Virginia Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Virginia (U.S. State) Stamps
Virginia, located in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern regions of the United States, possesses a rich postal history deeply intertwined with the development of the American postal system, beginning as a major British colony. While the state itself did not issue stamps independently, its postal administration was fully integrated into the United States Post Office Department following the American Revolution. Stamps issued for use within Virginia primarily feature English inscriptions, reflecting the dominant language of the region throughout its history. The state's postal evolution mirrors the broader transitions of the U.S. postal service, from early federal establishment through subsequent national rate changes and modernization.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Americas
- Subregion:
- North America
- Issuing period:
- None
- Languages:
- English
- Currency:
- USD
- Parent issuer:
- United States
Stamp Catalogs
Virginia (U.S. State) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Virginia (U.S. State) Stamp Series
U.S. General Issues (used in Virginia) (1847-Present)
Standard federal issues used throughout the United States, including Virginia, reflecting the state's integration into the national postal system.
Confederate States of America Issues (used in Virginia) (1861-1865)
Stamps issued by the CSA during the Civil War, which were used in Virginia while it was part of the Confederacy.
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Virginia (U.S. State) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: The value of stamps used in Virginia is primarily determined by the specific U.S. or Confederate issue, its condition, cancellations, and rarity. Early U.S. issues and Confederate stamps can be quite valuable.
How to Identify Virginia (U.S. State) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Virginia (U.S. State) stamps:
- 1 Look for 'U.S. POSTAGE' or 'CONFEDERATE STATES' inscriptions.
- 2 Examine cancellations for Virginia town names, especially on early U.S. and Confederate issues.
- 3 Note the design elements, portraits, and denominations typical of U.S. federal or Confederate stamps.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Virginia stamps?
Virginia, as a U.S. state, did not issue its own postage stamps. Instead, stamps used within Virginia were those issued by the United States Post Office Department. During the American Civil War, stamps of the Confederate States of America were also used in Virginia.
Are Virginia stamps valuable?
While there are no specific 'Virginia stamps,' the U.S. federal and Confederate stamps used in Virginia can be quite valuable. Early U.S. issues (pre-1900) and Confederate stamps, especially those with clear Virginia cancellations, can fetch prices ranging from a few dollars to thousands, depending on rarity, condition, and specific issue.
How can I identify Virginia stamps?
To identify stamps used in Virginia, you'll primarily be identifying U.S. federal or Confederate stamps. Look for inscriptions like 'U.S. POSTAGE' or 'CONFEDERATE STATES'. Cancellations bearing Virginia town names are key indicators of usage within the state. A stamp identifier app can help you quickly identify the specific U.S. or Confederate issue.
Which catalogs list Virginia stamps?
Stamps used in Virginia are listed in major stamp catalogs under 'United States' and 'Confederate States of America'. These include the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information, images, and values for the relevant issues.
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