolution of the United States.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Americas
- Subregion:
- Southern United States
- Issuing period:
- 1861 – 1861
- Languages:
- English
- Currency:
- USD
- Parent issuer:
- Confederate States of America
Stamp Catalogs
Tuscumbia, Alabama (Confederate Postmaster Provisionals) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Tuscumbia, Alabama (Confederate Postmaster Provisionals) Stamp Series
Postmaster Provisional (1861)
Handstamped or locally printed stamps issued by the Tuscumbia postmaster due to the cessation of U.S. postal services at the outbreak of the Civil War.
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Tuscumbia, Alabama (Confederate Postmaster Provisionals) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Tuscumbia Postmaster Provisionals are exceedingly rare and highly sought after by Confederate philatelists. Their value depends heavily on condition, type (handstamped vs. printed), and provenance. Genuine examples are among the most valuable local Confederate issues.
How to Identify Tuscumbia, Alabama (Confederate Postmaster Provisionals) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Tuscumbia, Alabama (Confederate Postmaster Provisionals) stamps:
- 1 Look for 'TUSCUMBIA, ALA.' handstamps or locally printed designs, often with a denomination (e.g., '5 CENTS').
- 2 These are typically found on covers (envelopes) rather than as loose stamps, as they were primarily used for local mail.
- 3 Authenticity is paramount; expertization is required due to numerous forgeries and facsimiles.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Tuscumbia stamps?
Tuscumbia stamps refer to the Postmaster Provisionals issued in Tuscumbia, Alabama, during 1861 at the outset of the American Civil War. These were temporary stamps created by the local postmaster to facilitate mail service after the Confederate states seceded and before the Confederate Post Office Department could issue its own stamps.
Are Tuscumbia stamps valuable?
Yes, Tuscumbia Postmaster Provisionals are extremely valuable. They are among the rarest and most historically significant of all Confederate local issues. Their value can range from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on their condition, specific type, and whether they are on cover. Due to their rarity, expert authentication is crucial.
How can I identify Tuscumbia stamps?
Tuscumbia stamps are identified by their distinctive local handstamps or printed designs, typically featuring the town name 'TUSCUMBIA, ALA.' and a denomination like '5 CENTS'. They are almost exclusively found on period covers. Due to their high value and rarity, identifying genuine Tuscumbia provisionals requires specialized knowledge; using a stamp identifier app can help with initial recognition, but expert philatelic authentication is essential for confirmation.
Which catalogs list Tuscumbia stamps?
Tuscumbia Postmaster Provisionals are primarily listed in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, specifically within the Confederate States of America section under 'Postmasters' Provisionals'. They are not typically found in general international catalogs like Michel or Stanley Gibbons, which focus on national issues.
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