Baltimore Postmaster Provisional Stamps
Baltimore is a major port city located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, not an independent country with its own sovereign postal authority. Its postal history is entirely integrated within the United States Postal Service (USPS), reflecting the broader national postal evolution from early federal systems to modern operations.
- Issued stamps
- 1845–1845
- Region
- Americas, North America
- Currency
- USD
- Languages
- English
- Issuer type
- Local postal administration
- Part of
- United States
History and background
Consequently, stamps issued for use in Baltimore feature English text and denominations in US currency, adhering to federal postal regulations throughout its history since the nation's founding. The city's significant role as a commercial hub is reflected in the volume and variety of mail handled, but it never maintained a distinct national philatelic identity separate from the US.
Further reading: Wikipedia
Inscriptions to look for
Words printed on the stamp that point to this issuer. Search any of them in the issuer directory.
- BALTIMORE
- POST OFFICE
- J.M.B.
- PAID
How to identify them
- Look for the engraved portrait of George Washington (5c) or Andrew Jackson (10c) with 'BALTIMORE' at the top and 'POST OFFICE' at the bottom.
- Authentic stamps will bear the manuscript signature or initials 'J.M.B.' (James M. Buchanan) or 'J.M.Buchanan' in red ink, or a handstamped 'PAID' in red or black.
- These stamps are typically found on cover, as loose examples are extremely rare and often cut from covers.
Popular series
-
Baltimore Postmaster Provisional
1845
The iconic 5c and 10c stamps issued by Postmaster James M. Buchanan, featuring his signature or initials, representing one of the earliest forms of local postage in the US.
Value overview
Typical ranges as orientation, not prices for a particular stamp. Condition, variety and demand decide the value of your copy; for current asking prices, check listings or the app.
- Common stamps
- N/A (all are rare)
- Scarce stamps
- $10,000–$100,000+
Baltimore Postmaster Provisionals are exceedingly rare and highly sought after by collectors. Their value depends heavily on condition, type (5c or 10c), and specific varieties (e.g., pen-cancelled vs. handstamped).
Catalogs. Baltimore Postmaster Provisional stamps are listed in the major world catalogs: Scott, Michel and Stanley Gibbons. Catalog numbers and groupings differ between them; the Stamp Identifier app shows the numbers it can find for your stamp.
Questions about Baltimore Postmaster Provisional stamps
Baltimore stamps refer to the 'Postmaster Provisional' stamps issued by the Postmaster of Baltimore, James M. Buchanan, in 1845. These were local stamps created before the first general issue of United States federal postage stamps in 1847, used to prepay postage for mail originating in Baltimore.
Yes, Baltimore Postmaster Provisional stamps are among the most valuable and historically significant stamps in U.S. philately. Due to their extreme rarity and historical importance, individual stamps can fetch tens of thousands to over a hundred thousand dollars at auction, depending on their condition and specific variety.
Identifying authentic Baltimore Postmaster Provisionals requires expert knowledge. Key features include the engraved portraits (Washington for 5c, Jackson for 10c), the 'BALTIMORE POST OFFICE' inscription, and crucially, the manuscript signature or initials 'J.M.B.' or 'J.M.Buchanan' or a handstamped 'PAID' cancellation. Due to their high value, authentication by a recognized philatelic expert is essential. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
Baltimore Postmaster Provisional stamps are listed in all major philatelic catalogs, including Scott (United States specialized catalog), Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. They are typically found under the 'United States' section, often in a dedicated 'Postmasters' Provisionals' category.
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